All You Need to Know About Snorkelling While Pregnant

If you’re reading this and you’re pregnant – first of all, congratulations! Secondly, you may have received the news that scuba diving while pregnant is an absolute no-no. For ladies who love to explore the underwater magic, this can be a bit of a disappointing discovery. Can you snorkel while pregnant, though? Absolutely!

Snorkelling is a great alternative to diving, and you can enjoy this leisurely sport throughout your whole pregnancy. That said, there are a number of considerations and cautions you should take when snorkelling while pregnant. Just like anything else, risk factors might be increased due to having a little bun in the oven, but all it takes is a bit of awareness.

So expectant mothers, you don’t have to give up that dreamy underwater world just yet! Read on for everything you need to know about snorkelling while pregnant, from tips to considerations and advice.

Consider your fitness level

Snorkelling is rarely considered to be vigorous exercise, but it’s still worth looking at your fitness level before hitting the water. Have you snorkelled before? If not, be wary if you’ll be snorkelling for the first time while pregnant. It’s not that it’s dangerous, it just may be uncomfortable. In fact, a 2009 Brazilian study published in the journal ‘Reproductive Health’ concluded that water aerobics are completely safe during pregnancy, even amongst women who are not used to exercise.

Heading out on a snorkel tour?

If you’re lucky enough to be heading out on a snorkelling holiday while pregnant, you’ll likely be going on a boat tour that’ll take you out to the best snorkel spots. If this is the case, be aware that some snorkelling tour operators may not allow pregnant women to come along for the ride. This is mostly due to bumpy/wavy boat rides and will often depend on weather conditions an the current, but it’s still an important consideration to make before booking that tour.
Speak to the tour operator beforehand, let them know that you’re pregnant, and be aware that there may be a risk of slipping over/sudden movements while travelling on the boat.

Don’t hold your breath

While it might be tempting to freedive below the surface of the water to get a closer look at that beautiful coral, try to avoid holding your breath while snorkelling when pregnant. Your baby requires a steady and constant supply of oxygen, and holding your breath is never a good idea (or worth it).

It’s absolutely important to practice your breathing with the