Pregnancy is a wonderful thing. Having that new life forming inside you, dependent on you for its survival, can make you feel more alive than almost anything else. But with pregnancy often comes discomfort and stress.
Questions about what you can and can’t do. Or should and shouldn’t do. One of these questions is, Do I need to stop camping while I’m pregnant? The answer may surprise you. With a little forethought and preparation, camping is not out of the question.
You should check with your Doctor first, but if he’s okay with it then you should be fine. Here are some answers to a number of commonly asked questions.
Table of Contents
Won’t I Be Uncomfortable?
This is the most asked question I hear. While I can’t promise you will feel like you are in a spa, I can say that you can be as comfortable as you are at home. All you need to do is prepare. Bring a nice big comfortable camping chair. Amazon has a nice one here. Having a comfortable place to relax will make a big difference.
Another thing to look at is your shoes. You will want to make sure you have comfortable hiking shoes with soles that have a good grip.​
How Will I Sleep?
Sleeping condition can make or break a camping trip. If you can’t get a good night’s sleep you will not be in any condition to fully enjoy your time away.
I would suggest getting an extra thick sleeping bag or even an air mattress to sleep on. You may want to bring some extra pillows or a total body pillow. These can help you get a good night’s sleep.​
What About Food?
You will want to make sure you bring plenty of extra snacks with you. I am sure you already know that you are eating for two, but sometimes we can forget that when we are packing for a camping trip. So add some extra snacks to keep you satisfied while out camping.
You may also want to invest in a camp table if you don’t already have one. This will minimize the time you spend crouched down and leaning over.
Just remember to follow the CDC food guidelines while camping. Never store raw and cooked food in the same container and make sure all meat is cooked to the proper temperature.​
What About The Bathroom?
If you are camping somewhere with facilities, you will want to make sure you are close to them. That will make your middle of the night trip just a little bit easier. If you are at that special place that no one else knows about, you just need to be careful.
I would suggest a portable toilet. This will help stop any embarrassing falls and make your stay easier.​
What About All The Mosquitoes?
Spraying yourself down with super strong bug spray is definitely not the answer. But according to the experts at Baby Center, you can use bug repellent and Citronella candles while pregnant.
There are also some organic bug sprays out there that are completely safe to use during pregnancy. As long as you don’t overdo it you should be able to keep the insects away while enjoying your vacation.​
​But Will I Be Able To Join In The Fun?
This is one of the most important questions I hear. Why would I want to go camping if all I can do is sit around? Well, I have some good news! The CDC says that doing some moderate exercise during pregnancy is not only okay but also actually good for you and your baby.
Now I am not suggesting you spend all day splitting firewood, or even carrying it to the campfire, but you can walk around, go fishing, even take a slow paced hike. Like everything else while you’re pregnant, just don’t overdo it.
How Far Is Too Far?
This is something you need to consider. How late in your pregnancy can you go camping. The answer depends on what type of camping you are doing. Are you staying at the campground right next to the road? And how far is it to the hospital in case you need one?
If you are going out to the middle of nowhere and it’s an hour to the highway, then you wouldn’t go past the 2nd trimester. But if you are close to everything then you should be just as safe as you would be at home.​
Conclusion
There are a few things that need to be considered, but there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to go camping while you are pregnant. The relaxation may even do you some good.
If you have any questions please comment below and I will do my best to answer them. Also, if you find this article interesting please click the link and share it with others.