Benefits of Swimming While Pregnant

Exercising while pregnant is very beneficial not only for the baby, but for the woman as well. Finding the right exercises that are safe and effective is important, and many women are hesitant to begin or remain exercising while pregnant because they are scared to disrupt their womb. However, it is now very common for all pregnant women to be encouraged to exercise if their doctor agrees there are no contraindications. Swimming is a great exercise that is safe and very beneficial for pregnant women to try.

Many women complain of body aches, joint pain, and nausea during pregnancy. What people may not realize is that swimming can minimize if not eliminate these symptoms. When in the water, the added weight gain that comes with pregnancy is disregarded due to the buoyancy of the water.2 Swimming pools are one place pregnant women can forget about their “heaviness” and enjoy moving around freely and comfortably. Therefore, back and joint pain are relieved because the stress of the extra weight is eliminated. Also, a plus for women in their first trimester, swimming first thing in the morning can reduce the dreaded morning sickness.1 While these are all ways swimming benefits the body, there are also reasons why swimming is great for safety:

• No risk of being overheated. As long as the pool is at an appropriate temperature, swimming voids overheating the body. Exercising outdoors in the heat can be harmful to the fetus if body temperature is not regulated.
• Less risk of falling while exercising. Because the water supports the body, the risk of falling while swimming is reduced. The only concern would be taking caution while entering and exiting the swimming pool.
• It can be done at anyone’s pace. Whether a woman prefers to backstroke, butterfly, or just walk laps, this can all be done at an individuals own pace. This is great for women who have not necessarily exercised prior to becoming pregnant.  

Overall, swimming is a great way to maintain or improve cardiovascular fitness, muscle tone, and overall health while pregnant.2 It is important to be cleared by your physician before beginning any exercise program. Also, remember to stay hydrated before, during, and after exercising. So if you are cleared to exercise, get in the pool and get moving!

1BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board. (2013, March 1). Great pregnancy exercise: Swimming. Retrieved October 13, 2014, from http://www.babycenter.com/0_great-pregnancy-exercise-swimming_7822.bc

2Weiss, R. (n.d.). Pregnancy Fitness. The Suprising Benefits of Swimming. Retrieved October 13, 2014, from http://www.netplaces.com/pregnancy-fitness/swimming/the-surprising-benefits-of-swimming.htm