pregnant woman at the beach

Can I Swim, Snorkel, or Dive While Pregnant?

There’s no simple answer to this. You should always consult your doctor and listen to your body. Let’s consider all the aspects of your possible water activities, so you can still have fun in the water on your vacation, starting with:

Can I Swim While Pregnant?

The answer to this question is yes, you can! It can be a great way to exercise during the first two trimesters – a bit riskier in the third as energy and dexterity levels lessen.

Relaxing on the surface of the water and watching the fish can be extremely stress-relieving. As long as you check with your doctor and take note of possible dangers, you’ll be good to go.

So, we know that swimming and floating is good exercise, but what about snorkeling?

Woman with a snorkel

Can I Snorkel While Pregnant?

Snorkeling isn’t normally classed as vigorous exercise but you need to bear in mind your level of fitness, whether you’ll be wearing an inflatable vest and fins, and your location. Water aerobics are safe during pregnancy even if you’re not accustomed to too much exercise.

Even when the cool water cools your skin you can easily underestimate your body temperature whilst you’re swimming. Make sure you sip water frequently to help regulate your body temperature and prevent overheating. A body temperature of 38.9 degrees Celsius for more than 10 minutes can lead to neural tube defects miscarriage in the first trimester, and dehydration later on.

Don’t overexert yourself, particularly during the first and third trimester when exhaustion is at its greatest. You won’t be able to take a break when you’re in the middle of the ocean! Remember to stay close to the shore and come out of the water if you experience any signs of discomfort.

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Things to Weigh Up If You Snorkel While Being Pregnant

Consider these while snorkeling in your pregnancy:

  • A history of premature labor, anemia, and high blood pressure will all affect your ability to fly and snorkel safely
  • Be careful not to overheat as birth defects can happen when elevated temperatures are prolonged – take regular breaks and stay hydrated
  • Pay attention to warnings given to snorkelers such as avoiding the sharp spines of sea urchins and keeping an eye out for jellyfish
  • Make sure you get in and out of the water carefully to escape nasty cuts from the reef outcrops that can lead to infection
  • Cover your stomach with a swimming costume to prevent unpleasant feelings from contact with sea creatures
  • Research the currents in the spot you’ve chosen to snorkel as the water can look calm then suddenly experience high breaks
  • If you’re not snorkeling in a protected area use a dive flag to enable other boaters to see you clearly as you float
  • Never go snorkeling by yourself – have a buddy system so there’s always somebody right there

What Аbout Scuba Diving During Pregnancy?

Can I dive while pregnant? Diving while pregnant needs to be avoided if possible as there are a few predictable risks like decompression sickness.
In the OPEN WATER COURSE, divers are taught that women should not dive while pregnant.

Potential Diving Risks of Diving for Moms-to-be

Holding your breath is not a good idea as your baby needs a constant supply of oxygen and compelling evidence shows that breath-holding even during any exercise whilst pregnant isn’t advisable.

Decompression illness caused by coming to the surface too quickly can cause nitrogen bubbles to expand causing the baby distress if these bubbles can’t be diffused. Repeated decompressions can lead to the death of the baby.

But if you insist on diving during pregnancy, a depth of 60ft maximum should be adhered to with half of that being recommended by Navy dive table times. But the reality is that definitive conclusions can’t be made about the effects that diving has on the fetus.

So whether you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, diving should be the first thing to put in your list of dos and don’ts. The best advice is to consult your medical physician before any activity that you may not be sure you are able or allowed to do.

Moms-to-be – You Can Still Enjoy The Crystal Clear Caribbean Waters

You don’t have to worry about anything! Let us take you snorkeling in Riviera Maya, your safety always comes first! Skilled dive masters will guide you through the wonders of an underwater world – and teach you how to be environmentally cautious. You’ll experience the beauty of The Caribbean beaches with the mysteries of unique cenotes. And you’ll be able to capture it all on camera to show your baby later on in life.

Our Favourite Snorkels Brand and Model Name Pros Cons Link
1. Cressi Supernova Dry Snorkel Dry top design, flexible tube, good price point Might not be as durable as some other models Buy Now
2. TUSA Hyperdry Elite II Dry Snorkel Dry top, high flow purge, comfortable mouthpiece More expensive than other options Buy Now
3. Scubapro Spectra Dry Snorkel Comfortable mouthpiece, dry top, efficient purge valve Slightly higher price point Buy Now
4. Aqua Lung Impulse 3 Snorkel Comfortable, excellent water clearing system Might feel bulky to some divers Buy Now
5. Mares Ergo Dry Snorkel Dry top, ergonomic design, easy to clear May not fit smaller mouths comfortably Buy Now

 

Dive Masks Brand and Model Name Pros Cons Link
1. Cressi F1 Frameless Mask
  • Comfortable
  • Great field of view
  • Affordable
  • May not fit all face shapes
Buy Now
2. Scubapro Synergy Trufit Twin Mask
  • Trufit tech for comfort
  • Good field of view
  • May be pricey for some budgets
Buy Now
3. Aqua Lung Single Lens Dive Mask
  • Wide field of view
  • Comfortable
  • Easy adjust straps
  • Might not fit smaller faces comfortably
Buy Now

 

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