Pregnancy on Board

[Cruisingdad]

It really is the wierdest thing... especially after a long storm. My wife and I call it, (while standing on dry land) "The boat is moving."

[hellosailor]

Heather, I don't know if you are susceptible to sea sickness but you might want to know there is an electronic device called a "relief band" which is dispensed (by RX, fully approved) for morning sickness--and, in a different version with replaceable batteries and a different strap, sold for sea sickness. If you've got medical coverage by all means let them Rx it for you. If not, shop around. It looks like a plastic wrist watch and works by tickling the ne-quon points inside your wrist. Fairly effective, no drugs, approved and tested as safe during pregnancy and effective for morning sickness.
On the low setting, it feels like something tickling your wrist. On the highest setting...frankly it feels more like something chewing at your wrist. But in my experience, it works pretty well, and I'd rather be distracted by something chewing at my wrist than be seasick.

I think the marine environment will overall be healthier than many urban settings, for air quality, etc. People in the west tend to think of babies as terribly frail...but in reality, we're all designed to deal with hot and cold and damp and sun far more robustly than some of the nervous nanny trade would admit. The only special concerns I would have are "babyproofing" the boat, i.e. securing any solvents, paint locker, etc. and making sure the baby can't toddle OFF the boat. A quarterberth and gentle rocking should make one very very happy baby!

[Cruisingdad]

Hello & Heather,

I would strongly suggest talking to your OBYGYN before putting on that band. There are things that might sound simple but can induce preterm labor (women cannot have certain pressure point on their feet or back). I do NOT know if that band would do it. But I would sure check first. Hello may be right and it may be fine, just check first.

I would also be surprised if your doc scripts a lot of sea sick meds. Can you go on the patch pregnant?? Don't know. You can try ginger and ginger cookies. They are (for me at least) the least effective but least invasive.

Sea sickness usually goes away after a while. Just get on a boat and see.

The nice things about sailboats in general is that (in general) they are pretty infant proof. My biggest concern is when they get older and want to play with those pretty little switches on the electrical board.

[hellosailor]

"But I would sure check first. Hello may be right and it may be fine, just check first."
What, spend a hundred bucks for a consult with an MD to get information that is PUBLICLY AND FREELY available?
The package insert, and the FDA web site, and all the other web tools, can confirm the devices are FDA APPROVED and have NO KNOWN CONTRA-INDICATIONS. Yes, sometimes it is that simple.
Asking an OBG about this would be like asking him if it would be safe to wear sunglasses while pregnant. Cautious, yes, but a waste of his time--assuming he knows about the device. If he doesn't, he's going to say "Don't use anything..." because like all American MD's, he's scared *less of malpractice suits. It's a rare rare doc who will actually say "I don't know" if he doesn't.

Some things, like medical safety issues, are best RESEARCHED first hand. Asking one doc for his opinion, is just going to get one opinion that much more removed from the sources.

[Pirate's Booty]

I have a VERY pregnant girl friend who comes to my boat about once a week and absolutely loves it. And she is big as a house about now. She loves the motion of the boat, the clean salty air, and the great breeze.

We often just sit in the shade and talk - or go take a walk by the shore. Very relaxing and I (never having had a child) get to quiz her about all the quirks of pregnancy.

Just find a pal with a boat and try it, you may be happily surprised. If you like it a lot before you get pregnant, I don't see a major downside if you plan ahead.

Best wishes!

[Cruisingdad]

SHe will be going to her ObyGYn anyways.

Incidentally, back massages have no known side effects... unless you press certain pressure points and they can cause preterm.

There are no dumb questions, except the questions not asked. That is what you pay them for. Incidentally, you are absolutely right that in my opinion (too) they will say 'no' unless they are certain it is a 'yes'.

You can also call the manufacturer. Still, what are the odds they have run a clinical trial on pregnant women to see if their product induces labor? Pretty unlikely.

Caution is all I am saying. Ask the questions. And if you have a OB that does not like you asking them lots of questions, find another.

Again, these are just my opinions.

[jughandle]

I am so excited my other half found this board for me too. Heather, I am in the same situation. We would really like to start a family sailing too, but besides what I have read from JaJa Martin, nothing else is around. I have been around my sister a lot since she has had her baby 4months ago, so I know the ins and outs of taking care of a baby, but I do have more questions. We are in the process of finding a Liberty-45footer.

[Sasha_V]

I mostly get that sensation when looking at a computer moniter or TV screen..sometimes for days after a passage.

On topic, my wife was 8 months and three weeks pregnant and still happily sailing. No harm, and the bestest baby boy in the universe as a result. Now nine moths old.

Sasha

[hellosailor]

Ah, CD?
"You can also call the manufacturer. Still, what are the odds they have run a clinical trial on pregnant women to see if their product induces labor? Pretty unlikely. "
When they've got an FDA approval for the specific use of the device--yes, that usually does mean there have been clinical trials before the approval can be issued. The device is PRESCRIBED the same way that drugs are, and medically reimbursed by insurers, for the specific purpose. The only difference between the device sold to the public and the one sold by Rx, was that the "rx" model had a velcro fast band, and no provision to replace the (hundred-hour) battery. It was tweaked as a "easy to use, throw it away" device rather than one for outdoor sports.

Not that the FDA doesn't make mistakes, but this is old technology by now.

[dirlligaf]

I have 2 sons. They both have been raised aboard sailboats. My first pregnancy was on land but we moved aboard when our son was 6weeks old. Sailed all over Hawaii with him starting at the age of 3 months.
He had his own bunk with a leeboard and netting . Never fell over board.
We first lived anchored out for 6 months and then had a slip for our 35 ft boat. My second pregnancy was aboard a Cal 2-27. I sailed and pulled up anchor and was never ill. I guess I was lucky. The Cal 2-27 was moored in Washingto State. We then purchased a Folkes 39 and the 4 of use were very happy. We had a nice plastic tub for bathing our baby and the head was huge and had a great shower. We had a clip on high chair that did not take up much room at the galley table. My younger child starting walking as we sailed under the Tacoma Narrows bridge. Great way to remember a developmental milestone. I was lucky we were all healthy and strong. The kids developed wonderful sense of balance, the love of nature and a sense of a community in the marinas we lived it. My sons (now older) and on their own thank me for raising them aboard. I think the biggest drawback is the laundry on board. But otherwise you become a very closeknit family. It is not for everyone . You need to base your decisions on what is safe and healthy for you.
Fair winds
J