Can You Go On A Boat While Pregnant?

Just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you have to stop living your life. You can go for a boat ride if you follow a few extra rules.

Remember that rules change depending on the trimester of the pregnancy that you’re in.

How To Prepare For Boating When Pregnant.

Expectant mothers must take a few precautions before going for a boat ride. Check out the list below to ensure your boat trip is enjoyable and safe.

• Choose the right body of water. Sleepy lakes, quiet rivers and harbours are best. Avoid rough waters with strong currents and high waves.
• Drive gently. Ask the boat’s captain not to drive fast or take sharp turns.
• Choose the right type of boat. Going on a speedboat while pregnant is undoubtedly risky and best avoided. Instead, opt for a regular (read: slow) boat.
• Wear a life jacket. Make sure that the life jacket fits you well. A normal life jacket may not fit around the baby bump, so make sure that an oversized version is available.
• Warn your fellow boaters that you’ll need extra help getting on and off the boat. Ideally, one person on the boat should catch you while another stays behind you on shore to provide extra safety.
• Bring plenty of water and snacks. Pregnant women need to stay hydrated, so bring along enough water for the trip. Pack some snacks as well, in case you start tired and hungry.
• Keep it short. Pregnant women can get tired quickly, so don’t overdo it. Keep the boating trip short, and take breaks often.

What To Do If You Start Feeling Sick While Boating.

If you start feeling unwell while boating, let the captain know immediately. He or she will be able to take the necessary steps to get you back to shore quickly and safely.

In the meantime, move to the area of the boat where you have a clear view of the horizon, then focus on staying calm and relaxed. Don’t move around too much, as this can worsen symptoms.

(Related: Top 10 Benefits Of Swimming For Kids).

Are Boats Safe For You In The First Trimester?

Nausea caused by morning sickness can be exacerbated by boating during the first trimester of pregnancy. The boat rocking can make it worse, so it’s best to avoid boating if you’re feeling nauseous.

EXPERT TIP. Ginger has been proven to relieve motion and morning sickness! Bring strong, natural ginger tea on board with you and have it on standby in case you feel sick.

Can You Go On A Boat When You’re 9 Months Pregnant?

Do not go boating when your due date approaches. If you go into labour while on the water, it will be very difficult to get you to a hospital. It’s best to stay on land in the weeks leading up to your due date.

(Related: Bring Babies On A Boat: Is It A Good Idea?)

When Is Boating NOT Recommended During Pregnancy?

If you experience pregnancy-related issues like preterm labour, it is best to wait until after your baby is born to go on a boating trip. The same goes for if you have a high-risk pregnancy.

In general, it’s best to check with your doctor before going boating while pregnant, just to be on the safe side.

(Related: How Old Do Kids Have To Be To Kayak Alone?)

Can A Bumpy Boat Ride Hurt The Baby?

Pregnant women frequently worry about what will happen if their baby bumps are knocked about during a boating adventure.

Your uterus is a muscle made to protect your baby. Small bumps are unlikely to cause any harm.

However, stronger impacts can be a different matter entirely. That means you should avoid high-speed boating and large waves; they can cause repeated shocks as your body is thrown up and down.

(Related: 7 Best Water Games For The Lake).

5 Precautions Pregnant Women Should Take When Boating.

Follow these five precautions to stay safe while boating during pregnancy.

1. Don’t Walk Around.

Avoid walking on the boat, as the high centre of gravity of your baby bump will make you less stable. Even the most graceful women find themselves frequently off-balance during pregnancy – even on dry land.

2. Stay In The Shade.

Stay under the shade to maintain comfort while boating in the sun. A great way to do this is using a retractable canvas system that provides extended shading for added comfort.

3. Stay Close To The Shore.

Don’t venture out into open waters. Go for a steady boat ride and drive slowly. Drop anchor a few hundred metres away from the marina and enjoy being close to shore.

4. Be Lazy.

Let everyone know that you won’t be available for routine tasks that typically come up when boating. Don’t wind winches, and don’t lift heavy gear.

5. Avoid Extreme Water Sports.

Water skiing, tubing and para-sailing are fun boat activities that you should, unfortunately, avoid. They can cause you to hit the water hard, belly first.

Tamara