Can you surf at six months pregnant

[newmummy0094]

Hello
This might seem obvious but can you surf at six months pregnant?
We are going on holiday next week and I would usually surf for most of the week. I am six months pregnant but not really showing at all. Does that make a difference?
Thank you in advance.

I often surf on holidays but tbh no I really wouldn't risk it. Too much can go wrong. Surfboard collisions, getting dropped in on, even just falling into a big wave, can all be dangerous. Stick to gentle swimming and maybe hire a SUP instead! You've got your whole life to surf!

No

I think it's kind of like the advice not to cycle on roads after a certain point - it's the danger of falling and hitting your bump rather than not being physically able to. You might not be showing much and able to lie on the board but baby is a reasonable size by 6 months and vulnerable if knocked. That said, I know someone who still cycled to work until about 6/7 months. Like so much else in pregnancy, it's a risk to be weighed up rather than a definite yes/no.

Your balance will be affected.

And if a board edge was to hit you across your bump...

You can but should you? No

Thank you I didn't think I should but it was worth checking.

I live in Australia and I have seen pregnant women walking and carrying a surfboard, but not many.
I would say it depends how good you are and how crowded the water is.

Sometimes when I watch my kids surfing, I see all these beginners who are out for the first time and have no clue on how to control board and I see boards flying, or them crashing into surfers paddling out.

Even if not showing, it might not be the most comfortable thing to lay flat on a hard surface while paddling out, so you might have to paddle out on your knees.

Try it in a calm area, see how your body feels, how the twisting and standing up feel.

You can do what you want.
You don't need anyone's permission. Do what feels right and safe for you

If you surf regularly I would. If you only do it once a year then no. But then I rode my horse until 28weeks.
Remember is safely wrapped up in your tummy. I reckon the biggest issue is balance being off, and you straining yourself especially if you don’t do it everyday.

I think she was probably asking for advice rather than permission!

I think if you need to ask you probably shouldn't.

Good luck finding a wetsuit that fits!! But generally, no, I believe the advice is that anything with a high risk of a fall is out - so skiing, surfing, skating etc all out.

I surfed up to approx 16 weeks but didn't feel comfortable past that point. I didn't like the pressure on my tummy and I was afraid of an awkward wipeout or being hit by a board. It's only for a few months and even though I know how to surf safely it's not worth the risk imo.

I wouldn’t. But then I gave up horse riding straight away and others didn’t. Do what you think is best. There will be lots of decisions to make over the coming years.

Do you think it's worth the risk?

hey! Would it be worth speaking to your midwife? She might be able to discuss risks with you so you can make up your mind? Hope you have a good time on holiday!