When it comes to being pregnant, you may find that doing most things becomes a bit more challenging. As you grow throughout your pregnancy, you start to feel discomfort, your energy levels are all over the place (I mean, after all, you are growing another human being – that takes some serious energy!), and you have to be cautious of the safety measures necessary for you to take when you are pregnant.
If you are one that frequents the outdoors, you may be wondering… can you still go camping while you are pregnant?
Today we will be covering everything pregnant women need to know about camping. We will explain not only that you CAN go camping while pregnant but also why you SHOULD go camping while pregnant.
We will include tips and tricks for pregnancy camping, popular products that may be helpful, and plenty of ways to make your camping trip more comfortable. By the end of this article, you will be ready to hit the outdoors confidentially with your new family member onboard!
This post is part of our Camping & Outdoor Adventures Series
As Amazon Associates, we earn a commission from qualifying purchases made from this page.
Camping During Pregnancy
If you are looking for a great family-friendly activity to enjoy, camping is an excellent choice. Whether you are pregnant with your first or you are looking for something fun to do with your older ones as you prepare for another to arrive, your family will surely love a camping trip!
Being outdoors and out in nature is a great way to relax and enjoy some quality time with your family without being hindered by your pregnancy. Camping allows your kiddos to have fun playing outside, learn new life skills, and get in some great exercise and activity outdoors while spending quality time as a family.
Camping while pregnant may lead to you being unable to assist with setting up tents or helping around camp, especially once you reach your third trimester. However, this opens up a great opportunity to teach older kids how to help out with these activities and give them the responsibility to grow and learn as they welcome a new sibling into the family. Giving them some responsibility may help with the transition of adding a new family member, particularly if this is their first sibling.
Tips for Pregnant Moms Planning a Camping Trip
- Stay Hydrated – Staying hydrated is extremely important for anyone that will be spending time outdoors, especially if you will be out in elevated temperatures, but it is particularly important if you are pregnant. Dehydration during pregnancy is very dangerous and can lead to dizziness, fainting, stress on the baby, and more. Be sure to keep plenty of clean and fresh drinking water on-site during your stay.
- Practice Sun Safety – Another tip that is important for your whole family but particularly important for you as a pregnant woman. Be sure to pack sun safety essentials such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, and, of course, bug spray!
- Pack lots of snacks– When you’re growing a baby, you want to ensure that you are eating enough to feed your body and your baby! As well as drinking plenty of water, be sure to pack lots of snacks for easy access throughout your trip. We recommend more protein snacks, such as meat sticks, trail mix, protein bars, tuna packets, and more, as well as fresh fruit. Having higher protein snacks will ensure that you stay fuller longer and have the appropriate energy to sustain the walking and activities you will engage in throughout your trip.
- Choose a campsite near bathrooms – If you are staying at a campsite that has on-site restrooms/showers, it is probably a good idea to do your best to get a site that is near the restrooms. If you have ever experienced pregnancy, you know that those babies can really put pressure on your bladder, causing frequent trips to the bathroom, especially in the middle of the night!
- Invest in Pregnancy-Friendly Camping Gear – As I mentioned previously, camping while pregnant may result in a bit more difficulty, and you may not be able to participate in some activities as easily or comfortably. Investing in camping gear that can ease those limitations can be very beneficial and highly recommended. Here are a few tools we recommend that have become fan favourites:
High-seated camping chair
As your belly grows from the second trimester, it can become increasingly more challenging to pull yourself out of a traditional camping chair. Finding a higher camp chair may be more convenient to get in and out of. We recommend this comfortable chair:
Hiking Poles
As you make your way through camping trails and hikes, you may need some extra support. Hiking poles make for an excellent addition for added support and stability. We love these ones!
Portable Toilet
If you don’t have on-site facilities or you feel more comfortable having your own portable toilet near your tent, it is a great idea to invest in a portable toilet that allows for convenient location and privacy. This one is a great choice:
Portable Fan
Having a portable fan on hand is an excellent idea for your whole family, but you should prioritise having one on hand if you will be camping in hot temperatures during your pregnancy and want to regulate your body temperature. We love this one:
- Bring comfortable clothing – When going camping, it is likely that you will be doing a lot of walking/moving, so it is important that you pack clothing that will ensure your comfort during these activities. We recommend loose-fitting, flexible clothing such as athletic shorts, leggings, cotton tank tops and t-shirts, and comfortable shoes.
- Walk around/get familiar with the area – Walking is great for pregnancy! It can help to ease discomfort, circulate blood flow, and keep things healthy. Plus, depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy, you never know when you may need to hit the road and head to the hospital, so being familiar with the area and the quickest way to make it back is very important! Take note of the nearest emergency room/urgent care in the area in the event of an emergency.
- Listen to your body – The body is an amazing thing, and it will tell you if/when you need to slow down or take a break. Be sure to always listen to those warning signs! Don’t be ashamed if you need to take a break or sit down during a hiking trail or during camp activities. The last thing you want is to overdo it and end up with a more serious health concern for you or the baby.
- Pack comfort essentials for sleeping – Both pregnancy and camping can cause uncomfortable sleeping, so combining the two is sure to lead to an uncomfortable night of sleep if you are unprepared. Some sleep essentials that will ease your discomfort and assist with a good night’s sleep include:
- Thick blankets or thicker than usual sleeping bag for extra cushioning around your bump
- Ditch the usual sleeping pad for an air-filled mattress
- Extra pillows or support items
- A basic fan (this can be really helpful during summer months, if you have access to electricity)
- Pack pregnancy medical essentials – When packing for camping, you will want to make sure you have any pregnancy essentials on hand to ensure that you have a smooth trip. Essentials may include prenatal vitamins, antacids, Tylenol, and any other prescriptions that your doctor may have prescribed. This is a very important tip to take into consideration if you have been deemed “high risk”. Always make sure to consult with your doctor and follow any recommendations they may have for you.
- Opt for more “upscale” camping – While tent camping is certainly possible during pregnancy, if you are late in your pregnancy or maybe you just had a newborn, you may find that it will be more comfortable and sustainable for your family to go camping with an RV or Campervan.
Camp Activities While Pregnant
During your camping stay, you will likely want to participate in a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, swimming, and more.
You can certainly still participate in these activities, but you may have some additional restrictions or limitations that you will want to take into account to ensure the safety of not only yourself but the baby you are carrying as well. Here are some tips for enjoying camp activities while pregnant.
- Pace yourself: When going backpacking or hiking you will need to keep in mind that you may not be able to take extended hikes or trails with a lot of hills/steep elevations. Take your time and take breaks when necessary, don’t push yourself too hard.
- Educate older kids: If you are travelling with older kids, it’s important to educate them about your pregnancy and rely on them to watch for safety signs and symptoms that may indicate that you need to take a break or additional assistance may be needed.
- Be cautious of swimming while pregnant: If there is a lake or body of water where you intend to go camping, it is important to consult with your doctor before swimming in these bodies of water during pregnancy. Lakes and oceans may have bacteria that can be harmful to pregnancy, particularly during the earlier months.
Are There Any Camping Restrictions for Pregnant Ladies?
There’s certainly no fixed rule that says when you can and can’t camp while pregnant (unlike, say, a flying vacation where you should only fly in your final trimester when necessary and before 36 weeks).
The most important thing; it needs to remain an enjoyable experience.
Whilst you might still be comfortable having a camping experience in your second trimester when morning sickness has passed and the fresh air and walking in nature help, towards the end of your 3rd trimester a pregnant camping trip could be off the cards simply for comfort reasons or needing to be near health care facilities.
Shop it – Essential Items To Pack For Camping When Pregnant
| Brand | Capacity & Features | Dimensions | Pricing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EVER ADVANCED CHAIR | Max weight capacity is 350 lbs Extra Wide, Foldable Side table and mesh pockets Frame Material is Alloy Steel Seat Material Type is foam | 25.5 inches x 17.6 inches x 39 inches Seat height is 23.2 inches | $- Check Latest Price Here |
| Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles | Material made from aluminum and rubber | 54 Inches length | $- Check Latest Price Here |
| Portable Toilet | Large pop up privacy tent Extra large portable toilet can hold up to 400 lbs Made of waterproof ABS plastics | 23 inches x 23 inches x 3 inches | $- Check Latest Price Here |
| JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan | 14-21 Hours Cooling Time A Palm-sized Backup Charger Flashlight 3-Stage Transformable Fan | 1.46 inches x 1.57 inches x 4.72 inches | $- Check Latest Price Here |
 | Dura-Beam Deluxe Comfort-Plush Mid-Rise Air Mattress | Max weight apacity is 600 lbs Waterproof Puncture Resistant Built-In Pump Quick Inflation | 75 inches x 54 inches x 13 inches | $- Check Latest Price Here |
 | Coleman Air Mattress | Max weight capacity is 650 lbs Waterproof Inflatable | 11.75 inches x 6 inches x 15.5 inches | $- Check Latest Price Here |
 | Momcozy Pregnancy Pillows | Ergonomic Design Durable Flexible Removable Multi-Purpose Use | 57 inch (Pack of 1) | $- Check Latest Price Here |
Helpful? Bookmark this page or save it to Pinterest for later
More Camping Tips and Hacks For Families
If you’re looking to explore the wilderness with your family this year, you may also be interested in:
- Our top tips and all the essential gear you need when camping with babies
- Toddler camping gear we never leave home without
- Why hammock camping may be perfect for your family
- How to keep your cool camping in summer
- Keeping warm while tent camping
Disclosures: This page contains affiliate links to our preferred suppliers, which earn us a commission if a qualifying purchase or booking is made. You can find our full disclosures, privacy policy, and website terms of use here.
© Our Globetrotters | Feature Images CanvaPro