How is swimming good for pregnant women

American Physical Therapy Association. Women's health across the lifespan. Baciuk EP, et al. Water aerobics during pregnancy: cardiovascular response, labor, and neonatal outcomes. Reproductive Health Exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period: Practical recommendations.

Karisa Ding is a freelance health writer and editor with expertise in preconception, pregnancy, and parenting content. A mother of two, Ding finds great joy in supporting new and expectant parents by providing information they need for the life-changing journey ahead. Ding lives in San Francisco with her family. Join now to personalize. Photo credit: iStock. The benefits of swimming while pregnant General pregnancy swimming tips Pregnancy swimwear Swimming tips for the first trimester Swimming tips for the second trimester Swimming tips for the third trimester.

The benefits of swimming while pregnant Any type of aerobic exercise during pregnancy can benefit you — and your baby — by strengthening your heart and making it more efficient at pumping blood. As one of the safest forms of exercise for expectant moms and don't worry — it's fine for pregnant women to swim in chlorinated pools , here are some of the benefits of swimming while pregnant: It works both of your large muscle groups arms and legs.

It's low impact and gentle on your body. The water keeps you from overheating and prevents injury by supporting your joints and ligaments as you exercise, which is especially helpful for moms-to-be with round ligament pain. The buoyancy of the water lets you enjoy a feeling of weightlessness despite the extra pounds of pregnancy. It counteracts increased back strain from your expanding belly. Pregnancy can make your spine and shoulders round forward and tilt your pelvis out of alignment, but swimming gently strengthens the muscles and offsets this tendency.

It can help you keep your weight within a healthy range. Immersing yourself in water alleviates swelling in your arms and legs. Sources BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world.

Exercising through your pregnancy. Omaha, NE: Addicus Books. Featured video. Can pets sense pregnancy? Best maternity swimsuits. Exercising while pregnant: Signs to slow down or stop. Best maternity clothes. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data.

We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. Is Swimming Safe During Pregnancy? Benefits of Swimming While Pregnant. What Trimester Is Best for Swimming? How to Get Started Swimming. Benefits of swimming during pregnancy include: Relieves nausea, which may be aggravated by other forms of exercise.

Helps to keep you cool while exercising and prevents overheating. The buoyancy takes the pressure off your baby bump and lower back, providing much-needed relief.

Improves blood circulation. Relieves lower limb swelling and discomfort. Strengthens core abdominal muscles. Prevents diastasis recti. Relieves back pain. Can improve cardiovascular health and flexibility. Can lead to an easier, smoother pregnancy and labor and delivery. Swimming during pregnancy can help to: Alleviate nausea and fatigue in the first trimester. Alleviate round ligament pain and strain caused by a fast-growing belly in the second trimester.

Quell swelling and discomfort of the feet and ankles in the third trimester. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign Up. What are your concerns?

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Related Articles. The 10 Best Maternity Workout Clothes. Water supports the joints and ligaments and, particularly in comparison to other common land-based forms of exercise, this translates to reduced risk of injury. Swimming and other aquatic activities serve as an ideal form of exercise from not only the standpoint of the health of the pregnant woman themselves, but also the well being of the unborn child.

The abdominal muscle group needs strengthening during pregnancy to support the changes that occur in the body and to assist in the birthing process. Swimming uses all major muscle groups; especially the core abdominal region— swimming is the perfect all-round workout.

Apart from the physical benefits of swimming, the general sense of relaxation associated with being able to move freely and smoothly in the water can help an expectant mother cope with the emotional rigours of pregnancy.