What expectant mothers should pay attention to in the summer
Summer has arrived, and many expectant mothers are wondering if they can travel to other places for vacation, if they can swim in the sea, or if they can sunbathe.
Many expectant mothers wonder whether they can travel to other destinations for holidays, swim in the sea, or sunbathe. Obstetrician – gynecologist Sotiris Trompoukis provides advice and guidance for pregnant women so they can enjoy the summer while protecting the health of the fetus and themselves.
As he explains to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA), in most cases, travel is not prohibited during pregnancy. However, pregnant women should know that travel is not allowed in cases with a history of miscarriages or if there are complications in the pregnancy. Travel is also not recommended when women are taking medication to reduce uterine contractions, or in cases of restricted fetal growth.
Dr. Trompoukis notes that expectant mothers should avoid very long trips and make frequent stops to avoid immobility. They should stretch their legs and walk to promote good blood circulation. Travel is best undertaken in the first and second trimester, and it is advised to avoid it in the third trimester.
Most pregnant women without complications can travel by plane, says Dr. Trompoukis. He adds that most airlines do not allow boarding after 37 weeks of pregnancy and recommends carrying a medical certificate from their gynecologist.
For those who choose to fly, it is best to select an aisle seat to make it easier to get up. To avoid the risk of venous thrombosis, women should stretch their legs regularly, walk often in the aircraft cabin, and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. In addition, they should ask their doctor whether they should wear special compression stockings to improve blood circulation.
Sunbathing
The next question many expectant mothers ask is whether they can sunbathe. During summer, it is best for pregnant women not to aim for a tan, because during pregnancy the skin is more sensitive (hormones lead to increased melanin production), which makes them prone to spots, pigmentation, and even sunburns. Sunbathing should be avoided during midday hours, and pregnant women should prefer shady, cool places, staying hydrated, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, and using the right sunscreen with an SPF of over 30. Sunscreen should be applied half an hour before sun exposure for better absorption and reapplied frequently—every two hours and always after swimming.
Swimming
Expectant mothers should follow some basic rules at the beach to avoid risks to the fetus and themselves. Swimming is indeed an ideal exercise that relieves tension, reduces leg swelling, and relaxes pregnant women, but the sea can hide dangers.
Swimming is allowed during all months of pregnancy except the ninth, and always with gentle movements. Pregnant women should never swim alone but always with company, since they may suddenly feel unwell and need help. Muscle cramps may also occur in the water. In such cases, they should remain calm, lie on their back until the cramp subsides, and then exit the sea.
Furthermore, expectant mothers should not swim between 11:00 and 17:00 and should not stay in the sea for more than 15 minutes. Diving and water sports are strictly forbidden to prevent accidents, and sudden temperature changes should be avoided. This means they should enter the water gradually and not suddenly, and they should not remain in cold water for too long.
Immediately after swimming, they should rinse thoroughly with water and change swimsuits to avoid vaginal infections or catching a cold. They should choose beaches with a Blue Flag and avoid lying directly on the sand to prevent infections—always use a mat or towel and stay under an umbrella.
The sea is a better option than the swimming pool. Pregnant women who prefer pools should make sure that strict hygiene and cleanliness rules are followed. If the water is not clean, there is a risk of infections that could cause pregnancy complications.
Sotirios Trompoukis
Obstetrician – Gynecologist
www.sotiristrompoukis.gr
(Source: ANA-MPA)