Swimming during pregnancy is a perfect relaxation and a great preparation for childbirth. You can swim in the pool and take part in activities for pregnant women, or swim in the sea or lake, but only if your doctor does not see any contraindications. Check the benefits of swimming in pregnancy and how to safely use this pleasure.

Swimming during pregnancyis so popular because it has only advantages - it combines business with pleasure. On the one hand, the mere immersion in it makes you feel relaxed, on the other hand, it relieves overloaded joints and strengthens the muscles.

Swimming in pregnancy: benefits

Swimming while pregnant helps to increase muscle endurance while relieving the joints. This is very important to you, because during pregnancy, the ligaments are loosened by hormones so that the pelvic bones can expand during childbirth. Exercises in the water keep the joints safe.

You don't need to swim to appreciate the beneficial effects of water on your body. Lying calmly on the water, you will relax the muscles of the spine, and this helps to eliminate nagging back pain. Wading along the shore is a great cardiovascular training.

Don't miss:

  • Pregnancy - what is and what is not pregnant. Prohibitions and injunctions during pregnancy
  • Back pain in pregnancy

During pregnancy, your body builds up more fluid, your blood is thinner, and your blood vessels are more permeable - all of which contribute to swelling. Water, by gently compressing blood vessels, improves blood circulation and relieves swollen legs. By forcing the muscles to work, it regulates blood sugar levels, which is important especially when you have diabetes or are at risk of this disease. Exercising in the water adds harmony, allows you to maintain a he althy weight and get back into shape faster after giving birth.

Swimming in pregnancy: how to swim?

In your state, you can swim in any style, except for a butterfly (a strong hitting of the belly against the water can cause uterine contractions), but you have to do it recreational, not competitive, breaking records. Swim slowly, controlling your breathing until you feel tired. Adapt the style and distance to your changing abilities as your pregnancy develops.

Classic swimming (breaststroke) iit strengthens the chest and back muscles with the crawl - it works mainly in the first months of pregnancy. After that, it's easier to swim on your back when the water will support and relax you.

If you feel tired, swim with a board or other equipment (ball, mattress) - you will then relax your arms while your legs are still working. To diversify swimming, you can walk in the water (massage the body) or play beach ball. You can make any movements with your hands, twists of the torso. You are just not allowed to jump into the water and dive.

Swimming in pregnancy: where to swim?

Swimming in the pool is the most popular one, many centers even run special classes for pregnant women. If you are he althy, you can also safely swim in the sea or lake (of course, following certain rules). Swimming in the river is not recommended for pregnant women due to the fact that their contamination is difficult to monitor and the pollution is much greater than in other water bodies.

Find out more: Is it allowed to bathe in the sea, river, lake when pregnant? How to safely use the bathing beach during pregnancy?

Swimming in pregnancy: contraindications

  • bleeding during pregnancy
  • hypertension
  • gestational diabetes
  • severe anemia of pregnancy
  • nephritis in pregnancy or kidney disease before pregnancy
  • any infections
  • fetal development problems
  • high-risk pregnancy

Category:

Pregnancy