This Little-Known Trick Makes Beach Trips Comfier When You're Pregnant (And It's Not Shade Or A Chair)

If you're pregnant, finding time to relax and unwind beside the ocean can be a complete game-changer. Once the children are occupied (thanks to this most appreciated beach item you never want to forget to pack), and you've set up shop with a cold beverage and a romantasy book, you may feel like you've hit the jackpot. But when the shade of an umbrella and the support of a reclining chair still can't seem to create the relaxation you crave, may we suggest this hack — digging a hole the size of your big, beautiful belly and lying down stomach-first. 

It's generally safe for expecting women to lie on their stomachs in the face-down "prone position," especially earlier in pregnancy. A study published in the journal BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth looked at pregnant women both with and without preeclampsia (high blood pressure) and found that lying face-down for short periods of time was safe, even in women who had reached 37 weeks. 

That being said, many women choose to abandon the position later in the second or third trimester, when the size of their stomachs makes it uncomfortable or impractical. It's also important to check with your healthcare provider to ensure this resting option is safe for you. If you're given the green light, a hole in the sand can provide side support and help with weight distribution, making it the perfect way to experience tummy time later in pregnancy. You might find yourself so relaxed that your thoughts slip away. Maybe you'll even channel the perfect baby name inspired by the ocean.

While you may be eager to head to the beach, there are a few potential risks to be aware of when it comes to snoozing face-down in the sand.  If you're planning to inhabit the hole for a while, choose a spot that will remain free of direct sunlight, and be sure to have access to water within arm's reach. Pregnant women experience above-average body temperatures and can be at greater risk for overheating and dehydration. 

Additionally, hormone fluctuations within the body could cause pregnant women to be more prone to sunburn. In a Reddit thread dedicated to sharing tips for the beach, a pregnant woman said she dug a hole for her belly and lay face down in hopes of tanning her back. Despite using sunscreen, she still got a sunburn within three hours. "A beach umbrella is worth the splurge!" she noted.

The CDC also recommends that pregnant women avoid direct contact with the sand in some beach areas (due to potential parasites), so it's important to lay a towel down as a barrier for your belly. The final safety tip is the pay-it-forward kind. When you're done lounging, be sure to fill the belly hole back in with sand to avoid potential hazards for wildlife and fellow beachgoers.