Can You Snorkel During Pregnancy?

 Lisa Smiley Profile Photo
By Dr. Lisa Smiley | Updated on Dec 8, 2023
Image for article Can You Snorkel During Pregnancy?

Snorkeling is a low-impact form of exercise that can be safe to do during pregnancy with some considerations. 

It can feel good to be in the water during pregnancy, as the buoyancy can help relieve weight and pressure on your joints, and hydrostatic pressure can help reduce the swelling in your legs and feet. 1 

If you’ve noticed increased fatigue or shortness of breath, be sure to avoid holding your breath and take frequent breaks. Keep in mind that it can be easy to drift further than you realize depending on currents and wind, so use a well-fitting flotation device to avoid fatigue. While you do have decreased risk of overheating in the water 2 , continue to stay hydrated and be mindful of outside temperatures. 

Although snorkeling is generally safe in pregnancy, have a conversation with your healthcare provider on whether snorkeling is appropriate for you. Scuba diving should be avoided due to risk of malformation and decompression disease 3 for your baby.

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

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  1. Matthew Buckthorpe, Elisa Pirotti, and Francesco Della Villa"BENEFITS AND USE OF AQUATIC THERAPY DURING REHABILITATION AFTER ACL RECONSTRUCTION -A CLINICAL COMMENTARY", vol. 14, no. 6Dec 1, 2019, pp. 978–993https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6878863/.

  2. Lorena Torres-Ronda and Xavi Schelling i del Alcázar"The Properties of Water and their Applications for Training", vol. 44Dec 9, 2014, pp. 237–248https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4327375/.

  3. "Diving and pregnancy"ScienceDirect, vol. 20, no. 4Aug 1, 1996, pp. 292-302https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8888455/#:~:text=However%2C%20pregnant%20females%20should%20refrain,for%20the%20fetus%20during%20pregnancy..


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Updated on Dec 8, 2023

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Can You Snorkel During Pregnancy?

 Lisa Smiley Profile Photo
By Dr. Lisa Smiley | Updated on Dec 8, 2023
Image for article Can You Snorkel During Pregnancy?

Snorkeling is a low-impact form of exercise that can be safe to do during pregnancy with some considerations. 

It can feel good to be in the water during pregnancy, as the buoyancy can help relieve weight and pressure on your joints, and hydrostatic pressure can help reduce the swelling in your legs and feet. 1 

If you’ve noticed increased fatigue or shortness of breath, be sure to avoid holding your breath and take frequent breaks. Keep in mind that it can be easy to drift further than you realize depending on currents and wind, so use a well-fitting flotation device to avoid fatigue. While you do have decreased risk of overheating in the water 2 , continue to stay hydrated and be mindful of outside temperatures. 

Although snorkeling is generally safe in pregnancy, have a conversation with your healthcare provider on whether snorkeling is appropriate for you. Scuba diving should be avoided due to risk of malformation and decompression disease 3 for your baby.

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

Want evidence-based health & wellness advice for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum delivered to your inbox?

Your privacy is important to us. By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Expectful uses only high-quality sources, including academic research institutions, medical associations, and subject matter experts.

  1. Matthew Buckthorpe, Elisa Pirotti, and Francesco Della Villa"BENEFITS AND USE OF AQUATIC THERAPY DURING REHABILITATION AFTER ACL RECONSTRUCTION -A CLINICAL COMMENTARY", vol. 14, no. 6Dec 1, 2019, pp. 978–993https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6878863/.

  2. Lorena Torres-Ronda and Xavi Schelling i del Alcázar"The Properties of Water and their Applications for Training", vol. 44Dec 9, 2014, pp. 237–248https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4327375/.

  3. "Diving and pregnancy"ScienceDirect, vol. 20, no. 4Aug 1, 1996, pp. 292-302https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8888455/#:~:text=However%2C%20pregnant%20females%20should%20refrain,for%20the%20fetus%20during%20pregnancy..


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