Swimming provides a low-impact exercise with several added benefits outlined by Figueroa. While swimming during pregnancy is safe overall, says Figueroa, the same safety rules apply regarding paying attention to water currents, common water safety practices and swimming abilities. There are some rare complications in pregnancy that might warrant limiting exercise or bed rest. The most common would be if the amniotic sac that protects the baby from infections was broken, she says.
Taking the plunge this summer might be the next best thing for your pregnancy. Swimming while pregnant is a great form of self-care, says Dr. Heather Figueroa. Why swimming?
Swimming is a low impact exercise that builds strength and aerobic capacity. Keeping in mind that you may tire more quickly than when you are not pregnant, be mindful if swimming far from a shore or beach. Consider tides, whether the water is rough, and any reports of bacteria in the water before going for a swim. Additionally, swimming in water that is very warm should be avoided during pregnancy as this can raise your body temperature.
Water exercise can be a great idea during pregnancy, because there is little risk of falling, and water is soothing for the pregnancy aches and pains many women experience. Swimming can become unsafe during pregnancy if too much exertion occurs.
Like all forms of exercise during pregnancy, you should stop swimming if you begin to feel nauseous, you become too hot, or you experience any vaginal discharge, bleeding, or feel abdominal and pelvic pain. Consider keeping swim sessions to about 30 minutes at a time and limiting to 3 to 5 times a week.
This can help prevent over exertion. In fact, according to that study, women who swam in pool water at the beginning and middle of their pregnancy had a slightly decreased risk of delivering their babies preterm or with congenital malformations compared to non-exercisers! While more recent research raised concerns about fetal exposure to water disinfection by-products in pools, the authors of the study stated that more data and long-term information was needed.
Exercise in general is encouraged during pregnancy, since it keeps the body healthy and prepares it for the rigors of labor ahead.
In addition to the general benefits of physical activity, there are some bonus reasons to consider giving swimming a try during your pregnancy:. If you decide to swim during your pregnancy, here are some tips to make it as enjoyable and safe as possible:. Not only can swimming offer some pregnancy pain relief, but other health benefits such as improved sleep and fitness are likely to follow a dip in the pool.
Just make sure to check with your doctor before planning a water birth! Swimming isn't the only safe exercise you can do during pregnancy, though. Consider other low-impact activities such as dancing, walking, cycling and low-impact aerobics. Consult with your health care provider before starting any exercises and when you do begin, start slowly and don't overdo it.
If you feel like you're getting out of breath or uncomfortable, that's a sign to stop what you're doing and take a break. Fitness General Fitness Other Sports. By Amy Sutton Updated June 18, Aubrey Bailey is a Doctor of Physical Therapy with an additional degree in psychology and board certification in hand therapy. Bailey is also an Anatomy and Physiology professor.
Amy Sutton. Amy Sutton began writing professionally in The majority of her work has been published on fitness, health-related and parenting websites. Sutton is well-versed and passionate about parenting, fitness and health issues. Pregnant women need to take certain precautions at the beach. Video of the Day. Tip With some precautions, you can enjoy a beach vacation while pregnant.
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