Despite some common beliefs, maintaining an active lifestyle during pregnancy introduces a number of benefits. An active lifestyle greatly assists the body in managing and adjusting to pregnancy-related changes such as weight gain. Establishing a consistent exercise routine helps to set the foundation for your body’s recovery period post pregnancy. Of course, it’s important to ease your body into the routine and not drive it to the point of extreme fatigue and exhaustion. That being said, one of the best ways to maintain a healthy and safe exercise routine during pregnancy is through swimming.
Why swimming during pregnancy is ideal
Swimming is an especially low-impact physical activity. It provides the body with a natural buoyancy that greatly reduces the strain on the musculoskeletal system and helps to support the weight of the fetus (doing wonders for the back). While you swim, the natural resistance of the water helps to facilitate a natural increase in oxygen uptake, which boosts blood circulation (bye bye morning sickness). Moreover, submerging your body in water helps to reduce pregnancy-related swelling, as well as stress on your bladder. Essentially, swimming while pregnant has the power to make your feel much better both physically and mentally.
Success stories
On a related note, it may encourage you to hear the story of Kristi Lee, a 36-year-old mother from Ohio. During her pregnancy, Kristi made a habit to swim a steady 6 days a week – but her efforts didn’t stop there. While bearing her child, Kristi impressively competed in the USMS Nationals in Atlanta in 2011. She swam in a number of races including a 10k and a 1650 yard Freestyle, for which she was awarded a silver medal. As stated by Kristi, swimming provided relief for the mental and physical exhaustion that came with pregnancy.
I hated being pregnant, and being in the water was the only time I felt like myself.
Débora Diegas of São Paulo, Brazil also made the decision to incorporate swimming into her active lifestyle during pregnancy. Although not a routine swimmer like Kristi, Débora stated that while swimming, she felt comfortable, strong and alleviated of her morning sickness. Both mothers gave birth to healthy and happy children.
Bottom Line
If the idea of alleviating some of the most uncomfortable pregnancy related side effects sounds ideal, then swimming during pregnancy may be a great contribution to your active lifestyle. Granted, it’s important to take a few regular precautions during exercise. As always, stay hydrated throughout, take it slow, and avoid exceeding a heart rate of 140 bpm.
SOURCES: BreakingMuscle | InTheSwim | FitPregnancy
