MemberHi Ladies,
Darling Husband and I go camping every year but I am a little skeptical about booking anything until I find out if I’ll even be able to go. Hoping everything else goes on track, would it even be doable? Has anyone been camping while they were pregnant (towards the end of the 2nd trimester)? Is it wise? What extra precautions did you have to take?
Thanks!
MemberWhat kind of camping are we talking here? Intense hikes and filtering your own water and portaging a canoe? Or, like, pitching a tent and making s’mores at a site? I would’ve been just fine doing the latter pretty much at any point (I’m 32 weeks right now), my only concern would be hydration (I am drinking SO. MUCH. WATER.) and how frequently I’d be peeing in the bushes because I can’t hold my bladder for more than 45 minutes.
If you’re talking about the first kind of camping, consider potable water, staying hydrated, and not lifting anything too heavy.
Member
MemberI would be concerned about all the times I have to pee in the bushes too. By the end of the second trimester, you’ll probably already have to adjust to a new center of gravity and I can’t imagine trying to balance a pregnancy tummy while squating and peeing. It’ll be a pain to constantly exit the tent at nights to use the bathroom.
I would compromise and get a rustic cabin in the woods (with running water and toilets) and then doing some light, scenic hikes.
MemberI had a friend go in her 4th month – she left in the middle of the night because she was so uncomfortable sleeping.
MemberI’m already not a big camping fan, but I can’t imagine doing it pregnant. If you have any issues with sleep, imagine how uncomfortable you’ll likely be sleeping on the ground in a tent. And, yeah, trying to navigate peeing in the bushes (or even in an outhouse or something at an established campground) with a belly seems complicated. I agree with @lilbluebird, if this is a tradition that your Darling Husband would be disappointed to miss out on, think about alternatives that would be more comfortable but would still allow you to enjoy the outdoors.
MemberThe second trimester is the golden time. You aren’t that big yet and the peeing thing actually isn’t out of control yet. You’re way past the nausea. I’d go. I’d just maybe bring something good to sleep on if you don’t normally.
MemberI’m pretty uncomfortable at times just sitting on my couch at now almost 30 weeks, so I can’t imagine sleeping in a tent but I’m not a huge camper to begin with so I don’t have very much motivation to actually go. It’s definitely do-able if it’s something you have your heart set on. Just consider the frequency you’ll be peeing, your comfort when sleeping (bring lots of blankets, pillows and maybe an extra mattress pad or something) and be sure to follow proper food storage, handling and cooking guidlines so you don’t eat something that will make you sick.
MemberCan you bring an air mattress? Other than a potentially bad night of sleep, sounds fun!
MemberI’ve never been pregnant but I’ve been camping a lot. Are you going to physically be able to get up in the morning? Getting out of bed isn’t like getting up off the ground.
Maybe make sure you’re near a hospital just in case something goes wrong. Now doesn’t sound like the time to be deep in the woods. What kind of water source are you using? Campground water or a stream?
MemberI would go Glamping. Make sure you have a blow up mattress, comfy pillow and duvet. Great food, not just beans etc. Make sure you are comfortable and not roughing it too much 🙂
MemberSo long as it’s not really rustic, there shouldn’t be a problem.
MemberI was a camper for a large portion of my life (from 0 to 50). And I definitely camped (tent) while I was pregnant… but then I was a gal that didn’t have any complications… and after the first trimester (after morning sickness ended) up until about one month prior to my due date, I always felt fantastic… and so camping was never an issue for me say from Week 13 to 34.
Lol, if anything, camping was a heck of a lot more fun… knowing that there was no period to deal with… camping trips and having your period, now that can really really suck, IMO.
Hope this helps,
Membermy mom was camping when she went into labor with me, lol. her due date was still 6 weeks away and her doctor gave her the green light to go and just take it easy. but she lifted something that was too heavy and it caused her to go into early labor.
as long as you take it easy, you should be fine 🙂
MemberI don’t think there’s any particular health risk at all. It’s more that you might be uncomfortable, but then, you’ll probably be uncomfortable in your own bed, too! 🙂
The other thing is that you might be peeing all the time during the night, so you might have to get out of the tent and squat.
Those are the only things I can think of. I say go and enjoy it while you can — it may be a couple years before you go tent camping again!
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