Is It Safe To Waskesurf While Pregnant

Wakesurfing is a popular water sport that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It involves riding the waves behind a boat without being attached to it, using a special board designed for the sport. It's a fun and exciting way to spend time on the water, but what if you're pregnant? Is it safe to wakesurf while pregnant?

What is wakesurfing?

Before we dive into whether wakesurfing is safe during pregnancy, it's important to understand what it is. Wakesurfing is a water sport that involves riding the wake behind a boat or jet ski. Unlike wakeboarding, where the rider is towed by a rope, wakesurfers ride the wake without being attached to the boat. They use a specially designed board with fins and grip pads to stay on the water and maneuver the wake.

Wakesurfing while pregnant

Is wakesurfing safe during pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a delicate time, and it's essential to take precautions to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby. While wakesurfing can be a fun and exciting activity, it can also be physically demanding and potentially dangerous. As such, it's recommended that pregnant women avoid wakesurfing, particularly during the first trimester when the baby is still developing.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises pregnant women to avoid high-impact activities that could cause trauma to the abdomen or risk of falling, such as skiing, surfing, and horseback riding. Wakesurfing falls under the same category due to the risk of falls and physical exertion required to maintain balance on the board.

What are the potential risks of wakesurfing during pregnancy?

Wakesurfing, like any water sport, comes with its share of risks, and pregnancy can amplify those risks. The following are some potential dangers of wakesurfing during pregnancy:

1. Falls - Wakesurfing requires balance and coordination, and falls can happen, which could result in abdominal trauma, putting the baby at risk.
2. Exhaustion - Wakesurfing can be a physically demanding activity, and pregnant women may become quickly fatigued, leading to exhaustion, dehydration, and overheating, which could harm the baby.
3. Water quality - Pregnant women are more susceptible to infections, and waterborne illnesses could harm the developing baby.

Consult with Your Doctor First

The first thing you should do before wakesurfing while pregnant is to talk to your doctor. Your doctor can provide you with expert advice and help you understand the potential risks involved. 

While there are no specific studies on wakesurfing during pregnancy, your doctor can help you make an informed decision based on your individual situation.

Kolby Fahlsing’s Experience

One mom who wakesurfed while pregnant is Kolby Fahlsing. At nine months pregnant, she wakesurfed to stay active and even induced her labor. Fahlsing believes that wakesurfing is safe during pregnancy because it's slower-paced than other water sports like wakeboarding, tubing, or skiing. Wakesurfers usually travel at speeds around 5-10 mph, which is much slower than other water sports.

Wakesurfing while pregnant

Other Moms’ Opinions

While some moms in wakesurfing forums agree with Fahlsing and believe that wakesurfing is safe during pregnancy, others claim that it's not worth the risk. It ultimately comes down to personal tolerance, skill level, and confidence on the water. Even though the impact of falling off the board is typically low, there's still a risk of injury. It's important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard.

Consider Your Skill Level and Confidence

If you're an experienced wakesurfer and feel confident on the water, wakesurfing could be a safe and enjoyable exercise during pregnancy. However, it's important to take it easy and avoid doing tricks that could increase your risk of falling hard. It's essential to prioritize your health and safety during pregnancy.

Speak with Your Doctor

If you're still unsure whether wakesurfing is safe for you during pregnancy, it's best to speak with your doctor. They can assess your individual situation and provide you with their professional opinion. Ultimately, the decision to wakesurf during pregnancy is up to you, but it's important to consider the potential risks involved and prioritize your health and safety.

Wakesurfing while pregnant

What are the alternatives to wakesurfing during pregnancy?

While wakesurfing may be off-limits for pregnant women, there are many other fun and safe water activities they can engage in. 

Swimming, aqua aerobics, and paddle-boarding are all great low-impact water activities that can help keep pregnant women fit and healthy while minimizing the risk of injury.

Conclusion

wakesurfing can be a thrilling and enjoyable activity, but it's not recommended during pregnancy. 

The potential risks to the baby and mother outweigh the benefits of this water sport. 

Instead, pregnant women should opt for safer water activities that are less physically demanding and pose no risk of falling or abdominal trauma. As always, it's crucial to consult with your doctor before engaging in any physical activity during pregnancy.