When you’re pregnant, it can feel like many sports and activities are out of the question. However, there are some outdoor activities that are safe to enjoy while pregnant.
One of these activities is jet skiing. While it is a fun way to get some exercise, it is not recommended for pregnant women.
1. Keep Your Balance
Pregnancy is a time of remarkable changes to your body, and these can lead to balance issues. Regular exercise is important during pregnancy to help keep you feeling your best and improve your balance.
However, some activities may pose more risk than others. For example, jet skiing can put your unborn baby at risk for a fall.
Jet skis are fast – similar to a Ferrari accelerating – and can cause you to lose your balance. You also need to be aware of the jolts and vibrations they can give your unborn baby.
You can still enjoy water sports, but you should only do them if they don’t require great balance or involve heavy impacts on the water. For example, waterskiing, wakesurfing, and wakeboarding can cause abdominal trauma, increasing your risk for placental abruption.
Swimming and kayaking are much safer alternatives. These sports don’t have the same high impact as jet skiing and they’re much better for building cardiovascular fitness.
2. Wear a Life Jacket
If you are pregnant and are planning to take a jet ski ride, make sure that you wear a life jacket. This is a simple and effective way to protect yourself, as it reduces the risk of drowning by 90 percent.
It also helps prevent heat exhaustion, which can be dangerous for expectant moms. It can cause kidney damage, heart disease and brain damage.
You can buy a life jacket at any watersports store. Look for a life jacket that fits comfortably snug.
This is important to ensure that your chin and ears don’t slip through the life jacket. Try on a jacket and then test it in shallow water to see how it handles.
Lastly, make sure that the life jacket you choose is United States Coast Guard approved. You can find this information on the inside of the life jacket label, along with sizing and other important information.
3. Go Slow
When it comes to extreme sports, doctors generally do not encourage pregnant women to participate in these activities. This is because these activities involve a lot of impact and could be dangerous for the mother and unborn baby.
If you want to ride a jet ski while pregnant, you must go slow and wear a life jacket. Also, make sure that you are with someone else on the jet ski so that they can help you in case of an accident.
While it is possible to ride a jet ski while pregnant, it is not recommended by medical professionals or experts. The reason is that it can cause a woman to fall off at high speeds and potentially harm her and her unborn baby.
4. Avoid Heat Exhaustion
Riding a jet ski is a sport that requires balance and coordination. This can be difficult for women who are expecting, as their bodies become more prone to imbalance.
Pregnancy can also make you more susceptible to heat exhaustion, so it is important to avoid high temperatures and humidity. Nix your workout until the weather cools down, and drink plenty of water.
You should also avoid activities that can cause you to overheat, like soaking in a hot tub or sauna. This is especially true during a pregnancy, when you have increased body heat and lowered blood flow.
Even if you do want to go on a jet ski, keep your speed down and be sure to stay hydrated. This will help you avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which can be dangerous for both you and your baby. Talk with your doctor before you decide to try this activity during your pregnancy. They will be able to tell you whether it is safe for you and your baby.
Chris is a passionate learner and writer. When he’s not working on his blog or learning something new, he’s a full-time systems administrator and father of two beautiful girls. Chris loves spending time with his family, reading, writing, and playing hockey.