Being pregnant is a special time in your life, and in Curaçao this special time gets an extra dimension. But what makes it so special? Why does this experience deserve some extra attention?
1. Being outdoors: Enjoy, but be careful with the heat
Life in Curaçao is all about being outdoors. Whether you’re relaxing on a beach, walking through the salt pans, or sitting outside on your porch, the sun and fresh air are always around you. During your pregnancy, this constant connection to the outdoors can have a positive effect on your mood and well-being. The outdoors encourages exercise, which helps promote a healthy pregnancy. But of course, you have to be careful with the heat. Always stay hydrated, seek shade regularly, and take it easy during the hottest parts of the day.
The heat can be tough at times, especially in the last months of pregnancy, but luckily there are plenty of ways to cool off, such as going for a swim or resting in an air-conditioned place.
2. Swimming: The ultimate relaxation for body and mind
One of the biggest advantages of being pregnant in Curacao is the opportunity to swim regularly. Swimming is one of the safest and most beneficial forms of exercise during pregnancy. The water makes you feel weightless, which relieves your joints and back. This is especially a relief in the last months when your body is more burdened by your growing belly.
Mama Aktivo brings this part even more forward every Saturday from 09.00 - 10.00 in the beautiful waters of Blue Bay. It is about seeking movement together in the water, under the watchful eye of an expert. Furthermore, they are also very close socially and continue to support each other during and after pregnancy!
In addition to the physical, swimming is also very good for your mind. It gives a feeling of peace and relaxation that is hard to match in any other way. The accessibility of swimming water in and around Curaçao makes it possible to take a dip at any time of the day, which helps you to release tension and stress.
3. Deep sense of community: Pregnancy is celebrated
What makes Curaçao truly unique when you are pregnant is the way the community deals with pregnancy. Being pregnant here is seen as something beautiful, something to be celebrated and respected. Family, friends and even neighbors can play an important role in your pregnancy, and you will find that you can always count on them for support and advice.
In this community, pregnancy is more than just an individual process; it is something you share with those around you. From grandmothers with traditional advice to friends who help you prepare for labor, support is everywhere. This creates a strong sense of connection and caring. While in other cultures, pregnancy can be seen as a more private matter, here it is a celebration of life and family.
4. Food and local customs: A unique diet
While not everything is grown locally on the island, Curaçao does have a unique diet that is different from many other places. Fish, for example, is an important source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and is often caught locally. Not only is it healthy, but it is also safe to eat during pregnancy, as long as you stick to the recommended portions and types. Fresh fish such as tuna, mahi-mahi, and barracuda are readily available and add important nutrients to your diet.
In addition to fish, there is an abundance of fresh tropical produce, such as papaya, which is often used in local cuisine. Although much is imported, the diet in Curaçao is usually fresh and varied, with enough options for a healthy pregnancy.
5. Safety: A calm and reliable environment for mother, partner, and child
One of the advantages of being pregnant in Curaçao is the reassuring safety that the island offers. Although we live in the tropics, there are surprisingly few risks that you have to fear during your pregnancy here. Unlike other tropical regions, we have little to no problems with dangerous animals or serious tropical diseases such as malaria or Zika in Curacao. Dengue does sometimes peak during the rainy season, but generally does not cause major health problems (although it is very annoying if you get it).
Tip against mosquitoes: You can use DEET (up to 30%), and wear long sleeves if necessary.
But all in all, the island offers a sense of tranquility for expectant mothers who do not have to worry about major health risks during their pregnancy.
Additionally, the tropical conditions in Curaçao are often mild and predictable. So while the heat can be a challenge (as mentioned earlier), the climate is otherwise favorable and free of extreme weather such as hurricanes, which are a risk in some other tropical areas. This means that, despite the exotic nature of Curaçao, there are few external factors that can pose a threat to your pregnancy.
Access to healthcare in Curaçao is also good. Although the healthcare sector is developing, there are many skilled midwives, gynecologists and general practitioners who can support women at every step of their pregnancy. This care is also almost always within a relatively short distance, which is important for the peace of mind of future parents.
Conclusion
Being pregnant in Curaçao is an experience full of connection with the environment, community and relaxation. The outdoor life, swimming in the sea and the support of family and friends make it a special time. Although there are some challenges, such as the heat and mosquitoes, the advantages of this island far outweigh the disadvantages.
It is a unique time, where you feel that you are part of something bigger. Being pregnant in Curacao is not just an individual experience, but a celebration of new life within a strong community.
What are your unique experiences with being pregnant in Curacao? (or Bonaire, Aruba). Let us know!
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