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November 2015 Moms
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Swimming/vacation

JStill0603JStill0603 member
in November 2015 Moms
I'm leaving Saturday for a beach vacation with my whole family. Someone mentioned to me that I shouldn't swim in the ocean... Has anyone else heard of this?
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Re: Swimming/vacation

  • FalchasFalchas member
    I've heard this before too, I can't really say I have ever seen any real science behind it, but call your doc and see what they say.  I'm leaving for the beach tomorrow as well and will be floating happily in the ocean all day.  Did with my first too, I say enjoy the water.
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  • CarrieOct15CarrieOct15 member
    I'd say don't swim in a dirty pond or lake, but I'm sure the ocean is fine. If you're unsure, check with your OB. They'll probably tell you just don't swallow the water. Lol
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  • VexyMommyVexyMommy member
    I live 15 minutes away from the Atlantic and have never heard of this.  It may have some validity if you've already lost your mucus plug, but I trust that's not the case in this instance. 
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  • jessicabonnerjjessicabonnerj member
    I probably wouldn't go if the waves were too rough. You don't want to get knocked around.
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  • Barker2+1Barker2+1 member
    I have heard to make sure you drink extra water if you are swimming in the ocean cause the salt water can dehydrate you but other than that I think it is fine I am going to the beach in a couple of weeks and totally plan to walk in the water with my kiddos
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  • amandalt823amandalt823 member
    edited June 2015
    I've heard this but never paid much attention to it. I live 1/2 mile from the beach and go all the time. I may not go in later in my pregnancy if the waves are too rough. 
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  • maura+cmaura+c member
    I went to the beach my last pregnancy and baby was just fine. I did have the same fear as you because someone told me the same thing. Anyway, called my OB and she said it's not a problem. So I say, swim away!! Have lots of fun
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  • JStill0603JStill0603 member
    Called my OB and she said not to swim in the ocean. I thought the same thing... What do women who live by the ocean do? (I'm in Ohio btw) I'm so confused and disappointed too...
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  • magnolia0212magnolia0212 member
    JStill0603 said:
    Called my OB and she said not to swim in the ocean. I thought the same thing... What do women who live by the ocean do? (I'm in Ohio btw) I'm so confused and disappointed too...
    Did she give you a reason? I've never heard of this before.
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  • JStill0603JStill0603 member
    No reason given. The rest of her advice seemed good... Use sunscreen because sunburn makes you prone to dehydration and preterm labor, drink plenty of water and take more frequent stops during the drive to walk as pregnancy also makes you more vulnerable to blood clots.

    I can't decide if I'm going to follow her advice to stay out of the ocean or not... Ugh. Now I feel like I sound like a terrible person!
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  • FavoritemandmsFavoritemandms member
    magnolia0212 said:
    JStill0603 said:
    Called my OB and she said not to swim in the ocean. I thought the same thing... What do women who live by the ocean do? (I'm in Ohio btw) I'm so confused and disappointed too...
    Did she give you a reason? I've never heard of this before.
    jessicabonnerj mentioned, maybe stay away from rough waters and don't go in too far. Your balance may be off and the waves probably won't feel good. Not to mention being slammed down and choking in salt and sand. 
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  • SquirtgunSquirtgun member
    edited June 2015
    I'm putting this out there as a possible reason, although I've never heard of anyone saying that you couldn't go in the ocean while pregnant.
    We went to the beach when daughter was about 8 months old, and she got really bad impetigo, which is caused by the staph virus. Her pediatrician said that it's actually pretty common to catch it from going to the beach.
    So, maybe because something like that would be really bad to get while pregnant??
    I don't know. I'm just throwing it out there as maybe a reason why...

    Edited: autocorrect doesn't understand me.
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  • Pontot31Pontot31 member
    Favoritemandms said:

    This literally makes zero sense.


    ETA: I'm not trying to be rude, I just think people say a LOT of ridiculousness that suggest pregnant women need to spend 9 months in a bubble. Do you think pregnant women who live tropical climates spend their entire pregnancy out of the water?
    This.
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  • Marchmellow2Marchmellow2 member
    What?!! Seriously? I'm going on vacation to the beach for the weekend too! This sounds so ridiculous. I'm calling my doc now.

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  • FavoritemandmsFavoritemandms member
    @Marchmellow2, if you get approval, can you try to find out WHY OP's doc may be saying no? I am seriously curious.
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  • Marchmellow2Marchmellow2 member
    edited June 2015
    Just messaged my OB. She says it's totally fine! And to enjoy. And that they've never heard it before. They said they just limit hot tub use in the first trimester.

    Edited typo

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  • slanzecslanzec member
    edited June 2015
    I just emailed my OB this question because I'm going to Cancun in August....and asked if it was true what the reasoning is...I'll post what she says.


    OB got back to me....she said no reason not.to swim in the ocean and have a great vacation.

    Edited to add OB response.
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  • kmd91kmd91 member
    I live in Hawaii, and I've heard it mentioned. But that certainly doesn't stop me or any of the other pregnant ladies I see at the beach from getting in the water. Though, for several weeks early on I couldn't get in because I would get seasick just from being in the water with the waves. But that's neither here nor there.
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  • VexyMommyVexyMommy member
    I will say you should probably watch for any advisories such as riptides and sometimes beaches do get closed down due to bacteria or other microbes in the water.  Also watch out for jellyfish. 
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  • 2octobermama2octobermama member
    I would call your doctor back and ask for rational. I've had plenty of friends go on beach baby moons and have swam in the ocean with no issues from their OB. I'm not going anywhere near the ocean, but plan in spending lots of times in lakes this summer. Have a good vacation!
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  • CarrieOct15CarrieOct15 member
    JStill0603 said:
    Called my OB and she said not to swim in the ocean. I thought the same thing... What do women who live by the ocean do? (I'm in Ohio btw) I'm so confused and disappointed too...
    Hey fellow Ohioan! :D

    I would probably swim in the ocean anyway, if I was lucky enough to live by one.
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  • sdw84sdw84 member
    I asked my doctor if I could go into the ocean and he said it was completely fine. I agree with PP that if the waters are rough maybe stay away.
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  • hermes1972hermes1972 member
    It's not true... I just came back from Miami ( part time place of leaving ) it's totally fine . Go and enjoy the waives just watch for jelly fish .
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  • AMG901AMG901 member
    What?! Seriously would like to know the reason behind this? I understand 'dangerous situations' etc but I've just had a lovely holiday swimming around in the sea.. Da fuq?!
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  • magnolia0212magnolia0212 member
    Elyse1384 said:

    Huh???? Never heard of such a thing.  Is your OB afraid some sushi will float into your mouth???

    Ha! I just laughed really hard at this! :))
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  • cattledog1979cattledog1979 member
    I swam in the ocean during my first pregnancy and got stung by a jellyfish twice! The baby was absolutely fine. This is my second pregnancy and we're at the beach this week. Crossing my fingers that the jellyfish stay away from Georgia. ;)
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  • DrMommaDVMDrMommaDVM member
    I think you are supposed to avoid shark-infested water and rip currents while pregnant, but I could be wrong.
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  • ash413ash413 member
    My husband and I are going to Jamaica in August because I have to get my ocean time at least once a year. I feel my OB is overly cautious, and even she didn't care lol.
            
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  • DylansCandyBarDylansCandyBar member
    Squirtgun said:

    I'm putting this out there as a possible reason, although I've never heard of anyone saying that you couldn't go in the ocean while pregnant.
    We went to the beach when daughter was about 8 months old, and she got really bad impetigo, which is caused by the staph virus. Her pediatrician said that it's actually pretty common to catch it from going to the beach.
    So, maybe because something like that would be really bad to get while pregnant??
    I don't know. I'm just throwing it out there as maybe a reason why...

    Edited: autocorrect doesn't understand me.

    I live in Florida, Miami to be exact (my entire life). I go to the beach all the time and have my whole life. Never once have gotten impetigo, nor have any of my family. I don't think it's that common.

    My doctors have never told me not to go in the ocean while pregnant.
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  • jsawickijsawicki member
    Impetigo is most often caught in hot climates, crowded places, and lots of small children.when I was little for example I got impetigo well at Disneyland. So it would be possible to get it on a crowded beach but no more than any other crowded hot places with kids.
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  • VexyMommyVexyMommy member
    You can also just keep your head above water.  I probably wouldn't recommend swimming out too far anyways since tides and currents can be very different than what you're used to at home.  Our bodies also tire more easily right now and it would be awful to learn your new limits while still far from shore. 
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  • Lsager424Lsager424 member
    She's probably just being cautious. It is sharknado season after all.
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  • Escheffler34Escheffler34 member
    I live 10 minutes from the beach and go in the ocean at least 1 day a week. I don't go in if it's too rough... but other than that I see no reason not to enjoy yourself! And obviously what previous posters said about sunscreen staying hydrated etc is important
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  • geekgirl613geekgirl613 member

    I had to Google this because it just doesn't make sense.  This is what I found on livestrong.com, which does make sense, but as long as you are cautious I think it would be fine:

    Swimming can eliminate strain on your joints, which can be extremely helpful for moms-to-be who have to constantly carry around additional weight. Before you step into the ocean though, be aware of some issues. In the ocean, a pregnant woman needs to be aware of what can be lurking in the water, including jellyfish, anemones and hydroids, which can sting and cause pain, according to DrGreene.com. In rare cases, sharks can also be a danger. Avoid swimming in areas where sharks are common and swim with other people. Avoid swallowing ocean water because it can be contaminated with untreated sewage from fertilizers, pets, boats and faulty septic systems. Chemicals and bacteria in the water can cause gastrointestinal illness, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Other dangers include waves that can knock you down, strong currents and sunburn.

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