Well, tell me, who doesn't want to go to the sea in summer? Soak up the hot sand, splash in the lace of the waves... I don't think there are any.

So, pregnant women also want to go to the sea! Maybe even sharper than the rest, and maybe in the middle of the night (a classic of the genre!). And if usually the desire of a future mother is the law, then you need to be careful with the idea of ​​​​rushing to the sea for a pregnant woman.

Should a pregnant woman go to the sea? Will a week under the hot sun harm the baby's health? Is it worth sunbathing while pregnant? How to protect yourself from age spots? Is it good to swim in salty sea water? How much can you swim? Does gestational age matter? Are flights safe during pregnancy? There are a lot of questions, right? Let's figure it out together.

Consulting obstetrician-gynecologist Anna Rudneva.

Can a pregnant woman go to the sea?

By itself, sea water is very useful for expectant mothers. It contains copper and iron ions, rich in useful salts, iodine and selenium (the last two elements are especially important: iodine, among other things, is responsible for the formation of the baby's mental abilities, and selenium deficiency is fraught with many pregnancy complications). Salt water causes a “good” skin irritation: the capillaries expand, our skin literally begins to breathe, absorbing oxygen! As a result, the metabolism in the whole body is normalized, sugar is reduced, and pressure is normalized.

Rest by the sea is a valuable contribution to the immunity of both mother and baby, just a few breaths of sea air relax the entire nervous system ... It would seem that it would be a sin not to take advantage of such a pleasant recovery, but not everything is so simple!

What doctors say: contraindications to sea holidays

With the beginning of the beach season, thousands of expectant mothers ask their doctors the same question: “Can I be pregnant at sea?”.

As an expert, I will say right away that there is no single answer to this question. It all depends on how your pregnancy is going, whether there are complications or the risk of their occurrence, etc.

Let us immediately highlight the conditions under which I categorically forbid my pregnant women to go to the sea:

  • placenta previa (both complete and partial);
  • the threat of termination of pregnancy;
  • preeclampsia (late toxicosis);
  • any chronic disease in the acute stage;
  • allergic reaction;
  • pressure surges;
  • low hemoglobin;
  • uterine hypertonicity;
  • pulling pains in the lower abdomen, spotting;
  • gestational age is less than 12 weeks;
  • gestational age more than 30 weeks;
  • if preterm births and miscarriages have already happened before;
  • protein was found in the urine.

If your gynecologist has recorded at least one of the above complications in you (the decision to travel to the sea for a pregnant woman must be agreed with the doctor!), It is recommended to temporarily refuse to travel further than 100 km from home. An indispensable condition for resting outside the home is the opportunity to periodically come for a consultation with a doctor, and, if necessary, promptly receive qualified medical care.

Where to go to the sea for a pregnant woman?

If you feel great, and your doctor lets you go to the sea with a light heart, the only thing left is to choose the perfect place for a pregnant woman to relax on the sea. In addition to your usual requirements, the following should be added:

  • if abroad, then near and not exotic;
  • without a sharp change in climate and time zones;
  • at least a week (the body will only have time to adapt, but already you need to leave!);
  • temperature maximum - 35 ° C, better - less;
  • the possibility of a comfortable and safe transfer to the place of rest.

It is very important that your swimsuit does not squeeze the chest, does not pinch anywhere and does not rub! Be sure to take a pareo - a couple of knots will turn it into a weightless cape that covers your tummy.

Car, train or plane?

If you have a choice, choose to travel by car with a reliable and caring driver. Every two hours or more often (as you feel) make stops, breathe in the air, stretch your legs for 5-10 minutes. It is recommended to wear a bandage and compression stockings.

Second is the railroad.

Plan your flights carefully.

What you need to consider the expectant mother before boarding the aircraft:

  • most airlines do not have restrictions for pregnant women, but when buying tickets, check this point;
  • it is advisable to have an exchange card confirming the gestational age with you (for a period of more than 36 weeks, you will also need a written permission from the doctor for air travel);
  • rarefied air and changes in barometric pressure in modern aircraft can no longer be afraid;
  • if you've never flown before, it's best to postpone your first flight experience until your body's more predictable reactions;
  • of course, you should not choose air transport if you are terribly afraid of flying!
  • when buying tickets, choose seats near the aisle and closer to the toilet;
  • be sure to buckle up, but make sure that the seat belt is lower than the tummy.

Don't forget about health insurance! When applying for an insurance policy, check whether it includes situations related to pregnancy, support for the baby in case of premature birth, etc.

Is it possible to sunbathe while pregnant?

Can a pregnant woman sunbathe in the sun?

Sunbathing is an effective antidepressant. In addition, the sun strengthens our immunity, increases hemoglobin, helps to synthesize vitamin D (prevention of rickets in a baby and postpartum osteoporosis in a mother). So it is possible and necessary for a pregnant woman to sunbathe, but correctly!

You must know how to protect yourself and your baby from the possible risks of sun exposure.

  • Don't overheat! The mother's body overheats - the baby in the womb also overheats. The sultry sun can cause fainting even in an athlete, what can we say about a pregnant woman whose heat exchange is not stable!
  • The sun activates all processes in the body: metabolism, blood circulation, heartbeat, etc. If you have any failures in these processes, you should stop tanning.
  • Prolonged exposure to the sun can provoke uterine bleeding (blood pressure drops, muscle tone weakens).
  • Overheating in the sun slows down blood flow, which in turn contributes to the development of varicose veins.
  • If your skin already has a mark of pregnancy in the form of age spots, you should not sunbathe either - the pigmentation will increase.

Most beach delicacies are difficult to classify as healthy food. Be attentive to your diet on vacation and refrain from culinary novelties. Even if you didn’t have digestive problems before, it’s not known how your body will now react to unfamiliar food.

How can pregnant women sunbathe so that a vacation by the sea gives only positive emotions?

1. Sunbathe in the shade (yes, you can get a tan in the shade!) or hide under an umbrella every 20 minutes to prevent overheating.

2. Be sure to use sunscreen.

3. Drink water.

4. Visit the beach during safe hours: before 10 am and after 5 pm.

5. Listen to your body: increased sweating and heart rate? Sunbathing must be stopped immediately!

Can a pregnant woman sunbathe in a solarium?

At the moment, there has been no official research on this issue (often the opposite is claimed in salons). Most doctors, including myself, insist that pregnant women should not sunbathe in a solarium.

Are you sure that the salon did not save on the ventilation systems of the solarium chamber? (There have been cases when, due to overheating, completely healthy people fainted during a tanning session in a tanning bed!) Many tanning salons also use lamps with predominant B-rays (the advertised fast tanning). Such a tan is definitely harmful, in Europe the use of lamps of this type is officially prohibited!

My dear mothers! Based on all of the above, I do not advise pregnant women to go to the solarium, if you really want to get a little (!) tan, treat yourself to real sunbathing, but be sure to follow the rules of tanning for pregnant women!

Can a pregnant woman swim?

Surely you have heard about water aerobics for pregnant women, and about childbirth in water - it seems that the water element is simply created for expectant mothers!

Water relieves stress and fatigue, gives a feeling of already forgotten ease of movement. Water procedures are an excellent prevention of swelling and varicose veins, swimming trains proper breathing and abdominal muscles ... But this is all in a pool, but is it possible for a pregnant woman to swim in the sea?

It is possible, but the recommendations for sea bathing for expectant mothers are very similar to the rules for swimming in the sea for ... children. And this is not surprising, because your baby came to visit the sea with you in your tummy. So let's make sure that both you and him are comfortable.

First encounter with the sea. Fees and exhausting road behind - you are by the sea. How do you want to dive in! But you should not do this: let your body rest, get used to the new temperature. Unpack your bags, take a nap for half an hour.

At sea - with a thermometer. Above, we have already talked about the possible unpleasant consequences of overheating. No less dangerous is hypothermia. A pregnant woman can swim only at a water temperature of at least 21 ° C.

The sea is rough... If the sea is rough, limit yourself to a walk along the coast or lie a little aground. Beware of big waves that can hurt you and even knock you down.

Not for long, but often. Yes, you don’t feel like leaving the warm sea water at all, but this time you will have to dose the pleasure. Swim for 10-15 minutes, go ashore, wrap yourself in a towel.

We listen to the body. Goosebumps, tangible muscle tension - a signal that it's time to relax on the shore.

Activity is moderate. Active beach activities should be abandoned. Swimming on a calm breath is ideal. Pregnant women at sea should forget about noisy beach discos. Use the nights by the sea for healing and sweet sleep.

It is strictly forbidden for pregnant women whose mucous plug has come off to swim: the risk of infection is too high!

Where can you swim while pregnant?

If you have already decided to swim pregnant in natural reservoirs, remember that our skin is a very conditional barrier. Through the skin of the body, various substances and microorganisms can enter our body. Which ones prevail in the reservoir you like? This is the question you should be thinking about. After all, now your body is more vulnerable to external influences than ever before.

Treat your vacation by the sea responsibly, and you will bring the best souvenir from your trip - a charge of vivacity and health for two - you and your future baby!