Moms who spend time in green spaces tend to feel less stressed out and have a lower chance of dealing with complications like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should go all out and try extreme sports like rock climbing or horseback riding! But hey, there are plenty of safe outdoor activities you can still have a blast with while expecting.
Before you head outside, remember to slather on the sunscreen and ensure you use a pregnancy-safe product that doesn’t contain chemicals like oxybenzone and avobenzone. Look for mineral-based sunscreens, or just take your pick from the best pregnancy-safe sunscreens reviewed by moms and experts.
Here are some pregnancy-safe outdoor activities:
- Swimming – Swimming is regarded as one of the safest outdoor activities to engage in during pregnancy because it’s an excellent low-impact exercise and it is also incredibly relaxing. Your natural buoyancy in water means you’re carrying less weight on your limbs, which helps alleviate joint strain and reduces pressure on your back and pelvis.
- Prenatal Yoga – While you can practice any type of low-intensity exercise outdoors, prenatal yoga sessions are particularly relaxing and easy on your body. In addition to clearing your mind, prenatal yoga also builds strength and flexibility with its combination of gentle stretches and poses tailored to support the changes in your body.
- Walking – Walking is a simple yet effective way to stay active during pregnancy, providing cardiovascular benefits without excessive strain on the joints. It can be easily incorporated into daily routines, allowing you to enjoy the fresh air outdoors and boosting your mood. To ease back pain, which can be quite a problem as your baby continues to grow, try using a maternity support belt.
- Gardening – This may seem like a dull endeavour for some people, but it’s extremely rewarding and a completely non-strenuous activity, which makes it perfect when you’re expecting it. In addition to getting some physical activity and sunshine, you’re also rewarded with your own beautiful garden in the end, which gives you a sense of accomplishment.
- Fishing – The idea of sitting around waiting for fish to take the bait may seem tedious, but it can be very relaxing and helps build patience, which will come in very handy in the near future! Fishing can also be a fun group activity, providing you with very gentle exercise and stress relief as you take in the outdoors. Just make sure to choose a well-shaded location that has stable footing so you don’t fall.
- Camping – Camping can provide you with opportunities for relaxation, recreation, and bonding with loved ones in the great outdoors. Before you set out just ensure that you have comfortable sleeping arrangements, access to clean water, and restroom facilities. As is the case with any outdoor activity during pregnancy, don’t engage in anything strenuous – leave the heavy lifting for others.
- Picnic at a Park – Picnics bring back fond memories of childhood; all the more reason to enjoy this delightful outdoor activity as a mum-to-be! Picnics don’t require rigorous physical activity as what you do is entirely your choice – whether you’d like to stroll around with loved ones, sprawl out under the shade of a tree and enjoy a meal, or just read a book by yourself.
- Explore Your Surroundings – Most of us go through our days oblivious to what’s around us. Do some research and visit the nearest parks, botanical gardens, animal sanctuaries, or natural monuments. It’s a great way to connect with nature, get to know your local area even better, and to bond with loved ones.
- Outdoor Dance Events – So long as you’re not doing big jumps, overstretching, or doing the splits, dance can be one of the best forms of exercise during pregnancy. In fact, prenatal dance activity can promote cognitive and motor development in your baby. From gentle ballet or traditional waltzes to lively Salsa or Rumba sessions, most outdoor dance classes will give you a good workout and some added excitement.
Last but not least, don’t forget to take basic precautions. Stay hydrated and bring snacks for energy, don’t over-exert yourself, and make sure you have an easy way to quit or exit the activity and go back home in case of an emergency or physical injury. Take care of yourself, Mom!
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