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Can You Kayak

While Pregnant? Is it Safe to Kayak During Pregnancy?

Published August 5, 2022

Kayaking is a fun activity for both males and females. If you are a wonder woman wondering if you can kayak while pregnant or if it is safe to kayak during pregnancy, then you have landed in the right place. Here I will briefly discuss the answer to these questions and some precautions you should follow in kayaking while pregnant.

You can safely kayak while pregnant, and there is no harm in kayaking if you are doing it correctly. The most important thing is that if you are a healthy woman and practice correct kayaking measures, you can kayak with some care tips mentioned below.

So, discuss this topic in detail and learn how you can safely kayak while pregnant.

Can You Kayak While Pregnant? Summary

Can You Kayak While Pregnant?

can you kayak while pregnant

Yes, you can kayak while pregnant, if you follow the correct kayaking guidelines. But there are some things that you should keep in mind when kayaking while pregnant.

The first thing is, if you are a healthy woman and have a safe pregnancy, you can kayak but with some care mentioned below.

The second thing is that the kayak should be of good quality. You should not buy cheap or old kayaks because they may cause harm to your baby and yourself. You can buy a high-quality one for your baby.

The third thing is that you should wear protective gear like a life jacket, PFD, and cap to protect yourself from water or injury during the process.

Is it Safe to Kayak During Pregnancy?

It is safe to kayak during pregnancy, but there are some cares that you should keep in your mind to make your trip safe.

The first thing you should do is check with your doctor about any medications you are taking. Some medications can cause a decrease in blood pressure and cause you to faint or become dizzy. You may also face problems if you have high blood pressure and low blood volume. If this is the case, talk to your doctor before starting your trip so that they can monitor your condition while you are kayaking.

Another thing to remember is that pregnant women are more likely to get muscle cramps than other people. If this happens, stop paddling immediately and get out of the water for at least 15 minutes before continuing your trip.

Another thing that pregnant women should not do is kayak in rough waters because it could cause them damage or injury if they fall into the water or if their boat tips over.

Precautions to Take for Kayaking While Pregnant

Kayaking is a fun activity that can be done by anyone, pregnant or not. However, there are precautions to take when kayaking while pregnant. Here are some of the things you should follow before you go out on the water:

Avoid Longer Time Kayaking:

The best precaution to take while pregnant is to avoid long periods of kayaking. Kayaking is a great way to exercise while pregnant, but it’s important to remember that the more time you spend in the water, the more your body is exposed to harmful elements. Plus, prolonged exposure can negatively affect your baby’s development.

It’s possible that you may be more prone to injuries than usual and need more time on the water before getting back in the kayak. If you’ve been experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s best to avoid longer times out on the water.

Besides, during the pregnancy period, there are lots of hormonal changes happening in your body. That can cause some health issues at any time. So, if you feel dizzy or queasy during your kayaking session, it is best to end the session and return home immediately.

Seek Out a Wide, Slow River With Minimal to No Obstacles:

Kayaking while pregnant is a great way to get some exercise, but you need to be careful.

The best kayaking spots for pregnant women to paddle are wide, slow rivers with minimal obstacles. For example, if there are rocks or logs in the river, you could hit them and injure yourself or your unborn child.

You might also want to avoid kayaking if there’s any chance of getting caught in fast-moving water or currents. That’s because even though you don’t have much weight on the front end of your body anymore (when you’re pregnant), those small waves can still knock you off balance and cause serious injuries.

So, it’s a good idea to seek out a wide, slow river with minimal to no obstacles. This will help you stay calm and keep your heart rate low.

Go in a Stable Touring Kayak:

The most important thing to remember is that if you go in a stable touring kayak, you will be safer than if you go in a recreational kayak.

Stable touring kayaks have been designed with pregnant women’s needs and growing bodies in mind. They are wider than recreational models, so you can sit comfortably and have enough room for your belly without leaning on anything hard or sharp.

Try to choose the kayak with extra padding around the seating area and backrests so that your body doesn’t get uncomfortable or hurt easily during long trips.

In addition, some touring kayaks come with a padded seat designed to protect your abdomen during the ride. The padding also helps absorb some impacts when you hit an object while paddling. So, try those kayaks that have padded and comfortable seats.

Enlist the Help of a Friend:

If pregnant, kayaking with a friend can be a great way to get out and enjoy the water. But how do you make sure you’re both safe?

First of all, don’t attempt to do anything dangerous or will put your unborn baby at risk. If you go out in rough weather conditions or want to take a longer trip than you should, make sure someone else goes with you.

You might also want to prepare your partner for the possibility that he or she might face some difficulties while they are helping you out. Let them know what precautions they should take, like wearing life jackets, and let them know that if something happens during the trip, they should be able to help.

Besides, you should only take a kind of person with you who truly cares for you and who know how to handle things while kayaking. So, prefer going with someone who is not a beginner in kayaking.

Wear a PFD:

While pregnant, you should always wear a personal flotation device (PFD) while kayaking.

There are many reasons why this is important. The first is that it helps to keep you safe and protected during an accident. It also ensures that the baby will be well protected in your body if it happens to be born while you are kayaking. To be safe, it is recommended that you wear a PFD for about the first trimester of your pregnancy.

The PFD will ensure you are safe during a sudden change in weather or vessel movement. It also helps to prevent hypothermia and drowning.

So, the most important thing you can do to keep yourself safe is to wear a life jacket while kayaking. You could easily get hurt or face difficulties if you aren’t wearing one.

Limit Your Time on the Water:

The heat increases your body’s need for water. If you’re pregnant, you’ll need to limit your time on the water and ensure you’re drinking enough fluids.

So, you should limit your time on the water to one hour or less per day. This is because water can increase your heart rate after you get out of the water, leading to dizziness or other symptoms of heartburn that are not normal during pregnancy.

Besides, be aware of the environment while you’re kayaking. You need to keep an eye out for wildlife because they can harm both mother and child. Also, take care not to get too close to the other kayaks, so you don’t accidentally get into accidents.

So, try limiting your time while you are out kayaking in order to keep yourself and your child safe and healthy.

Keep Yourself Hydrated:

One of the most important things you can do to stay safe while kayaking during pregnancy is to keep yourself hydrated.

If you are planning on spending your time in the water, it is important to ensure that your body is getting enough water to stay healthy and keep up with the demands of your body.

You should drink at least two cups of fluids per day for every pound you weigh, which should be done throughout the day. You can also try drinking more water if you feel like you are getting thirsty, but it is also important not to overdo it because too much can lead to active urination.

So, keep yourself hydrated while kayaking because you will face direct sunlight, which can dehydrate your body quickly. So, keeping a few water bottles and other juices on your kayak is the best thing you can do.

Keep an Eye on the Weather Forecast:

Keep an eye on the weather forecast for your kayaking trip, and be sure to wear suitable clothes and bring some extra clothes with you.

Kayaking is a great way to get fresh air and exercise during pregnancy. However, it’s best to keep an eye on the weather forecast before you head out. You don’t want to go kayaking in a storm or after a rainstorm because there’s a greater risk of getting caught in dangerous conditions.

So, check the forecast and take your cell phone with you. If there’s a chance of rain or snow, you’ll want to know whether or not it will be slippery, which can happen at any point of the year.

Kayak Closer to the Shoreline or in Places Where there is Less Kayaking Traffic:

Kayaking closer to the Shoreline is a good idea because it’s safer. That way, if you run into trouble, you can easily swim back to land without worrying about getting lost in open water.

You should also avoid kayaking in areas with a lot of traffic. If you’re out on the water and see a boat coming, don’t just sit there; get out of its way.

If you’re out in open water, it’s best to kayak in places with less kayaking traffic. That way, if something does happen to your boat and you need help, people will be able to spot you more easily.

Be Aware of your Body cues and Take Care of Yourself:

A pregnant woman should be aware of her body cues. She should know when she is getting tired, hungry, or even if she is becoming too hot or cold. She can also use this information to help her child stay calm and comfortable in the womb.

When you are pregnant, it’s important to take care of yourself by eating healthy foods and getting plenty of rest. If you have other medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, check with your doctor before starting your kayaking adventure.

If you feel any pain or pressure, stop immediately, get out of the kayak, and see the doctor. Plus, don’t drink high caffeine drinks while you are out on your kayak; it can cause disruption in your blood pressure that can lead to harmful health conditions.

So, keep checking your own body while you are out on the water and kayaking.

Kayaking When Pregnant: Conclusion

So, kayaking while pregnant is safe until you take all the precautions seriously and you are a healthy woman with good physical health. The above-given precautions are a must follow because they will ensure that you and your baby are alright while you enjoy your day at your favorite lake or river.

Jay Schwartz author of Kayak Guidance

About the Author - Jay Schwartz:

Hey there kayak lovers! I’m Jay Schwartz, the author here at Kayak Guidance! You know water sports – you know me! My life is all about it. Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Fishing, Snorkeling and so much more. I love to share my passion and knowledge with all of you. 

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