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Rest for pregnant women - how and where? Is it possible for pregnant women to go to the sea: tips for expectant mothers

A holiday at sea is an incredibly pleasant and useful leisure time. Expectant mothers, no less than others, want to go to the coast of a salty reservoir, relax, gain strength and new impressions.

Despite the fact that pregnancy is not a disease, the period of bearing a baby still imposes certain restrictions on a woman’s usual lifestyle. In this regard, many expectant mothers have a question: how safe will a trip to the sea with a baby in the womb be? At what stage of pregnancy can you go to the sea so that the vacation has an exclusively positive effect?

Holidays at sea during pregnancy

A trip to the sea coast is a great way to relax both soul and body. If the gynecologist managing the pregnancy does not see any health problems for the pregnant woman, there is no reason to refuse a holiday at sea.

The sea in early pregnancy

The first 12 weeks of expecting a baby are the most dangerous time of all 9 months of pregnancy. Concerns are associated not only with the threat of miscarriage. At this time, all the organs and systems of the little person are being formed; interference in this process is fraught with pathologies in the child’s development. Many pregnant women ask a reasonable question: is it possible to go to the sea in the first trimester of expecting a baby, because it’s no secret that walking and relaxing in the fresh air are very useful. If the Cote d'Azur is far from home (more than 100 km), it is better to refuse the trip. At the same time, traveling short distances within the usual climatic environment is quite acceptable (if there is no threat of disruption).

Pregnancy and the sea: second trimester

The period from the 13-14th to the 27th week is the most favorable time for trips and travel. The woman’s belly is not yet too big, so moving around with it is still quite comfortable; childbirth is still far away, and toxicosis and ailments of the first trimester are successfully left behind. The female body has “accustomed” to the new resident and feels quite comfortable. By observing precautionary measures, rules for safe visiting of reservoirs and sunbathing, a woman can fully enjoy her holiday at sea.

Holidays at sea at 30 and later weeks of pregnancy

The transition to the third trimester of expecting a baby again introduces certain restrictions into a woman’s life. The final weeks of pregnancy are fraught with 2 main dangers - the risk of developing gestosis (late toxicosis) and possible premature birth. Even if the woman’s health condition is completely satisfactory and has no deviations, she must return home before the 38th obstetric week.

Is it possible to go to the sea during pregnancy?

As warm days approach, the desire to go to the sea coast increases many times over. It does not bypass expectant mothers either. At the same time, women want to make such a trip as enjoyable as possible, and most importantly, safe for the baby.

Swimming in the sea during pregnancy - positive aspects

  • Sea water contains a huge amount of mineral elements.

Iodine, magnesium, potassium, inorganic salts, and seaweed have a beneficial effect not only on a woman’s skin, but on the body as a whole.

  • Inhaling sea air normalizes blood pressure and redox processes.
  • Even light, barely noticeable waves perform the function of a massage, toning and strengthening the dermis.
  • The temperature difference, which in any case will occur when immersed in sea water, enhances the biochemical processes in the body.

As a result, urination increases (excess fluid does not accumulate in the body), blood sugar levels decrease (prevention of diabetes in pregnant women), and useless pounds are not deposited in unnecessary places.

  • Swimming improves blood circulation in the vessels of the uterus, placenta and umbilical cord.
  • Even short swimming strengthens the walls of blood vessels, being a good prevention of varicose veins.
  • Water procedures increase the content of hemoglobin and red blood cells, the level of phosphorus and calcium.
  • Remember to drink as much fluid as possible.

Preparing for a trip to the sea during pregnancy

  • When planning a vacation, try to ensure that the travel period falls during the second trimester of expecting a baby - the safest time for moving and climate change.
  • Pay attention to the development of infrastructure in the region chosen for your trip, the possibility of receiving, if necessary, qualified medical care.
  • Take the time to prepare your own first aid kit. The gynecologist monitoring the pregnancy will tell you which medications are best to take. This list almost always contains antispasmodics.
  • If you have to travel by car, it is recommended to make frequent stops (at least once every 3 hours of travel) with the opportunity to walk for 10-15 minutes. This way you will reduce the likelihood of circulatory disorders in the pelvic organs.
  • When wearing a seat belt, place it along the lower part and above the abdomen.
  • And, of course, don't go on a trip alone.


Pregnancy - how to swim in the sea correctly

Deviations in the normal course of pregnancy and a woman’s well-being force her to constantly monitor and adjust her usual lifestyle. What about mothers whose pregnancies are going quite smoothly? What rules should you follow to ensure that a trip to the sea brings only benefits?

  • Before you start swimming, evaluate the cleanliness of the water and the safety of the bottom in the place you have chosen for swimming.
  • Avoid hypothermia. The sea water temperature must be at least 22°C.
  • The sea state should not exceed 2 points.
  • If you have just finished eating, you should wait 2 hours before swimming.
  • It is also better to avoid long-distance swims. Do not overload the body, avoid frequent short-term swimming, alternating with sunbathing on the beach.
  • Before diving into the water, spend 10-15 minutes in the shade to “cool down” a little and thus avoid sudden hypothermia.
  • It is better to start the swimming season with a 5-10 minute swim, gradually increasing the time spent in the water. But it’s also not worth splashing continuously for more than half an hour.
  • To avoid the possible entry of unwanted flora into a woman’s nasopharynx, avoid diving and any immersion under water.
  • Sunbathing is best done in the early hours (from 7 to 9 am) and closer to sunset (from 5 to 8 pm). At this time, exposure to the sun is as mild as possible, which eliminates the risk of overheating and sunburn.
  • When you get out of the water, dry yourself with a towel, or even better, change your wet swimsuit to a dry one. This way you minimize the risk of hypothermia.

Swimming in the sea during pregnancy of different stages

Starting from the fourth month (14th week), trips to the sea are considered the safest. What features does pregnancy impose on your usual sea holiday in the next 4 months?

  • Holidays at sea during the 5th month of pregnancy.

This period covers from 18 to 21 weeks of waiting for the baby. In the absence of medical contraindications and a history of negative pregnancies, a woman can go closer to the sea coast. Remember to use pregnancy-safe sunscreen, even if you're not in the hot afternoon sun.

  • A trip to the sea while 6 months pregnant.

From 22 to 26 obstetric weeks there are still no restrictions on choosing a place to rest. Good health and a normal picture according to tests and ultrasound (many women, when planning a trip, prefer to have a control ultrasound) allow the expectant mother not only to relax near home, but to go on a longer trip.

  • Holidays at sea during the 7th month of pregnancy.

27-30 weeks of gestation is the maximum permissible period for long-distance travel. You can travel, but only if you feel well and have the approval of your gynecologist. If your blood pressure numbers are higher than expected, it is better to avoid swimming and sunbathing (even in the morning and evening hours).

  • A trip to the sea when 8 months pregnant.

Going on a trip after 30 obstetric weeks is a very risky decision. Moreover, most airlines do not allow women on board whose pregnancy has exceeded 33 weeks (30-32 weeks for multiple pregnancies). For this reason, a pregnant woman may choose to travel by train or by car. You can relax and swim right up to the birth (if there are no medical contraindications and the mucous plug is in place), but it is better to do this close to home.


Contraindications for going to the seaside during pregnancy

When deciding on a trip to the sea coast, even if the woman feels quite well, it is recommended to consult with an obstetrician-gynecologist who is monitoring the pregnancy. A number of conditions are a contraindication to any travel, travel, or swimming in water bodies. These include:

  • Early and late pregnancy.

Both the first and final weeks of waiting for a toddler are not the best time to travel on vacation. Traveling in the first trimester can cause pregnancy failure, while traveling in the third trimester (especially in the second half) can result in premature labor or delivery at term, but in an environment that the woman did not expect.

  • Early aging, placenta previa.

A low location of the placenta (with partial or complete overlap of the internal os) is a contraindication not only to any kind of travel, but also to swimming in bodies of water, incl. with sea water. The high risk of bleeding forces a woman to lead a gentle lifestyle and be under the supervision of specialists. Pathology is diagnosed by ultrasound.

  • Late toxicosis (preeclampsia).

The presence of any of the manifestations of gestosis - increased blood pressure, edema, detection of protein in a urine test - is not only a ban on any kind of travel, but also an indication for additional observation and treatment, most often in a hospital setting.

  • Threat of miscarriage.

If pregnancy is at risk, the woman must be given bed rest. Unfortunately, you will have to forget about sea walks and swimming.

  • Removal of the mucus plug (even partial) is a contraindication to any type of swimming in open waters, because there is a serious risk of infection entering the uterus.
  • Exacerbation of chronic diseases, allergic reactions.

If there are such complications, the doctor decides to prohibit or allow travel in each case individually based on the pathology profile and the general condition of the woman. If the doctor sees no reason to refuse a country holiday, it is recommended to travel (including to the sea) within 50-100 km from the woman’s place of permanent residence. The short distance and minimal climate change will keep the excitement and stress of the trip to a minimum.

When a woman is expecting a baby, she is forced to limit herself in many ways, giving up her favorite but not very healthy food, sports, and the usual rhythm of life. Concern for the health of an unborn child makes expectant mothers worry about numerous reasons. When it comes to going on a long-awaited vacation, many people prefer to forget about their plans, even if the trip to the sea has already been paid for.

Let's figure out whether beach holidays are so dangerous for pregnant women and their babies, or are worries about this unnecessary?

Is a holiday at sea beneficial for a pregnant woman?

The answer to this question can be unequivocal - time spent on the shores of a warm sea will have a positive effect on the health, mood and general well-being of a pregnant woman, as well as any other person, especially if she spends most of her time indoors or is a resident of northern latitudes .

Firstly, Moderate sunbathing allows the skin to produce vitamin D3, which is essential for the absorption of calcium, and therefore is the best prevention of rickets in the baby, and prevents the deterioration of the condition of the bones, teeth, hair and nails of the expectant mother. In addition, the sun's rays have a tonic effect and activate metabolism and the functioning of all body systems. That is why during the warm season we usually feel a surge of energy and good mood.

Secondly, salty sea water is incredibly rich in minerals, which the body needs in huge quantities during pregnancy. Daily bathing in sea water can even partially replace taking multivitamin complexes (especially if combined with regular consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits). Micro- and macroelements saturate the skin, having a beneficial effect on its condition, increasing blood circulation and strengthening the walls of blood vessels (this is one of the best ways to prevent edema and varicose veins). In addition, swimming is the safest option for physical activity for pregnant women, because water makes movements smoother and relieves excess stress from joints. The main thing is to observe moderation and get ashore at the slightest sign of fatigue.

Third, sea ​​air is known for its healing properties. It is incredibly useful, as it contains almost no foreign impurities, but is saturated with oxygen and ozone. In addition, it is rich in iodine ions, which are necessary for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland and the production of its hormones. Almost everyone faces a deficiency of this element, with the exception of residents of coastal regions.

In addition to all of the above, a positive change of environment and the absence of everyday worries have a positive effect on the psycho-emotional state of the expectant mother, helping her get rid of stress and unnecessary worries.

Is it possible to sunbathe during pregnancy?

It’s definitely not worth being under the scorching sun for several hours. Overheating will negatively affect the health of the expectant mother and her baby, and can provoke tachycardia, a sharp decrease in blood pressure and fainting. Nevertheless, it is impossible to say unequivocally that sunbathing is contraindicated for pregnant women, because a moderate amount of sunlight strengthens the immune system, improves mood and, as already mentioned, is necessary for the synthesis of vitamin D3.

To ensure that the time spent on the beach is pleasant and useful, and does not result in unpleasant consequences, it is important for a pregnant woman to follow a number of simple rules:

  • Avoid direct sunlight and try to spend more time in the shade;
  • use sunscreen with a high protection factor (at least SPF 40);
  • do not sunbathe at lunchtime, the safest period is before 11 a.m. and after 5 p.m.;
  • drink more fluids to prevent dehydration;
  • at the first signs of illness, leave the beach and, if necessary, seek medical help.

For many women, during pregnancy, pigmentation of the skin and even hair increases; in order to avoid the growth and intensification of the color of age spots, it is better to refrain from sunbathing. However, this phenomenon is purely cosmetic in nature and does not pose any harm to the health of the woman or child.

Is it possible to swim in the sea during pregnancy?

Sea water and calm swimming are very beneficial even individually, but in combination they will help restore strength, relieve stress and prepare a woman’s body for the upcoming birth. What period is considered the most optimal for a holiday on the coast?

- first trimester

The beginning of pregnancy is a difficult period for a woman’s body, which is just beginning to adapt to the changes occurring in it, which in turn are often accompanied by such an unpleasant phenomenon as toxicosis. The first three months are necessary to form the baby’s various organs and systems; moreover, at this stage, the placenta has not yet formed, protecting it from the effects of harmful substances that may be present in the mother’s blood.

Considering all of the above, the first trimester is considered an unfavorable time for long-distance travel, especially if it is accompanied by long flights, climate change and temperature changes. Therefore, it is better to refuse a holiday at sea at least until the 14th week, and until this moment provide yourself with the most comfortable environment, avoiding stress and increased workload if possible.

- second trimester

This is the optimal time for traveling to the sea, because toxicosis and ailments of the beginning of pregnancy are already behind you, and your tummy is still relatively small and does not interfere yet. If the pregnancy proceeds without complications, you can safely plan a vacation in the period from the 14th to the 26th week. But when you reach the long-awaited sea, it is important not to lose your head and be careful:

  • Even at the stage of planning your trip, choose a resort with clean beaches and the sea;
  • swim only in warm water (not lower than 22 degrees), since cold can cause increased uterine tone;
  • stay in the water for no longer than 15 minutes, while the number of entries is limited solely by desire and well-being;
  • do not dive or do high-speed swims;
  • refuse to visit water parks, water attractions (banana rides, etc.);
  • only enter calm seas (waves can cause serious injury and knock you down);
  • Get out of the water at the first sign of fatigue or cold.

In general, swimming in the sea in the second trimester does not pose any danger if a pregnant woman listens to her inner feelings and does not expose her body to unnecessary stress.

- third trimester

At the beginning of the third trimester, travel is still permissible and the basic rules are no different from the previous period. But after the 30th week, a trip to the sea can turn into a rather risky event, since labor can begin at any moment. Moreover, the rules of many airlines stipulate that after a certain period (from 32 to 36 weeks) pregnant women are not allowed on board, since pressure changes during takeoff and landing can cause premature birth.

Nevertheless, there are no restrictions directly in relation to swimming and bathing in the sea until the very end of pregnancy, but after the mucus plug comes out, being in any natural or artificial body of water is not recommended, as it can lead to the baby becoming infected with bacterial infections.

Contraindications for going to the seaside during pregnancy

Before going on vacation, especially if it is to be spent in another country, a pregnant woman must consult with the doctor who is seeing her. This will make sure that the pregnancy proceeds without any deviations that could interfere with travel. In addition, the doctor will be able to give individual recommendations based on the condition of a particular patient. If the health of the woman and child is not in danger, the doctor will most likely have nothing against a holiday at sea in the second trimester. But in certain circumstances such a journey can become dangerous. Contraindications include:

  • too short or too long a period (before 12 and after 30 weeks);
  • late toxicosis;
  • low or high blood pressure;
  • placenta previa;
  • increased uterine tone;
  • anemia, low hemoglobin levels;
  • exacerbation of any chronic diseases or a pronounced allergic reaction;
  • threat of miscarriage or premature birth (or if they have already happened before).

If at least one of the above factors is present, long trips should be avoided, since medical attention may be required at any time, and additional stress will most likely only worsen the health of the expectant mother.

What can you do to make your vacation as safe as possible?

There are several points that you need to pay special attention to when going on a trip in an interesting situation. It is, of course, impossible to foresee everything, but it is better to take care of some things in advance:

  1. Choose a large resort with developed infrastructure (the south of Europe and Russia, Türkiye or Thailand are perfect). Avoid traveling to exotic African or Asian countries, which may require additional vaccinations.
  2. You should avoid sudden changes in temperature (more than 10 degrees), as well as overly hot countries. In addition, it is worth giving the body time to acclimatize, so the duration of the vacation should be at least 10 days.
  3. When going abroad, be sure to take out medical insurance for pregnant women from a large company, since the chances that you may need it are quite high. Medical expenses without insurance or with insufficient coverage provided by small firms may simply be unaffordable.
  4. You should not skimp on living conditions. Your vacation should be as comfortable as possible.
  5. It is not recommended to experiment with unusual local foods and drink raw water. Even if there was no tendency to food allergies or stomach disorders before pregnancy, it is unknown how the body may react now.
  6. You should check in advance the location of the nearest medical facility and telephone numbers where you can call for help.

In this way, you will be able to reduce the risk of complications and protect yourself if they occur, which means you can go on vacation calmly, without worrying that something might go wrong.

Finally

Despite the fact that during pregnancy women have to give up many of the pleasures that they pampered themselves with before, a trip to the sea is not included in this number. The main thing is to consult a doctor and make sure that nothing threatens the health of the baby. If the doctor has not identified any abnormalities, you can safely go to the seaside, forgetting about all your worries for 2, or maybe even 3 weeks.

Especially for- Ira Romaniy

Much water has passed under the bridge since then in the city baths, and fewer and fewer people were willing to unconditionally adhere to the recommendations of restrictive medicine. At the resorts of the Black Sea coast, as well as Turkey, Cyprus, the Canary Islands and the Bahamas, resort girls with an unusually wide waist and a pigment stripe below the navel were spotted. Their number is growing year by year and this is wonderful - this means that the sun, air and water are in demand by the broad masses of expectant mothers and serve their health and the bearing of healthy children. The realities of today open up unusually wide opportunities for improving the health of pregnant women at resorts. With the development of means of transport and communications, once distant resorts have become closer, the path to them is faster and more comfortable, and staying there is safer and more convenient.

Of course, pregnant women go not only on tourist trips. Often a pregnant woman goes to give birth at a specific medical center, domestic or foreign. Even the term “civil tourism” has appeared - a trip to Europe at full term, so that the newborn baby automatically receives citizenship of the European Union. Modern women are much more relaxed about the possibility of long-distance travel during pregnancy.

The attitude of official medicine to this issue has also changed. If once upon a time travelers were only advised not to eat a lot of unfamiliar fruits and wear a Panama hat, now there is an order of the Ministry of Health dated May 16, 2003, which defines indications for sanatorium treatment, as well as recommendations on how to organize rest and treatment for pregnant women in sanatoriums and health centers.

According to this document, the indication (that is, it is not just acceptable, but certainly useful) for referral to a resort is pregnancy in the period of 12-35 weeks (including the duration of stay), and in particular:

1. Anemia of pregnant women, degree I;
2. Diseases of internal organs without exacerbation in combination with pregnancy;
3. Neurocirculatory dystonia (NCD);
4. Multiple pregnancy up to 28 weeks. gestation;
5. History of miscarriages;
6. History of post-term pregnancy;
7. Birth of large (>4000 g) or small (<3000 г.) детей в анамнезе;
8. Primiparas aged 28 years and older;
9. Young primigravidas aged 18 years and younger;
10. History of infertility;
11. Body weight deficiency in a pregnant woman;
12. Working in hazardous industries, as well as living in unfavorable conditions for pregnant women.

The same document defines categories of pregnant women for whom travel to the sea is not recommended. These are pregnant women suffering from:

1. Excessive vomiting during pregnancy;
2. Late gestosis;
3. Bleeding during real pregnancy;
4. Threat of abortion;
5. With placenta previa;
6. With high and low water levels;
7. With a scar on the uterus after a cesarean section [for what?! – I.P.] ;
8. With an induced pregnancy (for example, after IVF);
9. With defects and neoplasms of the female genital organs;
10. With anemia of II and III degrees, exacerbation of chronic diseases, tuberculosis, with exacerbation of herpetic and cytomegalovirus infections.

The same order also formulates the requirements for the place of residence of expectant mothers on vacation. Pregnant women must live within the city or suburban area at a distance of no more than 30 kilometers from the nearest maternity hospital, where there are good access roads and direct telephone connections, and preferably live on the 1st floor of buildings. If we are talking about a sanatorium or other institution that accepts pregnant women for rest and treatment, they must have sanitary transport, a 24-hour nursing station and an obstetrician-gynecologist on their staff.

Thus, in order to go to a resort, it is highly advisable for a pregnant woman to visit her doctor and make sure that there are no contraindications to a long trip. Once you are convinced of this, you need to decide which transport is best to get to your destination. All types of transport have both advantages and certain disadvantages, which are useful to know about when planning a trip.

Modern airliners have a pressurized cabin into which air artificially enriched with oxygen is supplied, so there is no need to worry about changes in barometric pressure and rarefied air. But it is better to refrain from flying if you are still concerned about the effects of early toxicosis (vestibular stress can significantly intensify them). You should also not make your first acquaintance with air transport during pregnancy; it is better to be sure that flying is not scary and will not overly burden the nervous system. It is also useful to know that when boarding an airliner, a woman with obvious signs of pregnancy may be asked to present a medical document confirming the duration of pregnancy (a good reason not to forget the exchange card at home, which a pregnant woman should always have with her!), and if the period is more than 36 weeks – then and “written consent from the doctor for the flight” (“Aeroflot”). This is probably not very legal, but for complete peace of mind it is better to stock up on the necessary papers.

Rail transport has virtually no disadvantages - this method of transportation is quite comfortable and is only slightly inferior in speed to road transport. In a personal car with a pregnant woman on board, it is better to travel relatively short distances, not exceeding 800-1000 kilometers, otherwise you will need stops along the way for hot meals and a full overnight stay. Every 2 hours it is necessary to make a 15-minute stop, during which the traveler must get out of the car and do a short workout, and every 4 hours - an hour-long stop for lunch and a long rest. If the expectant mother herself acts as a replacement driver (there are also experienced motorists among pregnant women!), her driving “watch” should not last more than an hour and be repeated no more than 2 times during the day (but not at night!)

After arriving at the destination, during the 1st day of resort life, a pregnant woman needs rest, which is necessary for acclimatization - getting the body used to new climatic conditions. This is especially true for holidaymakers who moved in a longitudinal direction and crossed more than one time zone. If there are problems with sleep and wakefulness, it is better to resolve the issue in favor of sleep - go to bed early and get up later.

But now the troubles of the road are over and it’s time to think about how to effectively spend your 14-24 (and this is the length of rest and recovery that is recommended during pregnancy) spa days.

First of all, you need to relax at the resort. A change of scenery, new experiences, travel and excursions, tropical nature - all this has enormous therapeutic significance for the health of mother and baby. According to the famous Russian physiologist I.P. Pavlov, “it is necessary... to tear a person out of his environment, free him from constant worries, interrupt the flow of persistent thoughts and for a certain period of time make for him the goal of exclusive attention to health and food.” Although it cannot be said that in pursuit of new experiences, it is better for pregnant women to refrain from extreme entertainment, such as rafting, diving, jeeping, paragliding, etc. When planning an excursion program, you must remember that during pregnancy you cannot climb to a height of more than 1000 m above sea ​​level due to the possibility of a sharp change in intrauterine pressure. For this reason, and also because of the inevitable vibration, it is worth postponing helicopter excursions and horse riding lessons.

Now let's talk about what, in fact, makes a resort a resort - about physical means of healing. They are natural (natural) and preformed (hardware). Accordingly, the use of these factors for the purpose of recovery is called physiotherapy and physioprophylaxis.

The main natural wealth of most resort areas is the sea. Sea bathing – thalassotherapy– have a significant restorative and tonic effect. Ions of potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, as well as proteins and phytoncides of seaweed in trace quantities penetrate through the skin into the body tissues, having a diverse effect on the body. Sea waves produce gentle hydromassage, which reflexively affects all functional systems of the body. Recently, great importance has been attached to water immersion compression– a phenomenon in which water pressure on the human body promotes the transfer of fluid from the subcutaneous tissue into the bloodstream, thus counteracting the formation of edema, which is important during pregnancy. This biological phenomenon has already found its place in complex therapy and prevention of late gestosis.

As for swimming, you don’t need to bother yourself too much with sports swims. Moderate physical activity is very useful, but it is important that the loads are habitual and not excessive (the same applies to walking). It is better to avoid jumping into the water, especially with your feet; under certain circumstances, the water can cause a hydraulic shock directly to the cervix. However, practice has shown the safety of most water attractions for pregnant women.

Sea air is rich in ions with a negative charge. This air has a beneficial effect on redox processes, blood pressure, and circulating blood volume. Staying in the open air without clothing for medicinal purposes is called light-air bath.

Heliotherapy– therapeutic effect on the body of direct sunlight. Sunlight causes an intensification of tissue metabolism, increases the resistance of the female body to environmental factors; By increasing the production of vitamin D, it is a powerful factor in the prenatal prevention of rickets. Heliotherapy is especially important for mothers with immunocompromised pregnancies, as well as for residents of northern regions, correspondence students and other categories of pregnant women who lack sunlight.

Of course, caution is necessary when dealing with the summer sun. The danger lies in the possibility of sunburn and general overheating (heat stroke). During pregnancy, the skin is quite sensitive to the sun, but the tan may become uneven, especially on the face, where long-term pigment spots can form. Therefore, the notorious Panama hat will not hurt, and along with it, dark glasses. For sunbathing, it is better to choose the morning and early evening hours, and from lunchtime, when the sun is most active, to stay in the shade.

There are many other healing factors. What awaits pregnant women at resorts are mineral waters, salt caves, and simply new experiences and a good mood. Unfortunately, despite the high effectiveness of physiotherapy and physioprophylaxis during pregnancy aftereffect period(the time during which the received treatment continues its beneficial effect on the body) is slightly shorter in pregnant women than in non-pregnant women and ranges between 3-4 months, which, in general, is quite enough to bring great benefit to the unborn child. According to domestic scientists, pregnant women who completed a full course of physiopsychoprophylaxis had adverse birth outcomes 2½ times less often than those who did not undergo it.

pospelow.narod.ru

Any expectant mother, anticipating a trip to the sea, experiences some anxiety for her health, and even more for the health of her unborn baby. Undoubtedly, pregnant women benefit greatly from the positive emotions that a seaside holiday is rich in, but before you come to a final decision, you need to carefully weigh the pros and cons.

Influence of sea water

Sea water has a very beneficial effect on the human body. In addition to table salt, it is rich in salts of potassium, calcium and magnesium that we need so much. Sea water also contains copper and iron ions. But its most valuable “components” for the expectant mother’s body are iodine and selenium. Many people know that iodine has a positive effect on the development of the mental abilities of the unborn child, and selenium has a positive effect on the normal course of pregnancy.

Also, sea water, due to its high salt content, has an irritating effect on the skin, which causes the expansion of small blood vessels. Thanks to this, effective skin respiration develops when the body gives off carbon dioxide and absorbs oxygen with the help of skin cells. This in turn leads to improved metabolism, normalization of blood pressure, lowering blood sugar levels, and relieving swelling.

Influence of sea air

A holiday at sea means not only swimming, but also the sea air that you will treat yourself and your future baby with. Sea air is rich in negatively charged ions, which have a beneficial effect on blood pressure, redox processes and circulating blood volume.

Since most of the famous seaside resorts are located in a warm climate zone, there are always many sunny days. The sun together with the sea also has a positive effect on the body of a pregnant woman. There is even such a term as heliotherapy - the effect of sunlight on the human body for therapeutic and preventive purposes.

Infrared and ultraviolet radiation, which is rich in sunlight, due to penetration of 1 mm under the skin, will have the following healing effects on the body of a pregnant woman:

  • increases the production of vitamin D, which will serve as prenatal prevention of rickets in the fetus
  • metabolism is normalized
  • germs are killed (hospital rooms are known to be “quartzed” with UV rays)
  • immunity increases

Sea air and sun are especially beneficial for mothers with immunocompromised pregnancies, as well as other categories of pregnant women who lack sunlight (residents of the Northern regions, students, etc.)

At what stage of pregnancy can you go to the sea?

From the above it follows that the sea has a good effect on the course of pregnancy. But before you go to your vacation spot, you should familiarize yourself with the basic recommendations and warnings of doctors:

1. Only those expectant mothers whose pregnancy proceeds without complications can plan a trip to the sea. Otherwise, such a vacation may negatively affect their health.

2. Women whose pregnancy is less than 12 or more than 34 weeks are not recommended to go on vacation to the sea. In the first case, the formation of the placenta and vital organs occurs, and these processes should occur in the most comfortable conditions. In the second case, there is a risk of premature birth, and sea water can accelerate it, provoking undesirable tone of the uterine muscles during this period.

3. During pregnancy, you should forget about a budget holiday with “savages”. It is necessary to take care of the most comfortable living conditions.

4. If the sea is cool, then it is better to refrain from swimming, otherwise it may cause an increase in the tone of the uterine muscles. The water temperature should not be lower than 22⁰С. You should also hide from the scorching rays of the sun, protecting yourself from overheating.

5. Even with a very small belly, you should forget about all kinds of water activities. The most common short swim will bring maximum benefit to the expectant mother. It will help strengthen the walls of blood vessels, which is an ideal prevention of varicose veins, which often accompanies pregnancy.

6. After leaving the sea, you should not rush to take a shower. It is necessary to allow the sea salts that have covered the skin to penetrate the pores in order to have a beneficial effect on both the mother’s body and the fetus’s body.

7. While in the water, you need to listen to your own feelings. If the body of the expectant mother is covered with goose bumps, then this is the first sign of hypothermia - which means you need to stop bathing immediately. The same applies to the appearance of a feeling of fatigue in the muscles. In both cases, you should take a break, sitting comfortably on the warm sand.

Seaside holidays are contraindicated for pregnant women with the following diagnoses:

Placenta previa

The problem here is that with a low placenta, even the slightest load can cause bleeding. This feature is determined using ultrasound.

Threat of miscarriage

With this diagnosis, it is necessary to observe bed rest, and trips to the sea are completely out of the question.

Toxicosis of the second half of pregnancy

This problem is accompanied by swelling, the appearance of protein in the urine, and increased blood pressure, so staying in new conditions, as well as changes in diet, can aggravate all the negative symptoms. In this case, taking a bath with sea salt can be an excellent alternative to a trip to the sea.

Exacerbation of allergies and all kinds of chronic diseases

In this case, you should not be outside the home at all, since the need for qualified medical care may arise at any moment.

Those who have missed out on all this “happiness” can safely head to the coast. The best time for vacation is the second trimester of pregnancy, as a woman feels much more comfortable during this period. This means that a vacation at sea will bring not only benefits to her and her unborn child, but also a lot of positive emotions and pleasant memories!

“Bellies” are resting.
An expectant mother often thinks about traveling. I really want to break out of the drab everyday life and go on vacation abroad in order to gain strength before the birth of the baby, because then the vacation will be postponed for a long time. However, fear for the baby’s health forces many pregnant women to lead a sedentary lifestyle. Let's look at all the pros and cons of "pregnant" travel.

Part 1. Fees
They say that if something comes into a pregnant woman’s head, then she can’t be turned away from this whim. If you have a long-awaited vacation planned with your beloved spouse, and an equally beloved baby has settled comfortably under your heart, you should stop and think about it. Ask yourself the question of whether you are now ready to break away and go to the warmth, the sea or exciting excursions, that is, far from home and your usual doctor.

If the answer is yes, without a shadow of a doubt, we run to our doctor and tell him the good news about the trip. While a woman is in such an interesting position, the main priority in choosing a tour should not be seasonal promotions from a travel company, but a doctor’s report with the stamp “possible.”

The doctor will ask you to take tests and possibly undergo some additional tests (for example, an ultrasound). Having received the data and carefully worked through your medical history (health status, characteristics of the onset and course of pregnancy), the specialist will be able to form an opinion about your current condition and give the necessary recommendations on the tour.

The information you must provide to the doctor includes the duration (exact dates) of your vacation, planned location, transfer and number of people accompanying you. From the doctor you will receive a special certificate with a diagnosis and a cheat sheet with detailed recommendations. Perhaps, to be on the safe side, during a long flight or sudden climate change, the doctor will prescribe you antispasmodics that reduce the likelihood of tone, or vitamins.

Having enlisted the help of a specialist, pack your documents first. One passport and a check-in voucher are no longer enough for you. You must take with you your medical card, the latest research results and all necessary medical certificates. This package, like medications, should always be at hand.

Part 2. Place
It seems that your long-awaited vacation has already become very real. Medical issues have been resolved and you have received the necessary support and guarantees. Now is the time to think more carefully about the vacation spot that will become your romantic second home for a while.

If you are visited by thoughts of African-Asian exoticism, it is better to immediately say goodbye to out-of-place dreams. It is far and very unsafe. Even in the best of health, you cannot fly by plane for more than 4-5 hours. And an interesting situation does not allow most vaccinations against local pathogens.
Traveling high into the mountains is also contraindicated; the air there is thin and hypoxia occurs, which is not at all beneficial for the expectant mother and baby.

For the expectant mother, traveling to places with similar climatic conditions is most suitable. If you want to see the world, then Europe is a great place. The Baltic countries, Croatia, Sweden, and the Czech Republic will cope well with the responsibility entrusted to them to become a place of safe recreation and comfortable entertainment. And warm European corners, for example, Spain and Italy, will allow you to bask in the gentle sun.

The good old Crimea does not lag behind them with soft sunshine and healing waters. Or the fabulous Valdai and Seliger with “wild” vacation spots and well-equipped camp sites and boarding houses. In a word, the choice remains very solid.
Even a holiday in the countryside in nature will benefit the expectant mother; it will allow her to breathe in oxygen, take a walk in nature and take her mind off the bustle of the city.

We must remember!
When starting to arrange your tour, try to remain calm and not stress too much. If possible, ask one of your relatives to take care of your documents or entrust this to a tour operator for some money - this is a reasonable price for the comfort and health of you and your baby.
If possible, let your tour operator notify the receiving party (and the carrier company) about your condition when booking the trip. You may be provided with additional privileges, comfort features and travel options. This is always helpful.

Part 3. Transport
Due to natural changes in her own body, the expectant mother finds it much more difficult to tolerate any external inconvenience. A long static posture, rocking movements, changes in speed can have a negative impact on water exchange, which provokes swelling, pressure, tone and the general well-being of the expectant mother.

By plane.
Most airlines carry women up to 36 weeks pregnant; for repeat pregnancies the threshold may drop to 34 weeks. Some companies require a doctor's certificate and a declaration that you understand the risks and are responsible for them beyond 28 weeks.
An airplane is the fastest and most convenient form of transport, but also the most dangerous due to the significant stress on the body during the flight. The body of a pregnant woman easily and sensitively reacts to external changes. In particular, under gravitational overloads, the body can give a command to begin premature labor or increase the tone of the uterus. Vestibular disorders, headaches, pain and swelling in the legs - all this can be the easiest consequences of a difficult flight.

So that nothing overshadows your upcoming vacation, remember some rules of conduct on an airplane.
1. Prepare a doctor's certificate with permission to fly. You may need it when purchasing tickets and boarding.
2. If there are no contraindications, you can fly from 7-8 weeks to 7 months of pregnancy.
3. Drink plenty of water and eat food in moderation during the flight.
4. If possible, try to get out of your chair and move more often. Remove shoes and tight elastic bands and fasteners from the nose area to avoid additional stress on the veins.
5. Starting from the 7th month of pregnancy, strict flight restrictions apply.

Transfer rule No. 1: the move should be as comfortable as possible. You shouldn’t skimp on comfort, even if you are used to staying in the “economy” category.
Transfer rule No. 2: the move should be as short as possible in terms of time from your home to your vacation spot.

By bus.
Buses, unless it is an intercity trip of an hour, are not at all recommended for pregnant women due to the least comfortable conditions. Even the most comfortable bus will not allow you to find a comfortable position in your seat for the entire duration of the trip, and the driver will not stop you every two hours on the way to go to the toilet, and this is known to be one of the main problems of pregnant women.

By your car.
This is one of the most comfortable ways of transportation, since you can move to the back seat, lie down or sit with your legs raised, you can stop where it is convenient for you and when it is convenient, if the road is long, you can stay at a hotel, relax, sleep and take a shower.
However, this method of transportation also has significant disadvantages - you can get motion sickness in a car during pregnancy, roads, especially in winter, can be dangerous, the smell of gasoline can bother you and cause nausea. The stove can make you feel stuffy in winter, and opening a window risks catching a cold. In the summer, if there is no air conditioning in the car, you can feel discomfort, and with air conditioning you can catch a cold.

By train.
The comfort and convenience of the trip will directly depend on which carriage you are traveling in. A reserved seat carriage in the summer heat or severe cold will, of course, exhaust you to the point of exhaustion. There are a lot of people there, the toilet is always busy and very noisy. You can also get motion sick on the train; getting out to warm up is problematic. Traveling in a compartment or in a sleeping car is more comfortable and more expensive, but it’s worth it, the extra money for it to be comfortable and not tiring.

Part 4. On vacation
There are several immutable rules that will help you make your vacation more comfortable.
1. More presence and shadows. Avoid prolonged exposure to open sun. During pregnancy, it is especially dangerous, as it can cause problems with blood pressure and heart function, as well as uterine bleeding.
2. If you're cold, don't forget wool socks and tea with lemon (and herbs, if you can).
3. Do not walk barefoot in public places or on wet soil.
4. Drink more clean bottled water. Beware of drinking untested water and food.
5. Do not hesitate to ask a specialist any question regarding your condition and well-being, even if it seems to you that the reason is not serious.

What can a pregnant woman do on vacation?
In principle, everything is possible within reason - swimming in the sea or pools, traveling, going on excursions, admiring the beauty and sights, but everything in moderation. You shouldn’t fry on the beaches until you feel like a hot dog, walk kilometers to the shops, and eat all the local dishes, sometimes very risky, with double appetite.

In general, vacationing during pregnancy is quite possible, even abroad. The main thing is to be reasonable and not to overdo it with events and trips.