Can You Kayak While Pregnant? Tips, Guidelines

Are you an expectant mother who loves kayaking, but wondering if it’s safe to continue your favorite activity during pregnancy? The good news is that, in many cases, kayaking can be a safe and enjoyable activity during pregnancy.

However, it’s important to take some precautions and make some adjustments to ensure the safety of both you and your baby.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the question of whether you can kayak while pregnant, and explore some tips and guidelines to help you stay safe and comfortable on the water. From choosing the right kayak and gear to modifying your paddling technique, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the most of your kayaking experience during pregnancy.

So, if you’re an expectant mother who loves kayaking and wondering if it’s safe to continue, read on to discover how to enjoy this fun and healthy activity while keeping you and your baby safe.

Can you kayak during pregnancy?

Yes, you absolutely can. Being pregnant doesn’t make you ill, thus you can still enjoy yourself or do outdoor water sports such as kayaking. If you were a person who was into physical activity before becoming pregnant, it is alright for you to keep engaging in it so long as you have your doctor’s approval.

The most important factor to consider in these cases is your own emotions and what advice your doctor gives. Consult with your physician concerning any queries you could have prior to kayaking.

If you’re taking any prescription drugs, especially those that may lead to light-headedness, queasiness, or have an effect on your blood pressure, it is wise to consult with your physician so that they can give you advice on how to keep track of your wellbeing and take precautions while engaging in boating. Once your physician has given you their approval, you can begin to arrange your kayaking journey.

Is it safe to go kayaking while pregnant?

It is usually ok to go kayaking while expecting, although some pregnant women might experience different reactions than others.

Your doctor and you must determine if it is secure for you to paddle during your gestation by evaluating multiple elements. These factors include:

Your stage of pregnancy

Based on your stage of pregnancy, you may need to exercise extra caution when kayaking, or wait till after the birth of the baby before kayaking again. Physicians usually suggest that pregnant women abstain from strenuous workouts or laborious physical exercise after the second three months, particularly for those who were not very active prior to becoming pregnant.

Kayaking can be quite draining and it is probably not wise to carry a kayak a great distance while expecting a baby. During the first tr

What enjoyment can be derived from spending time on the water if you constantly feel ill and end up vomiting? If you are in the early stages of your pregnancy, such as the first or second trimester, it should not be difficult to get a suitable life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD).

In the final few weeks of pregnancy, when your belly has grown significantly, it can be harder to locate a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) that fits properly. It is not recommended to go kayaking without a personal floatation device, as you risk potentially drowning if you fall into the water.

The type of kayaking

Certain kinds of kayaking, like whitewater kayaking, can be physically demanding and risky even for those not expecting. It is alright to kayak fish and go kayaking in gentle, peaceful waters if that is your intention.

It might be dangerous to venture into rough seas with strong currents, so it may be best to avoid it. It may be harder to stay balanced, keep your weight centered, or maneuver along the water smoothly than you previously were able to, making whitewater paddling more difficult.

When paddling in any body of water full of rocks, rapids, trees, strong currents, and large, choppy waves it is very possible for one to lose balance and be thrown out, potentially hard, and into the water or onto a hard object.

If this transpires, your condition might make it challenging, or even not possible, to reenter your kayak. Despite being a talented swimmer, the vicious and unforeseeable movements of whitewater can be too severe and end up leading to your demise.

You might be in danger of becoming hypothermic if you find yourself in cold water and your body temperature decreases dramatically, endangering not only your life but also the life of your unborn baby.

Whitewater kayaking involves potential hazards that could pose a threat to a pregnant woman, such as the risk of falls and impacts to the abdomen area, which may be dangerous for the baby.

When making arrangements for your kayaking journey, try and find a river or lake without any obstructions with slow-flowing water, and avoid any whitewater activities for now.

Your health history

If you are not suffering from any medical condition, it is likely to be safe for you to go kayaking while pregnant. It is advisable to abstain from kayaking and other strenuous activities if you are pregnant and at risk of medical issues.

Some examples of situations where you may need or be directed to “slow down” and not kayak until after your baby is born include having:

A weak cervix
Motion/morning sickness
History of premature birth or miscarriage
Multiple pregnancies (you’re having more than one baby)
Pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes, low blood pressure, heart issues, etc.

Keep track of your body temperature when you paddle to prevent getting too hot. It is essential to keep an eye on other issues that may occur during pregnancy such as muscle spasms.

If you find yourself in this situation, cease your paddling immediately and take a 15 minute break from the water before you begin again.

Is Kayaking Beneficial for Pregnant Women?

Here are some benefits that expecting mothers can reap when they take to the kayak for a day of paddling enjoyment!

Boosts Your Stamina

Giving birth is going to take a huge amount of energy and strength, likely more than anything else you’ll ever do. It is essential that you continue working toward the delivery of your baby and that you do not take rest for an extended period of time.

Doing any type of exercise that will boost your endurance before birth can be beneficial, and kayaking is an example of one activity that fits this purpose. As you steadily use your paddle to row across the river, you will build up your endurance.

If you kayak on a frequent basis, you should see an increase in your endurance. Previously, it took you at least 40 minutes to cover a mile on water, but now it can be accomplished in half that time. Kayaking no longer feels as difficult as it did when you first began because you have increased your endurance.

Burns Calories

It is essential that pregnant women keep their weight in check. Being overweight isn’t healthy for the baby. As you gain weight, your likelihood of developing gestational diabetes increases. Individuals with diabetes are more likely to suffer from gestational hypertension, a separate health issue.

It is normal for you to add on some pounds during your pregnancy due to your body adjusting to accommodate your unborn child. Nonetheless, keep in mind that this should not be a dramatic gain.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC , here’s how much weight you should gain if you’re having one baby:

28 to 40 pounds for women with a BMI of 18.5 or under (considered underweight)
25 to 35 pounds for women with a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 (considered normal weight)
15 to 25 pounds for women with a BMI of 25.0 to 29.9 (considered overweight)
11 to 20 pounds for women with a BMI of 30.0 or over (considered obese)

If you’re carrying twins, the amount of expected weight gain is:

50 to 62 pounds for women with a BMI of 18.5 or under
37 to 54 pounds for women with a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9
31 to 50 pounds for women with a BMI of 25.0 to 29.9
25 to 42 pounds for women with a BMI of 30.0 or over

It is possible to reach the advised weight gain through pregnancy by engaging in physical activity such as kayaking. A 125-pound female will burn 283 calories in an hour of kayaking, whereas a 150-pound woman will burn 340 calories.

Good for Your Mood

Many people know of the postpartum depression that can occur after birth, however, there are a lot of physiological and emotional changes that can occur during pregnancy that can cause a woman to become depressed.

Her body is developing rapidly and can be overwhelming. It is not the case that women are more likely to suffer from depression when expecting a baby compared to those who are not pregnant, however certain things can heighten the possibility of it.

Factors such as aversion to a pregnancy, discord within a romantic relationship due to the pregnancy, a lack of social assistance, living alone, and a chronicle of premenstrual dysphoric syndrome and/or depression are all factors that can contribute to the decision.

There are many different ways to approach your depression, one of which is totally free: enjoying the outdoors. The sun includes Vitamin D, which is a necessary vitamin that has the ability to adjust one’s emotions. Research has determined that Vitamin D can help elevate the spirits of people with depression.

Even if you’re feeling alright, wouldn’t it be nice to have a boost in your mood? You only need to spend 10-30 minutes in the sun in order to get the advantage of Vitamin D. You should have enough time to avoid getting sunburned, but we still highly recommend you wear sunscreen when you’re outside.

A 2008 study from the Journal of Internal Medicine shows that taking Vitamin D dietary supplements offer an effective way to go.

Could Reduce Pregnancy Discomfort

As your body develops and alters, there will be certain discomfort that cannot be avoided. Even when it seems like the least pleasant thing to do when bloated and swollen, getting physical activity is beneficial for you and the baby.

Working out can help you stay in shape and stay strong, reducing the number of aches and pains you feel during your pregnancy and making it easier to get through.

Kayaking Safety Tips for Pregnant Women

We should complete our discussion by providing some of our top kayaking security tips. Anyone looking to try kayaking in their local area should make use of these tips, not just pregnant women.

Always Wear a Life Jacket

Regardless of age, a life jacket or personal flotation device is an essential item. Your life vest must fit well for you, yet not in such a way that impedes your ability to move. As a pregnant woman, it is particularly inadvisable for your life jacket to constrict your middle area, as this could be injurious to the infant.

The fit of your life jacket should be snug, even if you are expecting a baby. The jacket can easily be removed when necessary, for instance when one falls into the water.

And a Helmet Doesn’t Hurt, Either

The better protected you are when kayaking during pregnancy, the greater your safety. Wearing a helmet can help to safeguard your head in the event of an accidental fall from your kayak or a collision with another kayaker or any rocks. A helmet isn’t beneficial for your child, but it is a wise choice to ensure your own protection.

Don’t Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

Even if you were especially passionate about being outside before getting pregnant, it might cause you to slow down a bit. Know your limitations and respect them. It is not suggested to set aside a large portion of time for kayaking if you are feeling fatigued after just 40 minutes.

The fatigue could increase your risk of an accident. If you fall into the water, it’s possible that you won’t be able to rescue yourself, resulting in the risk of drowning.

Check the Weather

The timing of your kayaking excursion should be kept flexible. Planning your trip a week in advance will not guarantee that the conditions on the day of your trip will be sunny or bright. Keep an eye on the weather report very closely in the time period preceding the kayaking journey, particularly two days before.

Take a more in-depth look at the temperature for the day and look at the hourly readings. Also, glance at the radar to determine if any precipitation will be experienced.

You don’t want to go kayaking in inclement weather. The water’s behavior could become highly unpredictable, possibly risking riders in the process. Even if it was supposed to be a good day, and it begins to rain, don’t be obstinate. Get to dry land immediately.

Never Kayak Alone

It’s not sufficient to just inform your relatives and/or acquaintances of your destination. You must always bring a kayaking buddy with you. They can be on the lookout for potential dangers that you may not notice from where you’re standing, and the same goes the other way around.

You’ll be glad to have a partner if somebody capsizes their kayak!

Bring Safety Gear

You should not overburden yourself with too much weight when taking a kayaking trip with an infant, but there are certain items you should definitely bring.

They comprise a first aid set, a headlight for seeing in dark environs, a tow rope for resurrections, and a whistle.

Final Thoughts

Lots of females can kayak without any risk while expecting, particularly if they were consistently engaging in physical activity before they became pregnant. For those female individuals with existing health problems or difficulties with pregnancy, it is advisable to undertake more moderate physical activities.

When engaging in kayaking, it is important to bring a companion, make sure to put on a life jacket, and look into the weather prediction before going out on the water. Be safe out there!