Those new to jet skiing, or planning on taking a jet ski ride on vacation, need to be fully aware of the inherent dangers and risks involved. This is especially true for pregnant women, as the safety of their unborn baby is of utmost importance.
In this guide, we will explore the dangers of jet skiing while pregnant, the safety concerns even at slow speeds, and what medical professionals have to say about participating in this water sport.
Can you jet ski when pregnant?
Yes, it is technically possible to drive a jet ski when pregnant. However, health professionals strongly advise against it, and many rental operators have insurance limitations that prevent them from allowing pregnant women to engage in jet skiing. The risks of miscarriage or premature labor due to the bumps and jumps involved in jet skiing are significant.
I reached out to a doctor friend with over 25 years of experience to get a professional opinion on jet skiing during pregnancy. Here's what she had to say:
"I would certainly consult with your own obstetrician-gynecologist for their opinion, as they know you and your pregnancy better than I do. However, if you were my patient, I would strongly advise against jet skiing when pregnant. Jet skiing can jostle and bounce the uterus, and in serious cases, this could cause premature labor or even a miscarriage. It's best to wait until you've recovered after giving birth."
Is jet skiing safe when pregnant?
To gather more information, I looked at various mother and baby forums to see what expectant mothers have said about jet skiing during pregnancy. The opinions were divided, with some women adamantly against jet skiing while pregnant, while others claimed to have done it safely without any issues.
Some expectant mothers say you can drive a jet ski when pregnant, but I don't recommend it.
The common theme among those who had ridden a jet ski during pregnancy was that if you take extreme caution, go at slow speeds of no more than 30 miles per hour, and are super careful, there may not be a reason to worry. However, it's important to remember that even if you are careful, you cannot control the actions of other water users, and accidents can happen despite your precautions.
The dangers of jet skiing when pregnant
There are several dangers associated with jet skiing while pregnant:
Dangers of stopping and crashes
Jet skis and personal watercrafts do not have brakes. They cannot be brought to a sudden stop; instead, you need to reduce the power and let the jet ski coast to a stop. During this slowing down and stopping process, you cannot move or change direction. This lack of control can make it difficult to avoid collisions, regardless of your experience level or pregnancy status.
Dangers of bumps and falls
Even at slow speeds, jet skis encounter high-impact connections with the water, resulting in bumps and falls. The up and down motion, combined with the risk of being thrown forward onto your baby bump, can lead to serious complications. Any form of impact or collision can harm an unborn baby in the womb.
Dangers of dehydration and heat stroke
Jet skiing is often done on hot summer days, which can lead to dehydration and heat stroke. Symptoms such as feeling tired, dizzy, nauseous, and experiencing cramps can easily be mistaken as normal pregnancy discomfort. However, heat exhaustion during pregnancy can lead to dehydration and heat stroke, potentially causing damage to the brain, heart, kidney, and muscles of both the mother and the baby.
If you do feel overheated while jet skiing, it is important to immediately get out of the sun and regulate your body temperature by drinking plenty of water.
Health conditions not recommended for jet skiers
If you are pregnant and have any of the following health conditions, it is strongly recommended that you avoid riding a jet ski or participating in any other water sports:
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Liver diseases
- Problems with the renal system
- Low insertion of the placenta
- Severe anemia
- Hyramnion
- Hypertonia of the uterus
- Inflammatory or purulent procedures
- Gestational toxicosis
- Blood system diseases
Common jet ski injuries
Despite your best efforts to be careful, accidents can still occur while jet skiing. Here are some of the most common injuries suffered by jet skiers:
- Concussion and head injuries
- Crushed limbs
- Broken wrists
- Burns
- Whiplash
The potential impact of these injuries on both the mother and the unborn baby is truly frightening.
The most common reasons for jet ski accidents include children driving, racing, reckless driving, speeding, loss of control, and lack of information, training, knowledge, and experience.
How to stay safe when jet skiing during pregnancy
For most pregnant women, there's no harm in enjoying a day out on the water. However, if you decide to go against the general consensus and engage in jet skiing despite the safety risks, there are some precautions you can take to make it less dangerous:
- Always wear a life jacket designed for jet skiing.
- Avoid riding at high speeds.
- Stay away from highly congested areas of water with other boats and swimmers.
- Do not ride in bad weather or rough waves.
- Avoid riding in deep water if you are not a strong swimmer.
- Always have a riding partner with you.
- Wear strong sunscreen and reapply it every hour.
- Do not ride a jet ski if you have had morning sickness on that day.
Conclusion
While being pregnant doesn't mean you have to stop doing everything you enjoy, the risks associated with jet skiing during pregnancy far outweigh any enjoyment you might experience. It is simply not worth the risk, and I strongly advise against driving or renting a jet ski while pregnant.
Although it might seem safe, consulting with your doctor is always the best course of action if you are unsure about the safety of jet skiing during pregnancy. I am confident that almost every medical professional you speak with will advise against it, regardless of how confident you feel about your ability to drive the personal watercraft safely.
The potential for bumps, falls, vibrations, and accidents cannot be ignored, and the safety of both you and your unborn baby should be the top priority.
