Pregnancy is a period of profound changes for a woman. Oftentimes, the uncertainty about her body and the concern for the well-being of the baby lead the woman to suspend all the activities that she did before. This is a big mistake; Activities such as swimming during pregnancy have a lot to contribute in these months.
Almost all people, or at least those who know how to swim with lifeguard training, are passionate about jumping into the water for a few minutes and being carried away by the sound of their own bodies propelling themselves in this unusual environment. It is swimming has wonderful effects, not only on the body but also on the minds of individuals.
During the nine months of gestation, these benefits are not minor. In fact, we could even say that its effects are enhanced. Next, we will tell you why swimming is so advisable during pregnancy.
Reasons to practice swimming in pregnancy
For various reasons, mainly due to the discomfort of the first months, swimming is not recommended for pregnant women until their third month of gestation. From then on, it is an exercise that can be done even up to the last weeks of this process. Its main benefits for the woman and her baby are the following:
Strengthens the muscles
Pregnancy is a time of many changes in a woman’s body, including considerable weight gain. This, of course, is accompanied by body aches, especially in the back area.
Therefore, the activation and muscle relaxation offered by this kind of exercise is more than convenient in this period. Of course: it is necessary to avoid sudden movements and the intensity of the sessions should be moderate.
Relaxes the body and mind of the woman
In addition, the release of endorphins – the hormone of well-being and pleasure – makes the future mother feel more relaxed; Your mood will show palpable improvements and you will see each week’s changes with greater optimism.
On the contrary, the stress and worries typical of this phase will be mitigated by swimming for a long time. As if this were not enough, the injuries are very rare in this sport because it is low impact.
Improves cardiovascular and lung health
Swimming is almost the aerobic sport par excellence. By doing this exercise, given the horizontal position it demands, correct blood circulation is favored, which is essential to prevent varicose veins and cramps.
Also, breathing at a moderate but continuous rhythm makes the lungs work fully and, therefore, improves their oxygenation capacity to the muscles and the rest of the body of the woman and the fetus.
Allows weight control and reduces the risk of cesarean section
During pregnancy, there is a combination of factors that make the woman gain weight constantly; This fact many times threatens her health and that of the baby. Normally, pregnant women tend to spend the day quietly, due to the logical discomfort that this stage generates in their bodies.
This, added to the gradual growth of the fetus, means that being overweight and the dangers that this problem entails – among which gestational diabetes and hypertension stand out – can harm the well-being of both.
However, swimming in pregnancy, like many other exercises, reduces the need for a cesarean section due to the mother’s overweight. This is because physical activity regulates calorie burning, muscle toning, metabolism, and respiration.
Control swelling
Fluid retention and swelling of the ankles and feet are common in pregnancy. With swimming, the pressure of the water and the horizontal position that the body adopts favor the return of these fluids to the kidneys, where the process is resumed for their elimination with the urine.
In other words, after a few minutes of swimming, the expectant mother will feel less bloated, lighter, and with a clearly improved organism in terms of its functioning.
Tips for swimming in pregnancy
After knowing the remarkable benefits that this type of physical activity presents for pregnant women, several concerns may arise regarding its performance. For example, regarding the duration of the sessions, the most suitable styles, the clothing, and so on. Here are some helpful suggestions:
Always consult your doctor before starting any physical activity during the gestation period.
The breaststroke style is the most advisable during pregnancy, as it requires the least torso rotation. The same happens with the back style, also suitable for pregnancy. Both favor the movement of the muscle groups of the back.
The duration of the sessions will depend on the body and physical condition of the woman. However, it is never advisable to make excessive demands, since the body needs energy and nutrients to maintain the development of the fetus.
Always use the stairs to enter the pool and make sure someone watches your movements to avoid accidents.
Pregnancy is never the time to learn to swim. Similarly, if you haven’t been doing any physical activity for a long time, try to get out of a sedentary lifestyle with less risky activities, such as walking.
In certain cases, doctors recommend stopping swimming a month before the due date, due to the risk of expulsion of the mucous plug. Check with a professional on what date you should suspend swimming sessions.
In short, there is no doubt that swimming during pregnancy is a more than advisable practice with lifeguard training. The benefits are not only physical – although these are clearly highlighted – but will even benefit a woman’s mood and social relationships. As always, movement and exercise offer natural solutions to different phases of life.