After inviting a group of friends to go kayaking, I learned that one of my female friends had recently become an expecting mother. After congratulating her and her husband, we began to question if kayaking could be safe for a pregnant woman. I decided to sit down and do as much research as I could to make sure my friend could tag along safely.
Kayaking is a calming pastime that can make any pregnant woman feel at ease better than any other activity. The question “Is it safe to kayak while pregnant?” is a tricky one. The short answer is: Talk to your doctor and make sure you understand your own body’s limitations. Depending on you and your baby’s health, you may be able to hop right into a kayak, however, you will want to pass the trip up if you have a high-risk pregnancy or expected complications. You would also want to be acclimated to kayaking, plan your trip properly, and be as safe as possible. Let’s look into what you need to consider before kayaking while pregnant.
Talk to Your Doctor First
Your doctor should always be consulted before taking on new activities while pregnant, he/she is there specifically for the well-being of you and your child. Listening to your doctor is important and their advice should be carefully followed. If you’re expecting complications during your pregnancy or it is considered high risk, your doctor will almost certainly steer you away from any physical activity, even something as easy as kayaking.
With that being said, it is normal for each physician to recommend something different. If you find yourself disagreeing with your doctor, you can always get a second opinion. If you find your second opinion agreeing with the advice of your first, it is best to follow their advice.
Know Your Body’s Limits
Ultimately, the decision to take to the water in a kayak is up to you. Knowing your personal limits are important when taking on a task, especially when pregnant. You will find your body rapidly changing all throughout pregnancy and each day will bring new struggles. Understanding your body and how it is changing is a key step in determining rather kayaking while pregnant is safe for you.
After being pregnant for a little while you may notice that:
- Your muscles have stretched and may not be as strong as before
- You have gained weight depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy
- You may not be accustomed to your new shape or size that comes with being pregnant
- You may have become physically out of shape by being less active than you used to
Also knowing the physical requirements of kayaking are important, if you are an experienced kayaker you will know what to expect, even though it may be harder than the last time you went. If you are inexperienced in kayaking, you may want to read up on the demanded effort, even though very light, is needed.
Kayaking Is Good Exercise
Unlike bike riding or running, kayaking is relatively easy to do and good exercise. Paddling a kayak works muscle groups in your upper arms, shoulders, and upper back. Exercise and physical activity are important, especially when pregnant. Your doctor may agree that kayaking in calm lake waters is a good source of exercise for an expectant mother.
I’ve also been told that the simple pleasure of sitting down during activity while pregnant is highly sought after. You will find your feet swelling, hips and legs aching, your knees and ankles will also be bothersome. Sitting down while exercising will probably sound good to you, and kayaking just so happens to deliver in the perfect way.
Being a non-weight bearing sport, meaning that your legs and feet will not suffer because there is no weight on them, kayaking is nearly a perfect pastime for a pregnant woman.
I would also like to take the time to mention Emily Jackson, a professional kayaker who took first place in the Women’s Freestyle at the Payette River Games in Cascade, Idaho. Did I mention that she won this award while being nine months pregnant? That’s right. Now keep in mind that Emily is a world-class athlete who has kayaked for a very long time and competed at a high level. It is also worth noting that she also had no complications and a low-risk pregnancy. I found this to be extremely encouraging and thought it fit in this article perfectly, proving that in the right conditions kayaking can be done by nearly anyone.
For now, you may want to stick to flat water lakes and move slowly and smoothly.
Be as Safe as Possible
A kayaking day trip can be tiring on its own, being pregnant is sure to add to the challenges it may bring. Make sure you pack the essentials such as sunscreen, water, lunch, and maybe a couple of snacks. Stick to calm waters, never go kayaking alone, and A PFD (Personal Flotation Device) is also a must bring. Don’t forget to plan your adventure!
Your health and well-being are important to the health of your child. Staying adequately hydrated and well fed is important for anyone looking to spend a day on the lake. The weather may feel pleasant when you leave home but it will quickly change once you hit the water. The sun will beat down on you in the middle of the water so you may want to pack an umbrella as well.
The key to enjoying a pleasant kayaking trip is just that, having a pleasant trip. Avoid fast moving water and anywhere large boats may be present. If something were to happen to cause you to flip out of your kayak, it may be difficult to get back in especially while pregnant. Avoiding bumps to your midsection is paramount while pregnant, so choose a safe location wisely! Medium sized lakes are perfect for serene kayak adventures.
Another huge tip is to never go kayaking alone. Although it can be done, it should not be. Just like with anything else, the buddy system functions well while kayaking. Having another person with you is priceless if you find yourself needing assistance or calling for help. If anything, your buddy can help you in and out of your kayak; which can also be quite difficult.
Lastly, Wear your PFD! If you own a PFD that you have used previously, you should make sure it still fits before you head out to the lake only to find out that you can no longer fit into it. Wearing your PFD is incredibly important, it can and will save your life! Even if you’re a confident, strong swimmer, you need to wear your PFD. Keep in mind that not only your life is in your hands, but your little one as well. This is the PFD I recommend (Amazon).
Oh, and one more thing, be prepared to pee a lot!
Make Sure You Choose the Right Kayak
Choosing the right kayak is important, however, it is not necessary to buy a new just because you are pregnant. You want to consider a tandem kayak, one that supports two people, that way if you get worn out you can have your buddy do all the work. It is also much easier to load and unload a single kayak rather than two. Plus, you won’t have to worry about becoming dead weight in a kayak should you become exhausted.
You may also want to look into the style of your kayak, rather it is a sit-in or sit-on-top. Each style of kayak can be difficult to get in and out for anyone, this may be increasingly difficult for someone who is far along in a pregnancy. Sit-on-top kayaks will more than likely be easier for a pregnant woman but it all comes down to preference. If you choose or have no other choice than, a sit-in kayak; a buddy can help you get in and out of it.
If you choose to use your old kayak, which can be perfectly fine, make sure that you still fit the weight range on the kayak. Most experts recommend having a kayak that has a weight limit of 100-150 pounds of your current weight If you bought the proper kayak for your size before and have not gained a ton of baby weight, you should be fine. Still, it is worth checking into, especially when bringing along gear and supplies for your adventure. I recommend fishing gear, but maybe that is just me.
In Closing..
Kayaking is fun and a carefree hobby when done properly; just because you are pregnant you shouldn’t miss out on the fun! Here are the key takeaways:
Remember to consult your doctor, even getting a second opinion if you find yourself disagreeing with your original physician.
Know your body and it’s limits to help you in making the decision that best suits you and your unborn child.
Kayaking is a good exercise for a pregnant woman, it allows you to sit down and exercise at the same time. Later in pregnancy when your legs hurt relentlessly, you will be thankful for an activity that is not only fun and keeps you active but at the same time will keep you off your feet.
Be safe. Pack plenty of food and water, even consider bringing an umbrella. Don’t forget to always wear your PFD and bring a buddy along for the journey, you never know when you may need a helping hand! Lastly, choose a medium-sized lake for calm flat water, that way the risks of flipping a substantially lower.
If you can, look into purchasing the kayak that is best for you, this is not necessary if you already own one, but it may make your time a bit more easy and enjoyable. Don’t forget to make sure you fit the weight limit.
One last thing, get out there and enjoy yourself. I find that mothers normally feel expected to give up the majority of their lives for their young ones. While this may be somewhat true, do not be afraid to get out and enjoy what you like doing. If you truly enjoy kayaking, stick to it, and eventually, you will be able to introduce your child to the wonderful world of kayaking and the extraordinary community around it.