Camping can be a great way to spend time with your family, and it’s also an opportunity for you to bond as well. Before you pack up the tent, make sure that you’re prepared for any potential complications that might happen when camping while pregnant.
Camping while 7 months pregnant is a great way to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. Here are some tips that will help you on your journey.
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Camping may be a lovely experience during pregnant. Fresh air, exercise, and time away from the cares of daily life may be both exciting and calming.
When planning a camping vacation while pregnant, you’ll want to give yourself a little additional time to pack and prepare.
We’ll go over some things here that will help you make your vacation as comfortable, safe, and enjoyable as possible. While many women are aware of some of these, it is helpful to be informed throughout the trip planning phase.
1 – Provide the most comfortable sleeping environment possible
Getting a good night’s sleep during pregnancy may be difficult, particularly after the first trimester. Many women, in particular, suffer from aches and pains in their backs, hips, and legs. Sleeping on a hard surface, such as the ground of a tent, might aggravate this.
To assist with this, bring an extra-thick cushion or air mattress to sleep on. Also, if you usually use a pregnant cushion, remember to bring one with you.
Keep in mind that you may be more prone to overheating at night, so even in milder temperatures, taking a lightweight blanket in addition to a sleeping bag may be beneficial in case you wake up feeling too hot.
You’ll also want to pack a comfy chair to relax in throughout the day—perhaps one that reclines and enables you to put your feet up.
2 – Stay away from high-altitude destinations
Our bodies get less oxygen at higher elevations, which might be dangerous during pregnancy. Due to the increased risk of heart palpitations and dyspnea in women who aren’t used to being active at higher elevations, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends traveling pregnant women against activities at high altitudes.
They also advise avoiding sleeping at altitudes higher than 12,000 feet and to gradually raise altitude throughout travel to give the body time to acclimate.
3 – Plan for long drives accordingly
If you’re going camping somewhere far away from home, make sure you plan on stopping often. Because blood clots are a problem during pregnancy, walking and stretching the muscles in your legs should be done often.
Morning sickness may be worse by the action of driving for some women, and if this is a problem for you, getting out and walking about in the fresh air will frequently help.
You may also discover that you need to use the potty more often than usual, so plan on spending more time traveling than usual.
4 – Make certain you wear appropriate footwear.
Remember that your feet will swell during pregnancy if you’ll be on your feet a lot, particularly if you’ll be trekking. If you expect to have swelling, carry an additional pair of shoes or boots in a size larger than your usual size.
Because pregnancy might throw your balance off, be sure that whichever shoes you bring have plenty of grip to avoid falling.
In a similar vein, make sure that any trekking you undertake is on somewhat level and readily navigable trails to prevent tripping.
5 – Consider Your Camping Area’s Bathroom Situation
Because pregnant women need to use the toilet often, this is something to consider while looking for a campsite. It is essential that you consider your comfort throughout the planning portion of your vacation.
6 – Plan for downtime in your schedule.
Pregnancy takes a toll on your body and energy levels, so create time in your calendar to just rest.
Because your fluid needs rise throughout pregnancy, it is critical that you take frequent pauses to stop and drink water.
Pregnant women should drink around 10 cups of water or other fluids each day, according to the Mayo Clinic. Another advantage of taking frequent breaks throughout the day is that it is easier to remember to drink this amount on a busy camping trip.
Because foot discomfort is prevalent among pregnant women, you may wish to relax and raise your legs from time to time. Stretching for a few minutes might also help you stay comfortable.
7 – Avoid being bitten by insects
According to Smithsonian Magazine, pregnant women receive twice as many mosquito bites as the general public. You may also be concerned about tick bites.
Clothing that covers the whole body is always beneficial. Mosquito nets are also handy in some camping situations.
Bug repellents may also be beneficial in certain situations. The Environmental Working Group offers a helpful resource on the subject of insect repellent usage while pregnant.
8 – Bring Food and Drinks That Are Safe for Pregnant Women
Many pregnant women have morning sickness and dietary aversions. Some women feel better after the first trimester, while others have problems throughout their pregnancy.
If you think you’ll have morning sickness on your vacation, bring ginger snaps, crackers, or whatever other items you’ve discovered to be beneficial.
Similarly, be sure you include plenty of the meals you tolerate well, as well as enough of high-fiber snacks. It’s a good idea to carry a little more than you think you’ll need so you can select from a range of alternatives if something suddenly becomes unpleasant.
You could also discover that the additional activity raises your hunger a little, so make sure you eat plenty throughout the day.
Many families have a camping habit of brewing large pots of coffee. Because pregnant women are encouraged to limit their caffeine intake, prepare ahead so you won’t be tempted to drink coffee (or too much coffee).
Make sure to bring some pregnancy-safe teas or even hot chocolate with you so you don’t feel left out of coffee consumption.
9 – Keep Food Safety Precautions in Mind
Food safety is especially crucial during pregnancy, and following the suggested rules when away from home might be difficult.
Because you won’t have access to your refrigerator, avoid eating things that have been left out, particularly meats. Remember to follow the rules for consuming deli meats, cold cuts, and hot dogs.
If you’ll be eating meat, bring a food thermometer to ensure it’s been sufficiently heated and cooked. Make sure that chilled meals are kept cool at all times.
Food Safety for Pregnant Women is a fantastic resource if you have any queries regarding particular rules for certain foods or food-temperature needs.
10 – Don’t Forget Your Prenatal and Any Required Medications
Make sure you don’t forget your prenatal vitamins, which should be taken on a regular basis. Also, keep track of any drugs you use on a daily basis.
Pregnant travelers should also bring mild antacids in case of discomfort, according to Berkeley Wellness.
It’s also a good idea to carry a thermometer and a small bottle of acetaminophen, since fever may be dangerous during pregnancy, and other fever-reducing drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin can be dangerous and aren’t recommended.
Bring a blood pressure monitor with you if you’ve had any problems with your blood pressure throughout pregnancy.
11 – Keep Your Skin Safe
Photosensitivity is a frequent pregnancy side effect, and many pregnant women become very sensitive to the sun’s rays.
Melasma, sometimes known as “the mask of pregnancy” because it develops areas of brownish discoloration on the face, is caused (or worsened) by sun exposure.
Melasma may affect men and non-pregnant women alike, although it is far more frequent during pregnancy because to hormonal changes.
The American Academy of Dermatology suggests using sunscreen (and reapplying it often) and a wide-brimmed hat anytime you will be out in the sun to prevent or cure melasma. It’s also a good idea to look for shade wherever possible.
These considerations are particularly crucial while camping since you’ll likely be exposed to far more sun than you normally do.
12 – Make plans in case of a medical emergency.
Although it is rare that an issue would happen, it is always a good idea to prepare ahead in case of an emergency. As a result, it’s usually advisable to avoid camping in distant areas.
Similarly, ensure that you have phone service in case you need to call your obstetrician with any concerns. Again, the chances of everything running well are in your favor, but it’s always a good idea to be cautious.
You should also talk to your doctor ahead of time about your vacation to see if he or she has any special suggestions or advice for your circumstance.
13 – Take Advantage of This Once-In-A-Lifetime Opportunity
Camping with pregnancy may be a very remarkable experience since pregnancy is such a unique and memorable period in life. With the frenetic speed of our life, it might seem that time passes more quickly than we anticipate.
Enjoy this time away from the hustle and bustle of your daily routine in nature. Consider the approaching changes in your household. Stop and imagine what it might be like to go camping with your kid one day.
Bring your pregnancy diary with you and write about your camping trip. If you haven’t decided on a name for your kid yet, bringing a baby names book and discussing options over the campfire at night can be entertaining!
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