Is it okay to swim in a pool while pregnant?
We can’t tell you how many times we’ve been asked, “Can you swim in a pool while pregnant?” This makes sense because a lot of expectant mothers are forced to cut down on their regular activities because of the physical changes of pregnancy.
The answer is that not only can you swim in a pool while pregnant, but it’s also something that’s very often encouraged. To explain why, let’s take a look at some of the benefits. Then, we dive (pun fully intended) into a few safety tips.
Benefits of Swimming While Pregnant
Women who love to swim don’t have to worry about giving up one of their favorite activities while they’re pregnant. There are several benefits to swimming while pregnant, including:
Alleviates Muscles and Joints
Swimming is a low-impact exercise, but it’s even better for pregnant women because of the water itself. When a pregnant woman is surrounded by water, this can alleviate some of the pressure being placed on muscles and joints by the extra weight they’re carrying. This makes it not only a healthy form of exercise but also very relaxing.
Helps Get a Better Night’s Sleep
Almost any type of aerobic exercise will help you sleep better. This probably comes as great comfort to a pregnant woman because getting a good night’s sleep can be tricky, especially as the due date approaches. Even a light swimming workout for just 30 minutes every few days can do wonders.
Pain relief
Most women experience a lot of pain during their pregnancy. This is typically caused by swelling and discomfort caused by weight gain. Swimming can help relieve some of the pain that you’re going through, which will make your pregnancy go more smoothly. After you have the baby, you’ll find that a shower, bath, or dip in the pool also provides comfort.
Safe Activity During All Trimesters
As your pregnancy progresses, you’ll discover that it gets more difficult to perform certain activities. In many cases, an activity could be downright dangerous. One of the best things about swimming, while you’re pregnant, is that it’s a safe activity during all three trimesters. This is why it’s become one of the go-to exercises for pregnant women all over the world.
Safety Tips for Swimming While Pregnant
Taking a swim during pregnancy is a great idea, but it doesn’t come without its caveats.
Here are a few tips that will keep you safe:
Be Sure to Watch Your Step
Everyone knows that you’re not supposed to run around a pool because a wet deck can cause safety issues. We highly doubt that a pregnant woman is going to break into a sprint, but even walking should be done carefully. If your deck isn’t made of a non-slip material, you should be especially cautious.
Wear a Well-Fitted Swimsuit
As you progress through the three trimesters, your body size and shape change. Even if you can squeeze into your favorite swimsuit in the beginning, it’s much better if you go out and buy a new one. This will make swimming more comfortable, and you’ll be more likely to stay in the pool for a longer period.
Always Have Someone Nearby
It’s never entirely safe to swim alone, a fact that’s exacerbated by pregnancy. There are just too many things that could happen, and the risk simply isn’t worth it.
Whenever you plan to take a dip, make sure that you invite a friend or family member to be with you. If this isn’t possible, then you should skip this particular activity just to be safe. Wait until later, when you have someone around.
Make Sure You Stay Hydrated
Swimming can fool a person into thinking they’re hydrated when they’re not because of the cooling effect of the water. This is why you must take a break every once in a while, to drink some water. You should also avoid drinks that are high in caffeine because those can cause dehydration.
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