Ask Our Expert - Safe Lake Activities When Pregnant

September 06, 2008

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Specializing in pregnancy and birth.


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Ask Dr. Greenfield Safe Lake Activities When Pregnant

QUESTION


Dear Dr. Greenfield, We are getting ready to go on a vacation to a lake. Is it safe to jet ski and ride in a speed boat during the early stages of pregnancy? — Concerned Vacationer in Oklahoma

ANSWER	July 18, 2001


Dear Concerned Vacationer, There is no reason to think that bumping around in a boat would pose any risk to an early pregnancy. Remember that the baby is well protected in your uterus, in a nice water-cushioned sac. That said, there is some concern that forceful entry of water into the vagina, such as can happen in water skiing, is dangerous in pregnancy. The engorged blood vessels of the uterus and vagina can allow the lake water to enter the mother's bloodstream--with fatal results. It would be best to avoid activities that might involve a hard landing of your bottom in the water, where the water could be forced up into your vagina. Most other water exercises, including swimming, are great in pregnancy and pose no excess risk to you or the baby. For more information, see our article on travel and have a great trip! — by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D.

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