Staying active when pregnant is highly recommended. As a pregnant woman, there are so many things that you might get to hear about what you can or can’t do at this crucial stage of your life.
Activities like hiking, camping, fishing, and other sports are great to indulge in when pregnant. These can help you stay active during the entire term. But you need to be mindful of certain things. You need to prepare yourself accordingly to make the most of your time and ensure your and your child’s safety while at it!
Here are a few things you need to bear in mind when preparing for a prenatal hike:
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1. Talk to Your Doctor First
You’re carrying an entire life inside of you, which doubles your responsibility. This means that it is essential for you to get a go-ahead from your doctor first before you set out on a hiking adventure.
While long-time, experienced hikers may deem hiking an extremely safe activity, hiking while pregnant is a completely different scenario. This is especially true if you have a complicated pregnancy. Your doctor can examine you fully and give you some tips that can be useful for you.
2. Pack Enough Food Supplies and Water
Typically, it is advised that you minimize what you bring to your hiking trip, but when pregnant, it is important to carry everything you might need. You naturally end up feeling hungrier when pregnant. So carry plenty of snacks with you along with energizing foods like bananas or nuts. These can give you instant energy without making you feel too heavy.
Also, make sure to carry ample water with you. Staying hydrated when pregnant is critical. You will feel extra thirsty when hiking, so take enough to keep you going throughout. Pack more than you need so you don’t have to search for a water filter when thirsty.
3. Set Realistic Goals
You might be very active, and hiking might be your favorite thing to do. But when you’re pregnant, you are more likely to get tired quickly. Not just that, but you might even feel nauseous and experience some morning sickness. You know yourself best, so set realistic goals in accordance with what you know you can do.
You must listen to your body and go with the flow. Keep reminding yourself that you are carrying another human inside of you. You cannot possibly go at the same pace you did before you were pregnant. Setting realistic goals will also help you save yourself from any disappointment that you might face later on. Even during the hike, if you feel that you need to rest and don’t have the energy to move on, slow down and pause for a while.
4. Evaluate the Terrain Carefully
When hiking for two, you will see your belly growing, and you will also gain weight. With a bigger belly, you are likely to be thrown off your center of gravity, which means you can also lose your balance. So when hiking while pregnant, it is best to stick to less elevated trails.
Evaluate the trail and opt for one that has lesser technical sections to avoid tripping. Pregnancy is a critical stage of your life, so you must be extra careful. While it is great to remain active and engage in activities you love, you must also understand that this is a huge responsibility you’re shouldering. So it is always best to be prepared and have ample know-how.
5. Remain at Low Altitudes
Hiking at high altitudes is always more fun because the views are the best. But when you’re pregnant, you need to stay below 12,000 feet. The higher you go, the lower the oxygen levels, which is not good for a mama-to-be. Lesser oxygen can negatively impact the baby, causing multiple health problems, including lower birth weight.
Besides, staying below 12,000 feet is a reasonable compromise, isn’t it? However, if you still wish to go to a higher altitude, seek permission from your doctor, who can examine your condition and guide you better.
6. Wear the Right Shoes
The right footwear can help you stay upright when hiking and can also help you balance yourself better. With a big belly, it is common to experience backaches, and the right footwear can help you prevent that too.
If you don’t own a pair of shoes that give you the support you need, visit your local sports shop and find trail shoes that offer the best traction. Try them on to see if they suit you, and then buy them based on your preferences.
7. Buy Hiking Poles
Even if you are an experienced hiker, you might need extra support when pregnant. Maintaining balance at this crucial stage of your life is all the more critical. So try to buy some hiking poles. These can also help take the pressure off your knees.
8. Protect Your Skin
During pregnancy, you might notice that your skin becomes extra sensitive. This means that you need to protect it from the sun. Generously apply sunscreen to all areas that are exposed to the sun. Also, carry some sunscreen with you to apply as needed. Try to get sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to help you get ample protection.
9. Take Your Cell Phone with You
When you go hiking, it is a great idea to leave all gadgets behind and enjoy the peace of nature. But when you’re pregnant, you must have a means of communication with you, if need be. This is all the more important if you are hiking in your third trimester and the baby can arrive anytime. You need to have a mode of communication with significant others and your doctor in case you need any help.
With these useful tips, you can surely prepare for your prenatal hike best and make the most of it!