Can pregnant women go to the pool? Answers from the obstetrician-gynecologist
Venera Erofeeva February 22, 2024, 18:15 Moscow time Audio version: Your browser does not support the audio element.
Swimming helps keep fit, strengthens the immune system and reduces stress on the spine.
Pregnant women are recommended to swim in the pool gently. It is very important to follow your doctor’s recommendations and not start training on your own. In water, the body is freed from the feeling of heaviness, the load on the spine is reduced, and the muscles are toned and relaxed at the same time. During pregnancy, a strong blow falls on the lower back and swimming relieves it.
Olga Palkina
obstetrician-gynecologist of the medical company “LabQuest” and “Q-Clinic”, sonographer
Any physical activity of a pregnant woman should be discussed with the obstetrician-gynecologist who is caring for the patient’s pregnancy. And only after its approval can any type of activity be started.
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The benefits of swimming during pregnancy
Swimming is one of the most recommended and safe types of physical activity for pregnant women. This is a good way to prepare for childbirth. Regular exercise will help you recover quickly and get in shape. One of the advantages of swimming in a pool is that the body does not receive dynamic load. There are no jumps, sudden movements or vibrations that are harmful to the health of the fetus and the future mother.
It is also worth highlighting some more advantages:
Reduce stress on joints.. The weight of the growing fetus creates additional stress on the woman’s joints and ligaments, causing discomfort and pain. Swimming allows the expectant mother to feel lightness and freedom of movement, since water reduces the effects of gravity.Improved blood circulation. Swimming improves blood circulation, which is especially important during pregnancy. Increased blood circulation supplies oxygen and nutrients to the fetus and also reduces the risk of edema and varicose veins.Strengthening muscles. Swimming is a complete physical activity that allows you to work the muscles of the entire body. Particularly beneficial is strengthening the glutes, back and arms, which helps pregnant women maintain good posture and support extra weight.Reduction of swelling. The water has a slight massage effect and helps reduce swelling, improving lymphatic drainage.Improved mood and reduced stress. Physical activity, including swimming, promotes the production of endorphins, the hormones of happiness.Weight control. A one-hour workout in the pool burns more than 500 kilocalories. The metabolism accelerates, thanks to which the woman can control her weight.Correct breathing training. This is very important when preparing for childbirth. Proper breathing will facilitate the process.Reduce the load on the spine. During pregnancy, women often suffer from pain in the lower back and lower back in general. Swimming in the pool helps solve this problem.
Before starting swimming lessons, pregnant women are recommended to consult a doctor or obstetrician. They will give recommendations and instructions, taking into account individual characteristics and the state of pregnancy.
Photo: istockphoto.com / Nagaiets
Important factors to consider
Visiting the pool is strictly contraindicated if there is a violation of the biocenosis (flora) of the vagina, as it can provoke a relapse of bacterial vaginosis, which is extremely undesirable at any stage of pregnancy.
Before you start going to the pool, you should get recommendations and permission from your doctor. It is better to start swimming from the second trimester. It is important to follow the rules that will make classes safe:
Don’t swim long distances, swimming in the pool should be fun and comfortable. This is not a marathon or a complete speed and endurance workout; choose shoes with non-slip soles to avoid the risk of falls; practice under the guidance of an instructor, especially if you have minimal skills or do not know how to swim at all; increase the load gradually; start with 20 minutes. On average, classes should last no more than half an hour; The pool water must be at least 22 degrees. Sudden changes in temperature are harmful and can cause colds; do not jump into the water from the sides or from diving boards, enter the water gradually; After classes, you cannot stay in a wet swimsuit for a long time, as there is a risk of hypothermia, be sure to shower to remove traces of chlorine from your skin; You can’t dive and hold your breath for a long time.
The previous article told us what temperature the pool water should be:
What temperature should the pool water be?
Swimming styles suitable for pregnant women.
There is no need to try to master complex styles. The most optimal and comfortable are the front crawl and the breaststroke.
Breaststroke exercises the hips and legs, strengthening the muscles and keeping them toned. The front crawl reduces the load on the lumbar area, using the entire muscular corset.
Pregnant women should not swim on their back: the fetus puts excessive pressure on the blood vessels, which can cause discomfort.
If the expectant mother does not know how to swim or does not play sports before pregnancy, preference can be given to water aerobics or water yoga.
Features of swimming at different stages of pregnancy.
First trimester. Obstetricians and gynecologists do not recommend swimming at this time, as the formation of the cervical canal begins, which protects the fetus from external bacteria. A mucous plug is formed that prevents the penetration of microorganisms into the uterine cavity. For this reason, it is better not to take risks and refuse to visit the pool.
Second quarter. The best time to go to the pool.
Third trimester. During this period the time and intensity of exercise should be reduced. It is better to pay more attention to proper breathing technique.
Photo: istockphoto.com/petrenkod
Contraindications: Who can be harmed by swimming during pregnancy?
Although swimming is considered a safe and recommended form of physical activity for pregnant women, there are several contraindications to consider:
there is a threat of spontaneous abortion and risk of premature birth; Preeclampsia is a pathological condition that occurs in the second half of pregnancy. Characterized by high blood pressure, severe swelling, and protein in the urine; infections and diseases. If a woman has an active infection, swimming can worsen symptoms or spread them. You should also avoid swimming if you have a high body temperature, fever, or other illnesses such as allergies and chlorine sensitivity. Some pregnant women are sensitive to the chlorine used in swimming pool water. Chlorine allergy causes irritation of the skin, eyes or respiratory tract, severe toxicosis that depresses the general condition and reduces immunity, bloody discharge and discomfort in the lower abdomen, high blood pressure and general malaise.
Follow the link to read about how to exercise correctly for pregnant women:
You can’t do without stress: how to exercise correctly during pregnancy
Swimming at an easy and slow pace is good for the health of pregnant women. These activities reduce the load on the spine and joints, improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, strengthen muscles and relax spastic ligaments, reduce swelling and improve mood.
However, if a woman has serious health problems, such as high blood pressure, premature contractions, preeclampsia, or other pregnancy complications, swimming is contraindicated. Before starting to go to the pool, she should get recommendations from her doctor. Only he will be able to evaluate the condition and individual characteristics of the future mother and the fetus.
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