Long time snorkeling... is it okay?

[nungnung]

Hi all,

I've seen people discussing about infection issues when swimming, and it seems like most people agree that swimming in sea water should not cause any infection. My question is: if I'm going to stay 8 hrs a day and 7 days a week in the sea water doing snorkeling (because of my work), is there going to be any problem? Does anybody know what is the safe depth for pregnant woman snorkeling? 2 m? 3 m?

BTW, at the time I need to do this my baby will be about 3 months. Thanks to anyone who answers me!

[BlackSheepPDX]

I can't speak to concerns about depth of submersion, but one issue can be maintaining body temperature in the water for that long. I would imagine it's a pretty neglgible issue at 3 months, but as the belly gets bigger I seem to recall reading that you may be slightly more vulnerable to hypothermia/core temp drop. Will you be in a wetsuit?

[bizzylizzy]

I second BlackSheep on the hypothermia isssue. Also there could be exhaustion/dehydration issues-have you been doing this much exercise previous to pregnancy? I think depth is an uncertain area. This is the DAN article: http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/me...sp?articleid=9 I think they also have a medical hotline you can call. Coral is a great source of infection and depending on where you are snorkeling there can be infective agents in the water, particulary if you are inshore and close to a river inlet if you are in a developing country (pigs living upstream of the river, etc....). Your job sounds great though. Wish I could get paid to snorkel all day!

[RedOakMomma]

I wouldn't ask this here...it seems like we'd all just be guessing. The best thing to do might be to ask a dr. you trust, or do some searching online about women who have spent a lot of time snorkeling while pregnant. Honestly, I've spent quite a bit of time snorkeling in tropical climates, and I doubt hypothermia would be an issue!

I think the exercise would probably be great, the depth issues would be no big deal (whatever your body says feels "right" or "wrong" is what I'd trust), and as long as you stayed very well hydrated and sun-protected, I wouldn't worry at all.

[janevar]

Originally Posted by bizzylizzy

Your job sounds great though. Wish I could get paid to snorkel all day!

I second this!

[nungnung]

Hi all,

Thanks for all the information. I read the DAN report (thanks to bizzylizzy!) but it does not mention the influence of depth and pressure directly. Obviously the problem is that there are so limited number of cases so the doctors and researchers cannot come up with a statistically meaningful conclusion. I'm seeing my doctor this afternoon, and I'll let you know what my doctor says.

I'm snorkeling in the Bahamas (Big Exuma if anyone knows) for scientific study. I guess the water quality is good but I still need to check the bacterial level. I also need to rent a wetsuit, so if anyone knows where to rent (in the US or in the Bahamas) please also let me know.

Thanks a lot to all of you.

[MammaB21]

I know nothing about this, but I noticed you were new to MDC, so I just wanted to say welcome and congrats on your pregnancy.

[Litcrit]

I don't have a reliable answer for you and have never done any REAL snorkeling, but when I was 5 months pg with my first I must have spent hours every day at around 2m under sea surface for 10 days straight. It felt wonderful to be there