Sailing While Pregnant

[Katiusha]

And another blog (She's in the third trimester now, but in the second sailed to Grenada, I believe): Windtraveler

[Tripod]

If your doc says it's OK, go for it. My mom sailed while she was pregnant with me . . . no harm done, except for maybe my constant need to be on the water.

[foolishsailor]

Originally Posted by Tripod

If your doc says it's OK, go for it. My mom sailed while she was pregnant with me . . . no harm done, except for maybe my constant need to be on the water.

If your doc doesn't say it is ok get another doc. If you don't have any issues associated with the pregnancy, beyond the pregnancy itself, there is no reaso n not to go.

We were expecting to cross the southern Atlantic eith my wife crossing the first tri an into the second tri during that passage. Our original doc told us we were irresponsible selfish parents and more. I was in that session and you can imagine how the meeting deteriorated from there.

We changed docs, found one who was a sailor and actually specialised in "expedition medicine" and reassured us that we were not crazy and that a few baseline skills would allow us to cross in safety and with responsibility. He also was frank about the fact that there was additional risk but helped us to make an informed choice.

You are not looking to cross an ocean, just coastal cruise. If you are having a healthy pregnancy and seem one is telling you not to go my advise is to tell them to f' off and to go sailing.

Enjoy, just remember you have to be very conscious of your centre of gravity and the consequences of falling...

Good luck!

Edit...we ended up crossing the Atlantic with an 18month old....whole other set of issues...

[sj01]

Good inputs. I understand concerns. So far, aside from the traditional first tri nausea, all very healthy. We have another appointment before the trip and will ensure we are good to go. I would expect all will be well though. Sounds like, in general, we should be okay. Boat isn't THAT small at 36', so shouldn't be bad. Thank you for all the great inputs....even if they are not popular, we are trying to consider all the angles and do not intend to push too hard. If we don't make the keys, that's fine. We have TONS of places to see on the coast of Florida. Love the blogs guys! Thanks!

[cfarrar]

Seen pregnant girls sailing everywhere.

Hmmm... Correlation or causation?

[sj01]

UPDATE:
We're back. I'm a bit more bruised, but fared the trip well. No sickness other than a little nausea when would forget to eat or drink at regular intervals. I DID recall which side to hang over when sick LOL* Only really happened once or twice. No witnesses besides Hubby (thankfully) and the dogs will never tell. I think I did much better on the boat than on land with the nausea and slept better on the boat by far...I zonked out! Good stuff...it can be done.

[Red Charlotte]

Whooohooo and congrats. Glad it went well!

[Katiusha]

Glad to hear!
Just one note of experience: I went for a check-up after sailing and my doctor told me that I was a bit dehydrated (too little fluid), so I had to go on a less activity, more water, more protein diet for a bit, which fixed the problem very quickly.

Good luck with the rest of 9 months!!

[gjordan]

Wife and I delivered a 35 foot Cal from Hawaii to San Francisco when she was 3 monthes along. A little extra sleep, but no problem at all. 2 years later we did the same trip in a 38 footer with our 18 month old son. That was way harder on the wife. Do it whenever you can.____Grant.

[gjordan]

I had forgotten that we did 2 Hawaii/Calif deliveries that year. The only trip my wife ever got seasick on was before we knew that she was pregnant. She was rather lathargic and sick for several days. When we did the trip at 3 monthes along she was fine._____Grant.

[sj01]

Oh I imagine it WILL be way harder with a baby on board. We had 3 dogs and preggo wifey this trip...add a baby to that and it's going to be, um, interesting?

[Gelflingsmom]

I think you are brave! I hope all goes well.... I have a hard time moving around the deck and cabin and I'm not preg. My husband worries people with think he his beating me. Be safe!