Swimming is one of the best exercises that relaxes and de-stresses your body. It provides innumerable benefits on physical, and mental levels. However, in pregnancy, you might be anxious whether you can continue doing it or you should stop it. In this article, we will tell you about the safety of practicing swimming, and the warning signs to watch for in pregnancy.
Is it Safe to do Swimming in Pregnancy?
Yes. Swimming is a recommended exercise for an expecting mother as it relieves her body from stress, and pain and maintain overall health. However, while doing this exercise, if you feel any kind of discomfort, then you should avoid it.
Women who were earlier doing prenatal swimming, will find it easier, and safe to continue this fitness regime in pregnancy as well. However, leaning to swim in this period is not safe. It is advised to incorporate different types of other pregnancy-friendly exercises to stay fit, and healthy.
Swimming is completely safe at the time of pregnancy provided you take precautionary measures. This exercise will help you stay fit with the developing changes in the body. If you are at high-risk pregnancy, or have just started doing swimming, you need to consult with your doctor about its safety concerns.
Benefits of Swimming
Swimming is one of the finest forms of exercise that gives you the dual benefits of cardio and strength training. It is an effective way to manage body pain. Here are some of the benefits of how swimming can help you in dealing with the tough phase of pregnancy.
1. Relaxes your body: Swimming helps in balancing muscular and circulatory strength in the body. Your body produces endorphin chemical that relieves you from pain, stress, and fills your entire body with positivity.
2. Strengthens muscles and removes joint pain: Swimming is ideal for pregnant ladies who suffer from back pain, and swollen joints. This exercise strengthens the muscles that impacts ligaments, and joints in the body.
3. Enhances cardiovascular condition: Swimming helps in improving the cardiac health of a person for a short span of time. It strengthens heart muscles, and improves lungs capacity to promote comfortable breathing. This exercise energizes the body and keeps your respiration, and cardiovascular system in the best health.
4. Tones the body: Swimming is helpful in toning muscles of the body. Toned muscles experience effective contractions that can even help in reducing the duration of labor.
5. Protects from overheating: In pregnant women, the temperature of their body is high due to the heat secreted by the metabolism of the baby. Swimming helps in maintaining the right internal temperature in the body.
6. Correct the position of baby: The belly becomes lighter in water at the time of swimming. This enables your baby’s body to align itself in the right position naturally.
7. Gives relief from morning sickness: Swimming provides quick relief from morning sickness, and nausea that is seen in early stages of pregnancy.
8. Facilitates labor and delivery: Swimming enhances endurance level in the women, and keep her muscles flexible. This action aids in pushing the baby out quickly and efficiently.
Safety Tips for Swimming When Pregnant
Below are some tips that will help you perform swimming safely:
- Choose a pool closer to your home to avoid travel.
- Ensure the water in the pool is chlorinated.
- Wear comfortable swimsuit.
- Use accessories that offer assistance while swimming such as flippers, shades, floating devices.
- The surface closer to the pool can be wet and slippery. Be cautious when you walk on those surfaces.
- Do not hold the breath. Maintain a stable and continuous breath as your baby needs a sustained amount of oxygen.
- If you feel any pain or dizziness, then inform your healthcare provider.
- If possible, do swimming in pregnancy under trained professionals.
- Stay adequately hydrated before swimming.
- Choose indoor pools as it protects you from harmful UV rays of sun, and overheating. Wearing a waterproof sunscreen is recommended.
- Carry with you some healthy snacks to keep up your energy levels. Ensure you eat a minimum of half an hour before swimming in the water.
Warning Signs While Swimming In Pregnancy
Be aware of your body and the signs that it gives you while you perform swimming. If you find any of the below warning symptoms, then you should discontinue it and seek medical assistance.
- Fluid discharge
- Uterine contractions
- Light-headedness
- Shortness of breath
- Irregularity in heartbeat
- Pain in lower abdomen
- Vaginal spotting
- Uterine contractions
- Irregular heartbeat
Do not swim if you have been suffering from the following ailments:
- Multiple miscarriages
- Delicate cervix
- Broken membranes
- Lung disorder or heart issues
Conclusion
You may be disinterested in swimming when you realize that there is a life developing in your womb. The fear of any harm to the baby might prevent you from swimming. Luckily, health experts believe that swimming is one of the best exercises for expecting mothers. It can alleviate possibilities of several pains, and aches linked to pregnancy.