Hi Pals,
I’m pregnant and thinking about swimming for exercise and relaxation. Is it safe to swim during pregnancy, and are there any risks or precautions I should be aware of? Also, what benefits might swimming offer? Any personal experiences or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
I decided the baby and I would need all the oxygen we could get, so that’s the one thing I stopped doing: any significant breath control sets.
Otherwise, I simply followed my body’s instincts. I obviously lost speed and became tired faster, so I changed the intervals accordingly. I moved to open turns when flipturns became awkward and impossible at around 34 weeks.
Swimming during pregnancy is generally considered safe and beneficial, as it provides a low-impact way to stay active and can help alleviate some common discomforts. The buoyancy of the water supports your weight, reducing stress on your joints and back, which is especially helpful as your pregnancy progresses. It can also improve circulation, increase muscle tone, and boost your mood. However, make sure to avoid overly warm pools and hot tubs, and always stay hydrated. It’s wise to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise routine to ensure it’s suitable for your individual situation. Many expectant mothers find swimming to be a soothing and enjoyable way to maintain fitness and relaxation during pregnancy.
Many of the women on my masters swim team have swum for their whole pregnancies, and from what I understand, it was quite safe and the babies loved it.
Heartburn was the one problem I had when swimming during my pregnancy, and it only truly happened in the pool. I would tolerate it by taking Tums before swimming, and ultimately I stopped doing flipturns.
Swimming is considered one of the safest workouts for pregnant women, according to experts.
My masters coach, an ex-elite swimmer who just had a baby, has adjusted my workouts for safety. I avoid hypoxic sets and sprints, sticking to moderate pacing and limiting my breaths to every 3 strokes. I’ve experienced some pelvic pain with the breaststroke kick, so my coach has me substitute with fly kick and breast pull or switch strokes. I’ve also phased out flip turns since they’ve become uncomfortable.
There’s nothing like the feeling of weightlessness at 8 months pregnant. Swim at your own pace and enjoy it!
Aerobic activity during pregnancy strengthens the heart and improves blood circulation, benefiting both you and your baby. It’s one of the safest methods to work while pregnant. You get to exercise your arms and legs. It may also help with your back since your developing baby bump places a lot of strain on your spine. Helps with possible edema. It also helps you avoid getting too hot. Finally, it may aid in the maintenance of a healthy weight during pregnancy.