Going to the pool in the early stages: can pregnant women go and what exercises to choose?

When can pregnant women go to the pool?

Having secured the approval of a gynecologist, you can safely go to the pool. It is necessary to obtain detailed recommendations from a specialist who will tell you when you can swim in the pool and when it is better to abstain.

Important! You should not neglect your doctor's recommendations. Otherwise, you can worsen your health situation or that of your unborn baby.

It is better to visit the pool when the mucous plug is completely formed, which prevents the penetration of harmful components into the cervical canal of the pregnant woman. In other words, it completely protects the baby from external negative influences.

The plug formation stage begins at 7 weeks of pregnancy. This means that in the first semester of pregnancy it is not advisable to go to the pool (first 12 weeks). Starting from the 13th week, you can go swimming. When the 36th week arrives, visiting the pool should be stopped. At this stage, the plug begins to peel off in most pregnant women. Consequently, there is a risk of various infections reaching the fetus.

Swimming in natural bodies of water

So, we found out that pregnant women can swim in the pool, but what about swimming in rivers, ponds, or the sea?

While waiting for the baby, it is better to refrain from this pleasure, because the water in such reservoirs is not purified, which means there is a risk of infection. In swimming pools for pregnant women, there are usually two options for swimming - in fresh water and in sea water. You can choose the most suitable option for you.

Water will help your body relax, you need to remember this feeling, then it will be easier to relax between contractions. Swimming during pregnancy will improve the health of your baby and you, keep you physically fit, relieve nervous tension, and fill you with a charge of vigor and cheerfulness for the entire nine months.

Swimming for pregnant women

In water, the body becomes as if weightless, which allows the expectant mother’s spine to be relieved. Accordingly, the feeling of heaviness in the pregnant woman’s body decreases. At the same time, back pain disappears and the psycho-emotional state stabilizes.

Attention! It is highly undesirable to swim without prior preparation! It is necessary to prepare your body, which is already overloaded with pregnancy. A careful, smooth approach to business will bring very positive results for the health of the expectant mother and her baby.

What are the benefits of swimming during pregnancy?

In order to dispel the fears and doubts of expectant mothers regarding the health of their baby, reasoned arguments about the benefits of swimming are listed below:

1. The water space allows you to relieve the spine, thereby avoiding osteochondrosis and back pain.
2. Swimming burns more calories than normal exercise. In this case, the likelihood of stretching tendons and muscles is almost zero. This is an ideal solution for overweight expectant mothers.
3. Swimming stabilizes the functioning of the cardiovascular system. As a result, blood and lymph circulate better throughout the body, blood pressure normalizes, and the strength of blood vessels and heart muscles increases. An excellent solution for hypertension and varicose veins.
4. Manipulations in water help remove excess fluid from tissues, which can help get rid of swelling.
5. Swimming and diving in the pool, the expectant mother is well prepared for childbirth and develops proper breathing. By holding your breath while diving, the vitality of the baby itself increases. Considering that during childbirth, oxygen access to the fetus decreases, it will be easier for the child to cope with this.
6. While swimming, the unified element of the baby and the expectant mother is felt. Harmonious unity with your own child has a beneficial effect on the psycho-emotional state of the pregnant woman.
7. Swimming helps strengthen the immune system.

Which pool is better during pregnancy?

Of course, the priority is a seawater pool. These pools are filled with ordinary water and sea salt is added to it. Every person on the planet now knows about the benefits of sea salt. Water purification is carried out by electrolysis. There can be no question of the presence of bleach here. Sea water tends to have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin along with its nerve endings.

It is much easier to move in salt water, because it pushes a person to the surface. Unfortunately, there are very few swimming pools with sea water, and a subscription here is not cheap.

An alternative option is swimming pools cleaned by ozonizing units. The advantage of ozone disinfection is the saturation of water with oxygen. Considering the continuous operation of the ozonizing unit, the cost of a subscription is above average.

Pools cleaned using ultrasound, ultraviolet light, and high-frequency electromagnetic pulses are more affordable.

When choosing a swimming pool, it is advisable to focus on compliance with sanitary standards and the availability of specialized classes for pregnancy. A good instructor will prepare you for childbirth, teach you how to breathe correctly, and select a set of exercises to strengthen your muscle corset.

Essentials for expectant mothers at the pool

When visiting the pool, the expectant mother must have with her:

• medical certificate of health;
• one-piece swimsuit;
• non-slippery shoes with corrugated soles;
• rubber cap;
• body cleansing supplies;
• hair dryer for drying wet parts of hair;
• skin nourishing product.

In addition, you can bring unsweetened drinks and fruits with you. Starting from week 30, it is better to carry an exchange card with you.

While carrying a child, a woman is advised to exercise moderately. Exercise in water has a beneficial effect on the mother’s body and the development of the unborn baby, but the decision to visit the pool during pregnancy should be made with the participation of a doctor. Each case is considered individually.

Water safety rules during pregnancy

1. You should not go swimming in the lake alone, even if there are lifeguards on the beach. It is important that someone is with you and can provide any necessary assistance at any time.
2. It is not recommended to swim to depths or stay in the water for a long time.
3. Experts recommend be sure to use sunscreen and urge expectant mothers not to sunbathe or spend long periods of time in the open sun.
4. When going for a swim at the lake, take with you all the necessary things and accessories, as well as water and a light but nutritious snack.

The benefits of swimming

Exercising in the pool is recommended for the following reasons:

1. In water, the load on the vertebrae is significantly reduced while strengthening the muscles. This serves as a prevention of osteochondrosis and helps get rid of back pain.
2. Swimming burns more calories than land-based exercise and is less likely to injure tendons and muscle tissue. This option is ideal for overweight pregnant women.
3. Swimming prevents varicose veins, hemorrhoids and hypertension. It stimulates blood and lymph circulation, normalizes blood pressure, and helps strengthen vascular walls and heart muscle. As a result, the fetus receives more oxygen and develops fully.
4. The removal of excess fluid from the body is stimulated, tissue swelling is reduced.
5. The condition of the skin improves: it becomes elastic, increased elasticity reduces the appearance of stretch marks
6. Diving and gymnastic exercises help develop proper breathing and prepare for childbirth. The load also strengthens the body of the unborn baby: a short-term decrease in oxygen availability increases the vitality of the fetus. It will be easier for him to cope with the stress of childbirth.
7. Staying in water helps relax the nervous system and improves a woman’s psycho-emotional state.
8. Water aerobics for pregnant women involves special exercises to strengthen the muscles responsible for labor.
9. Swimming reduces the risk of breech presentation.

Water procedures strengthen muscles, preparing the body for childbirth, and have a hardening effect. The pool will bring more benefits to women who regularly swam before pregnancy.

Moderate physical activity during pregnancy will allow a woman’s body to recover faster in the postpartum period.

Benefit

Swimming has many advantages for a pregnant woman, let’s look at them from both sides.

For women's health

Benefits for the expectant mother:

1. Swimming will relieve tension and pain in the body of a pregnant woman, get rid of varicose veins and remove swelling.
2. Strengthens the back muscles, relieves lower back pain. In the water, the back relaxes and the pain goes away.
3. The pool stabilizes the psychological state of a pregnant woman. By managing and controlling your body, you can gain self-confidence. And also a pleasant bonus is that you can meet and make friends with like-minded people, with the same expectant mothers. And now training will become a long-awaited outlet.
4. The pool strengthens the immune system. This occurs due to the difference in air temperature and water temperature, and the exercises take the form of hardening. Agree, it’s a necessary activity.
5. Exercising in the pool will help you control your weight.
   Weight control is important, because every expectant mother worries about weight gain, and swimming will help not gain extra pounds. And what’s more important, one such workout will help you burn more than 600 kilocalories!

For the fetus

Benefits for the baby:

1. Due to the fact that during training in the pool the lungs work well, and lymph and blood begin to circulate faster, the body of the expectant mother and the baby’s body are filled with the necessary dose of oxygen.
2. The emotional component is also very important: during swimming, the expectant mother relaxes, and the child feels this too.
3. Thanks to swimming in the pool, the likelihood that the baby will take the correct position in the mother’s body increases.

Contraindications

During pregnancy, you should not visit the pool if the woman:

• Hypertonicity of the uterus.
• Severe toxicosis, frequent vomiting.
• Exacerbation of chronic diseases.
• My last pregnancy ended in spontaneous miscarriage.
• Heavy discharge, uterine bleeding.
• Presence of open wounds and skin damage.
• Infectious diseases.
• High blood pressure.
• Bad feeling.
• Allergic reaction to chlorinated water.
• The appearance of cramping pain after swimming.

It is necessary to refrain from the procedure if the woman is at risk of premature birth.

Is it possible for a pregnant woman to go to the water park?

When it comes to visiting a water park during pregnancy, things are not so clear-cut. If there is a pool with water of a suitable degree of purification and temperature, there will be entertainment for the expectant mother. True, the noisy atmosphere of a water park is not at all what a pregnant woman needs. Even in a relatively calm area, where there are no steep slides, people who like to jump into the pool with a running start and frolic underwater may suddenly appear. While expecting a baby, it is better not to encounter them.

Riding on water slides and attractions is a very bad idea for a woman in an interesting position: even harmless entertainment often causes injuries.

Preparation

In principle, no special preparation is required. You just need to pack a bag with the necessary things. This:

• a special certificate from a doctor, which is required in all swimming pools;
• fruits, drink (plain water or tea will do);
• swimsuit;
• rubber shoes with non-slip soles;
• rubber cap;
• hair dryer;
• hygiene products (soap, washcloth, shampoo);
• nourishing skin cream.

Who should not swim: contraindications

In some cases, it is better for the expectant mother to refuse swimming in any body of water, artificial or natural. These are the following diseases and conditions:

• poor health (general weakness, severe toxicosis, etc.);
• hypertonicity of the uterus;
• risk of miscarriage;
• copious vaginal discharge;
• serious illnesses;
• presence of miscarriages in the past.

Important! Postpone going to the pool if you previously had a fear of water: during pregnancy, the phobia may make itself felt again.

For what duration?

The possibility of visiting the pool must be agreed upon with the supervising doctor and his recommendations must be followed. It is better to start after the formation of a mucus plug at the base of the cervix, which protects the cervical canal from the penetration of pathogenic bacteria. It allows you to protect the fetus from possible infection.

The plug begins to form at the 7th week of pregnancy, the process ends at the end of 3 months. During this time, you must refrain from visiting the pool.

From the 13th week, swimming is allowed if there are no contraindications. You can continue until the cork begins to peel off, when the properties of the protective barrier are reduced. For most women, this occurs at 36 weeks, but the timing varies from person to person, so it is better to stop exercising 10–15 days earlier.

Swimming depending on the stage of pregnancy

Some experts advise women to avoid swimming early in pregnancy. The fact is that the first trimester is a critical period. During it, the risk of miscarriage is highest. Excessive physical activity can become a provoking factor. In the early stages, the formation of a mucous plug is observed. However, it does not yet completely protect the entrance to the uterus. There is a higher chance of bacteria entering. Its full formation is completed only at the 12th week of pregnancy.

If a woman does not want to give up swimming in the pool, she should consult a specialist. If there are no contraindications, you can go swimming, but you need to dose the load. Overvoltage is strictly prohibited. For comfortable swimming, you can use special boards. The duration of one lesson should not exceed 20 minutes.

The second trimester is considered the most favorable period for physical activity. At this time, the woman is not bothered by the nausea that can be encountered during toxicosis. The belly is not yet too big to cause discomfort.

If a woman feels well, she can visit the pool up to three times a week. The duration of the session can be up to 45 minutes. You need to swim without making sudden movements. It is necessary to take breaks between approaches. Crawl is the safest swimming style during pregnancy. Breathing should be free. The maximum distance of 1 swim cannot exceed 200 m.

Swimming on your back is allowed. This allows you to relieve tension from the spine. Additionally, strengthening of the muscles of the arms and buttocks is observed. You can also dive in the second trimester. The ability to regulate the depth of inspiration will allow a woman to prepare for the upcoming birth.

In late pregnancy, the belly increases significantly. It puts serious stress on your back and legs. If a woman exercises in the pool during this period, it will help relax the muscles, relieve the load on the spine and reduce pressure on the joints. Training can be continued as usual if there are no contraindications. Exercises should be stopped when the mucus plug comes out. An open cervix can easily become infected, and labor can begin at any moment.

Pool selection

Preference should be given to complexes that comply with sanitary standards and provide special classes for pregnant women. An instructor in the pool will help a woman prepare for childbirth, teach proper breathing techniques and select a system of physical exercises to strengthen muscles.

When choosing a pool, you need to focus on the following criteria:

• Admission only with a medical certificate.
• High degree of water purification.
• The location of the pool is next to the house.
• Conducting classes under the supervision of an instructor for pregnant women.
• The water temperature should be between 28–31°.
• Convenient handrails for getting into the water.

You need to consider the method of water purification. The most common is chlorination. The concentration of disinfectant that is safe for humans is maintained in the pool; no cases of mass intolerance have been recorded. But bleach has a cumulative effect; with systematic exposure to the body, it is absorbed into the skin and eliminated by the body’s systems. Inhaling chlorine fumes can have a negative effect on a woman's lungs and fetal development over time.

Possible signs of harmful effects:

• Symptoms of intoxication: nausea, vomiting, fever.
• The appearance of asthma attacks, exacerbation of asthma. The risk of development in the unborn child increases.
• Allergic reactions.
• Pain in the head.
• Increased toxicosis.

If exposed to skin, the substance may cause dryness and irritation. It is better to choose complexes with modern disinfection methods.

The most affordable prices are pool passes with a water purification system using ultrasound, ultraviolet light or high-frequency electromagnetic pulses. It will cost a little more to visit complexes with ozonizing treatment plants.

The advantage of the water in such a pool is its saturation with oxygen, which has a positive effect on the condition of the skin.

If you are intolerant to chlorine, you can visit a seawater pool. It is filled with a saline solution of a certain concentration. Purification here is carried out using electrolysis. Sea salt has a beneficial effect on the skin and nervous system. It calms, relaxes, and helps strengthen the immune system. Salt water pushes the body to the surface, making it easier to move in it. But it is not always possible to find such a pool nearby, and a subscription to it is more expensive.

Is chlorinated water harmful?

Most Russian swimming pools use chlorine to disinfect water. Moreover, the concentration of the content may be different.

A large dosage can lead to the following consequences:

• Penetrating through the pores of the body into a woman’s body, chlorine also negatively affects the fetus. Later, this may manifest itself in the child in the form of allergic reactions and even the development of asthma;
• Even the chlorine vapors that a bather inhales are equally harmful;
• a high concentration of chlorine in water can provoke chronic diseases of the liver and stomach, including in the unborn child.

Therefore, after visiting closed water areas, it is recommended to take a shower. This way, excess bleach will be washed off the skin, and the pores will not be clogged with it.

How much chlorine does it contain?

But even before swimming in pools, where sanitary and hygienic standards are observed, visitors are literally required to take a shower before swimming.
The fact is that the normal concentration of chlorine in swimming pools for water disinfection usually does not exceed 0.6 ml/l. This is not a critical content, and it is not noticeable in clean water. But on the body of bathers, if they did not take a shower or did not do it too carefully, sweat and fatty organic secretions remain. And chlorine, interacting with any organic matter, begins to actively release vapors. The same process occurs when water is poorly purified.

So pregnant women are advised to take the following precautions when swimming:

• visit pools with a good reputation and reliable control of water conditions;
• be sure to shower before and after procedures;
• Do not stay in the water area for more than 40 minutes.

It’s even better to visit pools where other disinfection methods are used, for example, ultraviolet light. Unfortunately, there are still few such institutions in Russia, but after some time modern methods will certainly replace chlorination.

So visiting the pool during pregnancy is rather a recommendation. You just need to follow some safety rules. Then swimming will be useful for both the mother and the unborn child.

What to prepare?

First of all, you need to obtain a medical certificate about your health status - without it you will not be allowed to participate in classes. You also need to take with you:

• Closed swimsuit.
• Shoes with corrugated non-slip soles. It is better to choose rubberized ones.
• Bag for wet clothes.
• Rubber cap to protect hair. In some pools it is optional.
• Additional items for protection: nose clip for diving, goggles for swimming, earplugs to protect the ear canals from water.
• Personal hygiene products: soap, shampoo, towel.
• Replacement linen.
• Hair dryer for drying wet hair. Most pools have special dryers.
• Lotion, cream for nourishing the skin after water procedures. Additional humidification is especially necessary if chlorine is added to the pool for disinfection.
• Clean drinking water and a light snack to satisfy your hunger after exercise.
• For periods longer than 30 weeks, it is recommended to take an exchange card with you.

Protective equipment is required because it protects against possible fungal infection. During pregnancy, most treatments for the disease are contraindicated, so getting rid of it is problematic.

What to take with you?

Well, of course, a swimsuit! Plus rubber slippers, swimming goggles, and a nose clip to prevent you from swallowing chlorinated water. You will need a towel and hygiene products for showering. You can bring intimate hygiene gel if you are still afraid of infections.

Don't forget, too, that you'll burn a significant amount of calories during exercise, so it's a good idea to bring a light snack with you. For example, yogurt, fruit or whatever you like best.

By the way, it would be great if you could find a swimming pool for pregnant women that uses sea water. There are a lot of them now. Sea water is much healthier, and bacteria and single-celled organisms do not live in it.

Precautionary measures

When visiting the pool, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

• The first lessons should last about 20 minutes, gradually increasing the time to 45. It is not recommended to visit the pool every day, 2-3 times a week is enough.
• You need to familiarize yourself with the safety rules provided by the administration in advance. Be careful when moving on slippery floors, walking near handrails or on rubber mats.
• Only remove safety shoes before immersing in water to avoid contracting fungus. The possibility of contracting viral infections while swimming is very small; many doctors call it a myth. This is caused by the low survivability of microorganisms in an aquatic environment containing salt, chlorine, and regular disinfection.
• During chlorination, the highest concentration of vapors in the air is observed immediately after disinfection. If the smell is pronounced, it is better to refuse the procedure.
• Before diving, you need to check the water temperature, it should be about 30°. Significant sudden changes are dangerous for the well-being of a pregnant woman. The room should also be warm: the air temperature is 2–3° higher than the water.
• The optimal water level is up to your chest, this will allow you to stand on your feet at any time and reduce the risk of swallowing solution from the pool.
• Movements should be performed at a slow pace; it is better to swim in a normal style. In later stages, it is recommended to avoid lying on your back. You cannot use sports swimming styles or practice diving.
• If you feel cold, feel uncomfortable, or feel unwell, you should stop immediately.
• You need to swim close to the sides. If a woman feels unwell, her leg cramps, there should be support nearby. Being in the center of the pool, a pregnant woman can become very frightened if an unforeseen situation arises, and stress during pregnancy is dangerous.
• Exercises should not cause overexertion and extreme fatigue. During pregnancy, general strengthening is important to increase endurance; intense exercise to increase muscle mass is contraindicated.

In water, the body seems weightless; pleasant lightness is not a reason to neglect warming up. Swimming during pregnancy allows you to relieve the spine, is a gentle form of physical activity, but tones the muscles. If they are not warmed up, overexertion and deterioration of well-being are possible.

After a short warm-up, you need to perform several stretching exercises - they are easier in water due to the increased elasticity of the ligaments. Then you can move on to swimming and water aerobics.

Pregnant women can visit the pool if there are no contraindications and after consultation with a doctor. Swimming will make it easier to endure childbirth, as it strengthens the corresponding muscles and is a source of positive emotions that are important for the woman’s well-being and the development of the fetus.

Hello, dear expectant mothers! Most likely, you will agree with us that water has a very beneficial effect on our body as a whole. Water procedures relax, relieve pain, improve mood and tone the muscles of the body.

During pregnancy, expectant mothers develop a special relationship with water. Some procedures are beneficial, and some may even be dangerous. Today we will talk about whether pregnant women can use the bathhouse pool?

In addition, we will try to find out: what precautions must be taken when visiting these places, and how useful are such procedures during pregnancy?

Bathhouse for pregnant women – taboo or still possible?

Did you know that our great-grandmothers not only regularly went to the bathhouse, but also gave birth to their children there? Hot steam has a relaxing effect on the muscles, and therefore childbirth in the bath was easy and almost painless.

However, we should not forget that the health of our great-grandmothers was much stronger than that of modern women. A healthy diet, physical labor, usually done in the fresh air, and regular visits to the bathhouse made them strong and resilient.

In addition, village women gave birth to 7 or even 12 children, and for them this was not a feat. You and I live in completely different conditions, we work mainly in offices, rarely walk in the fresh air, our products leave much to be desired, and we don’t even have time to think about a bathhouse.

A modern woman is ready to give birth to 1, or at most 3 children. That is why the bathhouse can pose a certain danger to us. Especially if you decide to go there for the first time during pregnancy.

If we talk about the benefits of a bath for an expectant mother, we can note the following points:

• visiting the bathhouse helps strengthen the immune system;
• blood circulation improves, including blood supply to the placenta;
• bath procedures are a good workout for the respiratory system;
• muscle tension is relieved;
• prevents varicose veins, improves the tone of the vascular walls;
• prevents the appearance of , ;
• , helps get rid of headaches and insomnia.

Also, the bath helps to remove toxins and waste from the body, relieves anxiety and irritation in the expectant mother. Women who love bath procedures usually give birth much easier, but again, if a bath is a common thing for them.

Then, if the bath is so useful during pregnancy, what could be the danger? The fact is that visiting a bathhouse places a certain strain on the body, especially on the heart. In addition, if you are not used to it, you can easily allow the body to overheat, and this is very dangerous during pregnancy.

In the early stages, the risk of miscarriage increases, so it is advisable to avoid visiting the bathhouse at this time. Pregnant women can go to the sauna starting from the second trimester and, of course, in the absence of contraindications.

For example, if there is a threat of miscarriage, women with chronic heart and kidney diseases, at any stage, if you have a multiple pregnancy or placenta previa, the bath should be avoided.

Going to the pool during pregnancy, how beneficial is it?

Today it is difficult to imagine courses to prepare pregnant women for childbirth without classes in the pool. Even if you do not attend such courses, you have probably heard about the benefits of a swimming pool during pregnancy.

Why is swimming in the pool so beneficial for an expectant mother and is it always possible for pregnant women to go into the pool? Exercises in the pool, swimming, water aerobics - this is muscle training in zero gravity. On the one hand, this is very convenient given the weakened ligaments during pregnancy.

On the other hand, there is an increased load on the muscles, since water impedes movement, and this is an excellent preparation of the body for the upcoming birth. It has already been proven that swimming has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system and lungs.

Women who swim during pregnancy give birth easier and more practically. You can swim during pregnancy in the pool according to the program for expectant mothers, starting from the second trimester; before this there is no particular point.

It is also necessary to take into account that the water in the pool is highly chlorinated and is not particularly clean, so it is quite possible to catch some kind of infection or you may experience skin irritation, an allergic reaction, or dry skin.

It is imperative to consult a doctor whether pregnant women can swim in the pool; usually, in case of pregnancy complications, doctors prohibit such procedures.

In general, swimming in the pool has much more benefits for the expectant mother than harm or risk. Therefore, if you have no contraindications and have the opportunity, be sure to go to the pool. An easy and painless birth will be guaranteed to you.

Photo and video: Bathhouse and swimming pool during pregnancy - harmful or beneficial, possible or not

Pregnancy is not a contraindication to visiting the pool and exercising in water

. On the contrary, with a competent approach and compliance with important instructions, swimming will bring a lot of positive emotions and will have a beneficial effect on the health of the expectant mother and the formation of the fetus.

Before signing up for swimming, you must consult with a gynecologist who is managing your pregnancy.

The second trimester (from 13 to 26 obstetric weeks) is considered the safest for physical activity. The fetus is already securely attached to the uterus, the formation of internal organs and systems has occurred, and the formation of the placenta has begun. At this stage, swimming cannot harm the baby, provided it is done in moderation.

The third trimester (from 27 to 40-41 obstetric weeks inclusive) is not as safe as the second. Swimming should be done with caution starting at 36 weeks. At this time, the stomach acquires an impressive size and can cause discomfort during physical activity.

After 36 weeks, the mucus plug may begin to come off

, covering the cervical canal and protecting the internal genital organs from infections. Therefore, a swimming pool can become a risk factor for infectious infection and a negative impact on the health of the fetus.

Can pregnant women swim?

Scientists have proven that a pregnant woman’s presence in water has a beneficial effect on the pregnancy process. Swimming can reduce the load on the spine and strengthen muscles without causing harm to the fetus. Doctors approve of swimming. But there are nuances that must be observed during water procedures.

Swimming in open water means large crowds of people and hot weather. If you have blood pressure problems, staying in the sun for a long time is contraindicated. In the later stages, you need to be vigilant. A woman's center of gravity shifts. This increases the risk of falls, which contribute to premature birth .

Before carrying out water procedures, it is advisable to analyze the surrounding situation. It is not recommended to visit large gatherings of people alone. When swimming, you need to focus on the following parameters:

• water temperature;
• duration of stay in water;
• degree of purity;
• woman's condition;
• bottom quality and depth.

IMPORTANT! To prevent cramps, it is necessary to warm up before entering the water.

In the sea

Sea water has a beneficial effect on a pregnant woman and her child. A high concentration of salt protects against infection with infectious diseases. Sea water is rich in beneficial elements. They affect the quality of the skin, preventing the appearance of stretch marks .

Before swimming in the sea, you must make sure there are no wounds on your body. Salt water corrodes them, causing pain. Swimming in the sea is useful for preventing varicose veins . The composition of water has a positive effect on blood circulation.

In the river

Swimming in the river brings many positive emotions, which has a positive effect on the child. But in such a body of water an infection may be present. To reduce the level of danger , the expectant mother must adhere to the following rules:

• You cannot dive headlong into water. Getting water into the nasopharynx and eyes can cause infectious diseases.
• Closed paid beaches are preferable for pregnant women.
• The transparency of the water indicates its purity. Muddy bodies of water should be avoided.
• It is advisable to choose a pond with a sandy bottom.

In the lake

Stagnant bodies of water are not clean. Closed spaces and high temperatures promote the proliferation of a huge number of bacteria, which can be dangerous for a pregnant woman. There is a risk of parasite infection. If there is no alternative option, the woman is recommended to spend a vacation on the shore.

ADVICE! When visiting public beaches, you must carry water, a hat and sunglasses. This will avoid burns and dehydration.

In a swimming pool

Swimming in a pool is safer than swimming in open water. The water contains bleach, which prevents the growth of bacteria. Despite this, women need to be careful. Slippers should be worn as there is a risk of fungal infections .

There are courses for pregnant women aimed at strengthening the body and preparing for childbirth. They are held in swimming pools under the supervision of an instructor. For pregnant women, this is an excellent opportunity to have a pleasant time, having a beneficial effect on the baby. You are allowed to attend classes for any term .

In the bath

Bath procedures rid the body of toxins and normalize the functioning of the respiratory system. Staying in the steam room eliminates the symptoms of toxicosis and improves blood circulation . Despite this, visiting a bathhouse during pregnancy is not advisable. Temperature changes negatively affect a woman’s condition. Before visiting the bathhouse, you should consult your doctor.

In hot springs

Hot springs are an excellent remedy for balancing the nervous system of a pregnant woman. They normalize metabolism and improve the appearance of the skin. The unique composition of the water in the springs saturates the body with calcium, chromium, magnesium, sodium and potassium. The negative aspects of visiting hot springs include high temperatures.

FOR REFERENCE! A good alternative to hot springs for a pregnant woman would be to visit thermal waters with more comfortable temperatures.

In the bathroom

Taking a bath during pregnancy is not advisable. Both too cold and hot water have a negative effect on the fetus. Achieving the optimal temperature is very difficult. During the procedure, you must use an anti-slip mat to avoid injury.

Hot water has a negative effect on the condition of a pregnant woman. The water temperature should not exceed 37 degrees. A hot bath provokes uterine tone, which leads to fetal rejection. The total duration of the bath should not exceed 15 minutes.

A cold bath increases the risk of colds. To avoid hypothermia, it is necessary to periodically add hot water as it cools. In the later stages, you should avoid taking a bath, replacing it with a cool shower.

What are the benefits of this sport in the later stages?

If a woman, after consultation with a doctor, has received approval to exercise in water, she can visit either specialized institutions or the aqua zone in a sports club.

Health benefits for pregnant women

:

• During training, the load on different muscle groups alternates, the muscle corset is strengthened, and overall endurance increases.
• Relaxation and gentle tightening of muscles serve to prevent varicose veins and hemorrhoids, and reduces the risk of postpartum stretch marks.
• Intestinal function improves by enhancing its motility.
• Swimming reduces the load on the spine and helps relieve pain in the lower back and shoulder girdle.
• The functioning of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems is optimized, lung volume increases, which has a positive effect on the course of childbirth.
• The processes of thermoregulation and adaptation to the external environment are improved, and the immune system is strengthened.

Benefits for pregnancy and fetus

:

• Intense breathing promotes the entry of large amounts of oxygen into the lungs and improves blood supply to the fetus.
• Immersion classes allow the baby to adapt to the lack of oxygen that may occur during childbirth.
• With breech placenta previa, special exercises in the pool will help the baby take the correct position in the uterus.

Can it cause harm?

Swimming in a pool cannot be considered an absolutely safe procedure. In some cases, sessions can harm a woman and her child.

Harm to the health of a pregnant woman

:

Harm to pregnancy and fetus

:

• Intense physical activity in water can cause increased uterine tone, the threat of spontaneous abortion and premature birth.
• Holding your breath for a long time in water leads to excessive oxygen starvation of the embryo.
• Swimming after the mucus plug has come out is fraught with infection of the internal genital organs and fetal organs.

Is it possible to go swimming in the first trimester?

Today, doctors say that due to lack of exercise, the expectant mother has a risk of increasing the likelihood of spontaneous abortion, as well as an increase in the severity of toxicosis and can ultimately cause weak labor. Movement is life, and this also applies to a pregnant woman .

Staying in water is one of the best options for active physical activity for an expectant mother. Thanks to the pool, the body will be in an almost weightless state, which is very useful for mommy.

And due to the fact that water has a certain resistance force to every movement of a swimmer, muscle training in water will also be effective.

As a result of exercises and swimming in the pool, a pregnant woman’s body will become better, her muscles will be toned, which means her overall physical fitness will be better. Such exercises have a very beneficial effect on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

And also exercises in the pool will help a woman in the process of preparing her body for childbirth . They will become less painful and easier, and the possibility of perineal ruptures or the need for perineotomy may disappear.

Contraindications

There are a number of contraindications to swimming sessions

. If you have these indications, you will have to refuse to visit the pool and bodies of water:

• any risk factors for miscarriage and premature birth;
• placenta previa, including with the risk of bleeding;
• sexual infections;
• bloody discharge from the genitals;
• pain in the lower abdomen;
• feeling unwell – headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath;
• severe toxicosis;
• epilepsy, gestosis;
• all types of infectious diseases and chronic pathologies in the acute stage.

Women who have had recurrent miscarriages in previous pregnancies should not swim.

Exercises

Ideally, classes with pregnant women should be conducted by a qualified instructor

, who has certain knowledge and skills in working with expectant mothers. But you can practice on your own if you know the recommended complex and rules for performing each exercise. It is better to start the session with a warm-up - slowly walk along the bottom of the pool, stretching your arms forward and pushing off the surface of the water with your palms.

Three formats of training are recommended for pregnant women: water aerobics, swimming and diving.

Description of exercises

:

The number of approaches of the exercises described above is 3-4 times.

1. Turn to face the board and grab the support with both hands. Place a rubber ball between your legs and squeeze it 10-20 times, alternately tensing and relaxing the muscles.
2. Grasp the ball with your hands and make revolutions around its axis - 8-10 turns per session.
3. Lie on your back with your arms along your torso. Swim for a few seconds, working with your legs and torso.
4. Take a deep breath and squat underwater, clasping your knees with your hands. Hold your breath until the water itself pushes to the surface.
5. Make a deep entry and position yourself on the water in the “star” position, face down. After a few seconds, stand up and take a leisurely breath.

Increasingly, disagreements arise among expectant mothers over visiting swimming pools. Some people find this activity very useful, while others are terrified of catching some kind of infection. Let's dot all the i's on the question of whether pregnant women can use the pool.

Rules for visiting the pool for a pregnant woman

First of all, before visiting the pool, you should consult your gynecologist. If you have no complications, and he has no objections, then you can go to the pool at the moment. Why only for now? Let's explain. Remember the main rule: you can visit the pool during pregnancy when the mucus plug has formed, but has not yet come out.

Mucus plug

A mucus plug forms in the vagina of every pregnant woman, closing the entrance to the cervical canal (cervix). Its function is to protect your baby from direct infection through the vagina. That is, when swimming in the pool, you don’t have to worry about dirt getting in and harming your baby. But the cork does not protect the woman and the fetus for the entire period of pregnancy.

A mucus plug forms in the first trimester of pregnancy, which lasts 12 weeks. They write on the Internet that at the 7th week of pregnancy a mucous plug begins to form to protect the fetus.

The mucus plug may begin to come off 2-3 weeks before birth or just before it. Everything is individual. Therefore, bathing for pregnant women is strictly prohibited precisely after the plug has come off, since at this time the risk of various infections and pathogens reaching the child greatly increases.

Contraindications and precautions

Be mindful of the pool water temperature if you choose a shared pool. As a rule, during water aerobics classes for pregnant women, the water is at a suitable temperature. Also, if you suffer from recurring cystitis or kidney disease, then give up the pleasure of regularly swimming in the pool.

Don't forget about fungi that you can pick up in such public places. Now this will be completely inappropriate for you. It is extremely difficult to treat nail fungi during pregnancy; almost all medications are contraindicated.

Don't overexert yourself. If you feel tired, stop exercising. Also, women with severe toxicosis, miscarriages, or abdominal pain after exercise should not go to the pool.

Contraindications for visiting the pool during pregnancy

Fortunately, there are not many contraindications for visiting the pool during pregnancy. However, they exist, so be sure to make sure they are not there before purchasing a subscription. Under no circumstances should you go to the pool if you have:

• hypertonicity of the uterus;
• copious vaginal discharge;
• threat of premature termination of pregnancy;
• severe toxicosis;
• infectious diseases;
• chronic diseases in the acute stage.

Also, you should not go to the pool if you feel unwell, even if you have a headache. It is not advisable for women with hypersensitivity to chlorine or severe toxicosis to visit the pool. However, in this case, you can try and find a pool where the bleach solution is not used to purify the water. However, we will talk about choosing a pool a little later.

Now I would also like to remind you that swimming is also prohibited for expectant mothers who have had a history of spontaneous miscarriages. Unfortunately, physical activity and the difference in water and air temperatures can provoke a threat of miscarriage. To prevent this from happening, be sure to consult your doctor!

The benefits of exercising in the pool

When asking if pregnant women can go into the pool, you can’t even imagine how possible it is. Even necessary! Swimming will relieve some tension from the back muscles, while simultaneously training the rest of the muscles. And if you have a breech presentation, then swimming is a very serious help in correcting this problem.

Swimming during pregnancy prepares the female body well for childbirth. The muscles that are involved in childbirth develop, so the birth process can be less painful. You train to hold your breath, which is also useful when pushing. Now you know for sure that pregnant women can visit the pool at certain times and with the permission of the gynecologist.

Preparing for a trip to the pool is the key to health

In order for water treatments to be extremely beneficial, it is important to choose the right pool and follow basic safety precautions. After all, water does not tolerate careless handling.

When choosing a pool, consider the following recommendations:

• It is advisable to visit the pool in which sessions for pregnant women have already been held;
• An excellent option would be swimming lessons in a group with pregnant women;
• It is advisable to practice under the guidance of an experienced instructor who will help you choose the necessary exercises;
• If possible, give preference to those pools that have equipment for a safer stay in them: handles, gentle slopes, rubber mats, etc.

Basic Precautions

Like any type of physical exercise, swimming during pregnancy in the pool should be carried out taking into account certain safety rules:

• Before swimming, it is advisable to make sure that the water meets sanitary and hygienic quality standards;
• When immersing in water, avoid sudden and significant temperature changes;
• When swimming, avoid sudden movements. It is advisable to swim in a familiar style. Swimming on your back is prohibited;
• Shoes used in the pool must have rubberized soles to prevent falls on wet surfaces.

When deciding to visit the pool on a certain day, listen to your feelings. If you experience the slightest discomfort or unpleasant sensations, you should avoid water procedures. If you are already in the water, you should get out of it immediately.