Contents:
- Medical Video: Swimming and Pregnancy - 5 Benefits To Swimming While Pregnant
- Can you swim while pregnant?
- Swimming preparation tips for pregnant women
- What swimming style is suitable for pregnant women?
- Stop swimming immediately when pregnant if you experience these signs
Medical Video: Swimming and Pregnancy - 5 Benefits To Swimming While Pregnant
Sport brings so many health benefits to everyone. No exception for pregnant women. Pregnant women who are diligent in exercising can prevent babies from developing chronic diseases as adults. Exercise during pregnancy also reduces the risk of pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Of course, not all types of exercise are safe for pregnant women. What about swimming while pregnant?Check out the review below.
Can you swim while pregnant?
Alison Bourne, a physiotherapist, said that swimming during pregnancy is safe and permissible. Reported on the Livestrong page, Dr. Mark Nieuwenhujisen from Imperial Collage London said that there was no scientific evidence that could show that chlorine content and other chemicals could harm the health of pregnant women.
Just like other types of exercise, swimming helps maintain body fitness and provides enough energy. Moreover, swimming exercises all the muscles of the body, making you not easily tired because you do not need to drain a lot of energy to move.
Swimming is even said to be a type of exercise that is safe for pregnant women because swimming movements do not burden the joints of the body and also the muscles of the spine. In addition, exercising in drinking water risks falling due to the balance of the body during pregnancy which is more vulnerable than usual. Swimming while pregnant can make you sleep better.
What's important, be sure to see a doctor before starting any new activity while pregnant.
Swimming preparation tips for pregnant women
Consult your condition first with an obstetrician if you want to start swimming regularly during pregnancy. If the doctor has given the green light, then there is no need to hesitate to rush to the nearest swimming pool. If your body fitness before and during pregnancy is fairly good, ideally you can swimat least 30 minutes a day.
However, the story is a little different if you are a beginner. If you have never swum before, you should ask for assistance from a trusted swimming instructor and do it slowly.
You should swim in the morning so you can neutralize nausea and increase body strength.Also make sure you do the right heating and cooling to prevent muscle cramps or injuries during exercise.
Don't forget, even though you don't feel sweaty, you still have to add the amount of your water when swimming. Drink 1 glass of water every 20 minutes you swim, and at least a glass of water after you finish exiting the pool. The amount of water needed will certainly increase if the weather gets hotter.
What swimming style is suitable for pregnant women?
During the first trimester, you can basically swim with any swimming style that you master the most and you think comfortable. But entering in the second trimester, pregnant women usually already have an increasingly large and heavy body size. Back style on your back in water can be one of the movements that are good for pregnant women during the second trimester.
Meanwhile, breaststroke is the best and most beneficial choice of swimming styles for pregnant women who are already in the final trimester. The reason, breaststroke will help lengthen the chest muscles and reduce pressure on the back muscles. It is better to avoid backstroke when the time of birth is getting closer.
Although swimming is a safe choice for pregnant women, don't forget to stay cautious when exiting the pool to avoid the risk of falling slipped and sinking.
Stop swimming immediately when pregnant if you experience these signs
If you experience the following when swimming during pregnancy, you should stop doing it. The symptoms you need to watch out for include:
- Difficulty breathing, head pain
- The heartbeat feels very tight and irregular
- Uterine contractions
- Abdominal pain
- Vaginal bleeding
- Dehydration
Don't forget to always consult what activities you will take to your obstetrician.
