Sport has long ceased to be a mere tribute to fashion, but has become an integral part of the life of modern, active women. At the same time, they do not want to slow down even during pregnancy, which, subject to its normal course, is only welcomed by gynecologists. The best option for physical activity during pregnancy is swimming in the pool. In most cases, this sport is not only not contraindicated during the period of expectation of a child, but is also strongly recommended for a number of minor pathologies of pregnancy. After reading this article, you will have no doubts about whether it is possible for pregnant women to go to the pool. We will tell you not only about the most common types of training in the pool, but also about what precautions should be taken when swimming.
During pregnancy, you especially want to be in an atmosphere of comfort and tranquility. What could be more comfortable than water? It also stabilizes the internal processes in our body, and copes well with the external imperfections of the figure. Plunging into the water, you get physical pleasure, which is in no way inferior to emotional. Swimming during pregnancy, and especially in the pool, will be approved by any doctor, but only if you do not have strict contraindications.
During correct swimming all major muscle groups are involved. An obvious plus of swimming is that a woman practically does not feel her weight, which increases in all the fair sex during pregnancy. When you are in the water, your body weight is reduced by six times. Significant, isn't it? Among other things, on recent months it will be much easier for you to basic exercises for pregnant women in the pool, and this, believe me, is not an easy task.
It is also important that the risk of injury is reduced in water. The load on the muscles and joints is minimal, internal organs do not shake, back pain goes away, which can manifest itself on later dates pregnancy.
Just don't think that swimming is perfect fitness, in which you can actually do nothing and get a stunning effect. No, you still have to sweat. Whether you are doing synchronized body movements while swimming or doing water aerobics for pregnant women, you will have to make an effort to provide the necessary resistance to the water.
The positive effect of the pool for pregnant women
In return, you will get excellent results in the form of improved appearance, normalization of general health, as well as:
Strengthen your joints;
Gently and painlessly stretch the muscles of the thighs, perineum, which is extremely important for easy natural childbirth;
Normalize heartbeat, improve blood circulation;
Water perfectly tones the veins on your legs, preventing the appearance of varicose veins and swelling;
Due to the high energy consumption during swimming, by the way, not only in the pool, you will easily and quickly lose the gained during pregnancy excess weight;
Strengthen your immunity healthy, because swimming in the pool is an excellent initial stage of hardening.
I would also like to draw your attention to the fact that if right position baby in the womb, you just need to swim. The feeling of weightlessness, the simultaneous presence of mother and baby in the water element in 95% of cases guarantees, as a result, the correct position of the child by the time the pregnancy ends.
As you can see, there are many benefits to swimming during pregnancy. Therefore, if your doctor does not mind, feel free to sign up for group training or just swim for fun in the nearest pool.
We have found that swimming and group pool activities are very beneficial and necessary for pregnant women. However, you should follow a number of recommendations that will make your workouts more useful and safe.
Let's start with the fact that you can definitely go to the pool without fear for the health of your baby, only after 20 weeks of pregnancy. The fact is that just by this time the formation of the mucous plug ends. It serves as a kind of blocker for the entry of harmful microorganisms, and, consequently, infections through the cervix during pregnancy. It is also important not to forget that approximately a couple of weeks before the birth, the mucous plug begins to gradually move away, which means that your baby is no longer so well protected from external pathogenic influences, so it is better to postpone classes for the postpartum period.
Remember that the optimal visit to the pool is 3 times a week. If you can, want, and your doctor agrees, you can swim every day. And here, especially inquisitive and scrupulous mothers can ask a seemingly stupid question - how can pregnant women swim in the pool? In fact, the question is quite logical and correct. First, remember that the duration of your water procedures should not exceed 35-50 minutes. In no case do not allow hypothermia of your body, cystitis and other inflammatory processes during pregnancy are completely undesirable. If you feel that you are freezing, immediately get out of the water and put on a dry, warm bathrobe or lightly rub your body with a terry towel.
As for the acceptable styles and techniques of swimming during pregnancy, crawl and breaststroke are considered optimal. Let's try to figure out why. For example, the breaststroke style involves the active involvement of the muscles of the legs and perineum, and the latter are in great need of training to prepare for the birth process.
note that during swimming during pregnancy it is better to give preference to the extreme lanes in the pool. Charter, you can always lean on the sides of the pool.
Advice: bleach, which is present in a small amount in the pool, can cause dryness and irritation of the vagina. In view of this, some doctors recommend the use of sanitary tampons. However, you should not decide on their use on your own. Check with your doctor first.
Another feature of classes in the pool during pregnancy is the focus on the timing of pregnancy. In the first and second trimesters, it is possible and important to actively train your body. Ideal for water aerobics and gymnastics. While for the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, exercises in the pool should not be active, sedate. It is enough to make light, leisurely swims, train to hold your breath for 10-15 minutes while diving. The acquired skills will be useful to you during childbirth at the stage of attempts, when it is vital to breathe correctly, steadily and hold your breath as directed by doctors.
A set of exercises for pregnant women in the pool
Let's go directly to the review of the exercises. Before that, we note that you can perform both individual elements taken from complex fitness programs, and full-fledged gymnastics for pregnant women, but only under the supervision of an instructor.
Advice: actively engaging in the pool during pregnancy is best as part of a group or with the help of a companion. It can be a husband, a beloved friend, a mother.
You can familiarize yourself with complex programs designed specifically for women in position and gymnastics for pregnant women in the pool in group classes, and we will talk about individual exercises that you can perform individually at your own pace.
sumo wrestler
So, the first exercise for pregnant women in the water is "Sumo wrestler". To perform it, you need to spread your legs wide, bend them at the knees and alternately make walking movements in the water with your right and left legs. This exercise perfectly helps to train the muscles of the perineum.
Bike
The second exercise is called "Bicycle". Turn your back to the side, grab it with your hands and move your legs, imitating cycling.
Float
The third exercise "Float". Its essence is that you need to take a deep breath and squat down under water, while clasping your knees with your hands. If possible, try to stay in this position for 10 seconds.
Star
The fourth exercise for pregnant women in the pool is "Asterisk". Yes, we said that lying on your back during pregnancy is prohibited. However, if we are talking about early dates and a small tummy, then you may well lie in the water on your back for a while in the star pose. It is important to completely relax and turn off all unnecessary thoughts.
Exercises with a ball in the pool
For the next exercise for pregnant women in the pool, you will need a ball. Grab it with your hands and make turns of the torso to the left and right. 10-15 repetitions will be enough. In this case, the amplitude of rotation should not be high and not sharp.
Another exercise for pregnant women with the ball is that you stand again at the side and hold on to it with your hands. In parallel with this, place a rubber ball between your legs and squeeze it as much as you can. Do 10-20 repetitions.
Contraindications to visiting the pool during pregnancy
Having described all the benefits of exercising in the pool for pregnant women, it is necessary to pay attention to cases when such training will only harm. We present the list of contraindications in the form of a list:
placenta previa;
Vaginal discharge due to infections;
bleeding;
Allergy to chlorine;
Shortness of breath, weakness;
Nausea;
General negative health after visiting the pool;
Pain in the lower abdomen;
Strong early toxicosis in pregnant women;
Exacerbation of chronic diseases;
Cases of spontaneous miscarriage in the past.
You can see that the list is quite large. That is why it is extremely important for you to consult with your doctor about the possibility of attending classes for pregnant women in the pool. Only after discussing all the nuances, details and obtaining permission from the doctor leading your pregnancy, you can go to classes in the pool. And how to make these workouts as comfortable and safe as possible, read on.
How to choose a pool?
Deciding on a pool is as difficult as choosing a husband, of course, if we are not talking about love at first sight. When you have an excellent, modern swimming pool or a fitness center with an aqua zone near your house, the problem is solved by itself. For those girls who are just starting to look for the perfect training option, we have prepared a number of tips on what you should especially pay attention to.
■ The first point of our audit of swimming pools is the method of water purification. Pay attention to how and how often the water is purified, since the benefits of swimming in such a pool for pregnant women will directly depend on this. This can be understood not only appearance of the water itself, but also by simply talking to the pool visitors or directly asking the administrator a question.
Water can be purified in several ways. The grandfather method is water chlorination. A more modern option is water purification through the use of electrolysis. Quite often, in addition to this cleaning method, a created effect of sea water is attached. Sea salt is added to the water. The benefits of bathing in such water, especially during pregnancy, are many times higher. Unfortunately, the subscription price may be too high.
Another way to purify water is ozonation. This is an ideal option, since the water is additionally saturated with oxygen, but not everyone can afford the price of such pleasure.
■ We have more or less sorted out the water and it's time to move on to the inspection of compliance with sanitary standards. Make sure that they are not just written on a piece of paper, but actually work. In addition, there must be a nurse in the pool, whose duty is to monitor the contingent of bathers. Only healthy people without dermatological problems can visit the pool.
■ Is it possible for pregnant women to go to the pool, where there are no special instructors and classes for expectant mothers? In principle, you can, but only if you only swim and do not plan to actively train. Otherwise, a coach is needed. He will prompt, insure and pay attention to all the nuances in the implementation of exercises that are important during pregnancy.
■ And a few words about comfort. The pool should have comfortable handrails for descending into the water, high-quality, even tiles without splits and cracks, and the water temperature should not be lower than 28 degrees. If all these points are met - congratulations, you have found the perfect pool option!
What is useful in the pool?
So what? They chose the pool, with the focus of the classes they decided how to swim correctly for pregnant women in the pool, they found out, it was the turn to collect the bag.
The main thing without which you will not be allowed in nice pool is a medical opinion on the permission to visit the pool. This certificate will usually include your general state health and the results of several tests. In addition, before going to the pool, you must purchase:
One-piece, comfortable swimsuit for pregnant women;
Rubber flip flops or slippers with grooved soles so as not to fall on wet, slippery tiles, and also reduce the risk of contracting a fungal infection;
Personal hygiene products such as soap or shower gel, washcloth, shampoo, towel will not be superfluous;
In many pools, a rubber head cap is a requirement to keep hair out of the water;
A hair dryer will help to make a beautiful styling or just dry your hair after class;
To prevent your skin from drying out due to water chlorination, put a moisturizing or nourishing cream in your bag, it will not hurt;
And of course, it's never bad for a pregnant woman to have a snack, so take a bun with water and some fruit.
If you decide to exercise in the last months of pregnancy, then carry an exchange card with you. It does not weigh much, takes up little space, but in the event of the onset of childbirth ahead of time, it will be very useful for emergency doctors.
Thus, swimming in the pool during pregnancy is extremely beneficial. If there are no contraindications, attend group training or enjoy solitude during long, measured swims. Choose what is closer to you and, most importantly, enjoy it!
Stop visiting the pool when planning pregnancy and later, during the period of gestation, if a woman leads an active lifestyle and regularly plays sports, in particular swimming, there is often no urgent need. An exception to this rule can be predominantly only those cases where a woman has any categorical contraindications. And for the rest, with regard to physical activity, it is only recommended to reduce their intensity, to abandon strength exercises and muscle-focused exercises abdominals. You should work out in the pool special gymnastics that is practiced in groups for pregnant women. Such exercises become an excellent preparation for the loads that the spinal muscles, muscles of the pelvis and abdomen undergo during pregnancy. Special wellness gymnastic complexes water aerobics are designed taking into account the state of the female body at various stages of pregnancy.
Water aerobics, swimming, diving helps to improve overall well-being and brings the whole body into increased tone. Going to the pool twice or thrice a week helps to reach the optimum and control body weight, which is a big plus when planning a child. Swimming also causes an increase in the buildup of the endometrial layer, which is another positive factor in increasing the likelihood of successful conception, due to the fact that there is an increase in blood circulation in the pelvic area.
It is necessary, however, to pay attention to the fact that in choosing a place for swimming and other exercise in water, preference should still be given to an indoor pool. Since open water bodies are often unreliable in terms of cleanliness and infectious safety. After all, it is completely inopportune if you still have to spend time and energy on healing some unexpected disease that delays such a welcome moment when a woman can feel the birth of a new life within herself.
The swimming pool when planning pregnancy, on the basis of this, requires a deliberate and comprehensively balanced approach, and prior consultation with the attending physician. If all the necessary conditions are met, the chances of successful conception, safe bearing and the birth of a healthy child increase.
Contraindications to the pool during pregnancy
Contraindications to the pool during pregnancy primarily consist in the existence of a threat of spontaneous abortion. The question of whether it is appropriate to visit the pool by a particular woman “in position” should be decided during a consultation with a specialist, under whose medical supervision she is during the period of gestation.
This possibility is excluded, in particular, due to the presence of any copious discharge or, for example, with placenta previa.
A reasonable decision would be to abandon the pool for those women who have an increased uterine tone.
It is undesirable to go to the pool with acute forms of sexually transmitted infections, and in addition, in the presence of any other diseases that are in the acute stage. Of the latter, as an example, one can name, in particular, the exacerbation of tuberculosis.
The disease of chronic appendicitis also classifies swimming, diving and water aerobics in the pool as unacceptable activities during pregnancy.
During the period of bearing a child, women who have any of the number of systemic blood diseases should refuse to visit the pool.
The pool is banned for uterine bleeding, eclampsia, preeclampsia in pregnant women.
The inadmissibility of physical stress during swimming and performing exercises in the water is caused by obstetric pathologies, the symptoms inherent in preeclampsia, and in addition, characterizing the phenomena of early or extremely pronounced toxicosis, which is accompanied by incessant vomiting.
Another contraindication is cases of habitual miscarriage that previously occurred in each previous pregnancy.
And, of course, one of the main alarms calling for the need for a future mother to abandon the pool is the occurrence of systematic pain contractions in her after a session of classes.
Contraindications to the pool during pregnancy, given all of the above, of course, there is a place to be. However, if a woman preparing to become a mother is not sick with any of the listed diseases, and there are no occurrence of all kinds of negative phenomena, it can be confidently asserted that physical activity in the water will be more beneficial than harmful.
Swimming in early pregnancy
The pool in early pregnancy, according to many, is certainly a positive factor. In some special miraculous way, immediately affect the best course of pregnancy swimming and water gymnastic exercises, of course, they are incapable, but at least they have a beneficial effect on the general condition and tone of the body of a woman who is preparing to become a mother. Therefore, visiting the pool is often advised to start literally in the first weeks in order to start preparatory activities for childbirth as early as possible.
So, after it was established at the consultation with the attending physician that there are no serious obstacles to this, the path to the pool is completely open.
Often, expectant mothers may be concerned about the possibility of easily getting some kind of unpleasant disease as a result of being in a public pool. After all, the limited volume of water in which it is immersed a large number of the most diverse people, it seems to be an ideal environment for the development and reproduction of all kinds of infections and pathogenic bacteria. On this occasion, it must be said right away that such worries are mostly unfounded. Many modern pools are equipped with highly efficient powerful water purification systems, using special means in which there is no presence of chlorine.
In order to start exercising in the pool, you should definitely sign up for a special group for pregnant women under the guidance of an experienced instructor.
Swimming in the early stages of pregnancy, on the one hand, is a wonderful way for a woman to keep herself in optimal physical shape, and on the other, it appears as a positive psychological factor of great importance. In the process of communicating in a group with the same expectant mothers, all the problems and anxieties that a woman has recede into the background, she gains a positive attitude and confidence that such activities are only for the benefit of her baby.
Swimming in late pregnancy
Swimming in late pregnancy has as its main goal by no means to achieve any significant improvement in overall physical condition or give the figure a special grace of lines. The very essence of visiting the pool, swimming, water gymnastics exercises - water aerobics during this period is to keep yourself in physical shape with the least possible changes compared to the one that preceded the conception and the beginning of intrauterine development of the fetus.
And, based on this, classes for expectant mothers do not provide for any intense loads. It is recommended to limit yourself to just walking and running in the water with high knees and accompanying it with swings of arms and legs.
An important aspect is the need to perform stretching exercises. Under the influence of warm water in the pool, the ligaments become more elastic, which is of considerable importance for the birth process. And after the successful birth of the baby in the future, this contributes to the restoration of the figure in a shorter time.
It is important to use the muscles of the inner thighs in the exercises. To this end, you can do the following. Holding hands on the handrail in the wall of the pool, while resting their feet on the wall, they raise their legs, spreading them as wide as possible. You should not rush so that the tissues have the opportunity to get used to this state. Next, you need to try to spread your legs even wider, as if sitting on a twine.
The pool in late pregnancy, as we can see, contributes to the maintenance physical form a woman who is soon to become a mother, and can also help prepare her body for the process of resolving childbirth.
Swimming during pregnancy in the pool
Swimming during pregnancy in the pool can be called one of the most effective methods which are able to help prepare a woman for the process of childbirth.
First of all, everything becomes easier in the water. And being in the aquatic environment, a woman in a positive emotional mood from the forthcoming joys of motherhood can fully receive only one positive from this. She is not weighed down by the weight of her own, bulky, pregnancy-altered body. For a while, she is able to feel lighter than a feather! Water in the most wonderful way helps to overcome stress, get rid of anxieties and worries.
Swimming implies that the pregnant woman's body during this process takes a horizontal position, which in turn reduces the load on the spine, bone and muscular system. It is associated with a good level of physical activity, leads to the development of endurance and helps to strengthen pectoral muscles. There is an assumption that the activation of blood flow in the muscles of the chest subsequently directly determines the best production of breast milk.
No less important is diving, which can accompany swimming.
Plunging headlong into the water, the expectant mother gains valuable experience of holding her breath, which will be useful during childbirth. And the little man inside her will learn to do without oxygen for a while. Indeed, with the completion of childbirth, he will not be able to receive more from his mother, since the umbilical cord connecting them will be cut off.
As practice shows, a child who has adapted to the phenomenon of such temporary hypoxia is more likely to move towards the exit in the birth canal and shows a better ability to adapt to the world around him after birth.
Swimming during pregnancy in the pool contributes to a good preparation of a woman for the birth process, both physical and psychological, and in addition plays a certain positive role in the development of the child.
Swimming pool during pregnancy
A visit to the pool during pregnancy is possible only if future mother No direct contraindications have been identified. Among them, the main ones are: an increased risk of spontaneous abortion or premature delivery, the presence of skin lesions, a high degree of toxicosis, etc. The next step is the choice of an institution that would meet all the necessary criteria. The pool must be clean and have safe and comfortable steps to enter the water. In addition, it is necessary that the position of a full-time gynecologist be provided among the staff of such a pool.
While in the pool, a pregnant woman is required to strictly follow certain safety rules. First of all, it is necessary to learn how to evenly distribute physical activity, since excessive overwork entails a deterioration in the general well-being of a woman.
Performing physical exercises in the water must necessarily accompany breathing exercises, which in combination contributes both to improving the state of health and serves as a wonderful preparation for the process of childbirth.
With regard to swimming in the pool, we note that its sports styles for a woman preparing to become a mother are categorically unacceptable. You need to swim calmly, without exorbitant efforts, and, of course, do not set yourself a benchmark in the championship in ultra-long marathon swims. You should limit yourself to short distances.
In order to avoid falls on the wet and very slippery tiles of the pool, and in order to avoid injury due to this reason, it is recommended to walk exclusively on the paths. And in order to minimize the risk of getting a fungal infection of the feet, walking barefoot is undesirable, it is necessary to wear slippers.
A visit to the pool during pregnancy requires constant monitoring by the expectant mother of her well-being. Chlorination in the pool is undoubtedly a positive factor in terms of water disinfection, however, on the other hand, bleach often provokes the development of dermatitis and all kinds of allergies on the skin. The smell of chlorine can also cause an increase in the symptoms of toxicosis, which is especially characteristic of early pregnancy. Because of this, so much importance is attached to the obligatory preliminary consultation with a gynecologist.
Pregnancy and swimming pool with bleach
The benefits of swimming and physical activity in the water during pregnancy are clear. It's wonderful preventive measure against diseases cordially vascular system. There is also no doubt about their beneficial effect on the musculoskeletal system. Complex special exercises water aerobics acts as one of the most effective preparatory measures to ensure that childbirth takes place in a natural way, since as childbirth approaches, it helps the child to acquire the correct position in the uterus.
However, visiting the pool by a pregnant woman is associated with a number of adverse aspects. Pregnancy and a pool of bleach is one of them, which often becomes a matter of concern and uncertainty for expectant mothers.
Chlorine - the so-called bleach - is used to destroy all kinds of pathogenic bacteria in the water and prevent the spread of diseases. Chlorination of pool water has been a common disinfection practice for decades now, and Negative consequences its use has never been widespread. This, however, should by no means serve as a basis for considering this remedy completely harmless. On the contrary, the insidiousness of bleach lies precisely in the fact that its harmful effect begins to actualize only as it accumulates in the human body.
When a pregnant woman swims in water containing chlorine, bleach is absorbed by the skin, and from the mother's body, in any case, it is transmitted to the child in a certain amount. In the process of gradual evaporation of bleach, chlorine gas is released, and when it is inhaled (and if there is a smell of chlorine, then there is its presence in the air), both the pregnant woman and the fetus are poisoned. In small doses, this gas does not pose a significant danger, but over time, its cumulative effect can have a negative effect.
Researchers from Belgium argue that if a woman carrying a child visits an indoor pool at least once a week, in which water is with bleach, the harm to the fetus can be compared with that from regular smoking for an adult's body. In addition, the opinion is voiced that from exposure to bleach, the child becomes more at risk of developing allergies and asthma. According to other specialists in the field of pulmonary diseases, this connection is not obvious.
Be that as it may, such a combination as pregnancy and a pool with bleach is fraught with a threat of at least dryness and irritation, allergic reactions on the skin of the expectant mother, and for a baby this may be fraught with a further tendency to allergies, the development of asthma and other diseases of the system breathing. Therefore, it is better to still opt for those pools that the water in them is purified in a different way, without the use of bleach. Fortunately, today you can find enough of them to choose the most suitable one.
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 have a special relationship with water. Some procedures are useful, and some can even be dangerous. Today we will talk about whether it is possible for pregnant women to use the sauna and the pool?
In addition, we will try to find out: what precautions should be taken when visiting these places, and how useful are such procedures during pregnancy?
Bath for pregnant women - a taboo or is it still possible?
Do 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, do not forget that the health of our great-grandmothers was much stronger than that of modern women. healthy eating, physical labor, usually taking place on fresh air, and regular visits to the bath made them strong and hardy.
In addition, village women gave birth to 7 or even 12 children, and for them this was not a feat. We live in completely different conditions, we work mainly in offices, rarely walk in the fresh air, our products leave much to be desired, and there is no time to even think about a bathhouse.
A modern woman is ready to give birth to the 1st, well, a maximum of 3 children. That is why the bath for us can be a certain danger. Especially if you decide to go there for the first time during pregnancy.
If we talk about the benefits of a bath for a future mother, then the following points can be noted:
- visiting the bath helps to strengthen immune system;
- blood circulation improves, including blood supply to the placenta;
- bath treatments - good workout for the respiratory system;
- relieves muscle tension;
- warns varicose veins veins, improves the tone of the walls of blood vessels;
- prevents the appearance of , ;
- helps to get rid of headaches, insomnia.
Also, the bath helps to remove toxins and toxins from the body, relieves anxiety and irritation in the expectant mother. Fans of 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 bath is a certain burden on the body, especially on the heart. In addition, out of habit, you can easily allow the body to overheat, and this is very dangerous during pregnancy.
In the early stages, the risk of abortion increases, so at this time it is advisable to refuse to visit the bath. It is possible for pregnant women to 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 diseases of the heart and kidneys, at any stage, if you have a multiple pregnancy or incorrect placenta previa, the bath should be abandoned.
Swimming in the pool during pregnancy, how useful 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 the pool during pregnancy.
Why is it so useful for a future mother to swim in the pool and is it always possible for pregnant women to go to the pool? Classes in the pool, swimming, water aerobics are muscle training in weightless conditions. On the one hand, it is very convenient, given the weakened ligaments during pregnancy.
On the other hand, there is an increased load on the muscles, as water prevents movement, and this is an excellent preparation of the body for the upcoming birth. It has already been proven that swimming has a positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system and lungs.
Women who swim during pregnancy have an easier and more practical birth. You can swim during pregnancy in the pool according to the program for expectant mothers, starting from the second trimester, before this there is not much point.
It is also necessary to take into account that the water in the pool is highly chlorinated and not particularly clean, so it is quite possible to catch some kind of infection or you may experience skin irritation, an allergic reaction, dry skin.
It is mandatory to consult a doctor whether it is possible for pregnant women to swim in the pool, usually, with pregnancy complications, doctors prohibit such procedures.
In general, swimming in the pool is much more beneficial for the expectant mother than harm or risk. Therefore, if you have no contraindications, and there is an opportunity, be sure to go to the pool. Easy and painless childbirth will be guaranteed to you.
Photo and video: Bath and pool during pregnancy - harmful or useful, possible or impossible
As you know, swimming in the pool is very useful during pregnancy. But many expectant mothers are afraid of catching an infection, so they refuse the opportunity to receive additional pleasure and heal the body. This article discusses whether it is possible to visit a public pool, or should you refrain.
Why is it considered unacceptable to use the pool?
Asking young mothers whether pregnant women can go to the pool, almost 20% answer “No”. They explain this by the fact that there you can pick up an infectious inflammation or fungus on your feet. But this is far from true. These fears are more suitable for a city reservoir with unfiltered water, where sewage is released.
The pool is different. If the institution respects itself, then they regularly, several times a day, take a sample of water for the presence of various sticks. In addition, the pool for pregnant women is safe in the sense that the water there is filtered and chlorinated. This prevents harmful microbes from surviving.
The only danger that poses to a pregnant woman is a pool with a large crowd of people. In this case, there is a risk of injury to the abdomen, but this can also be prevented if you do not dive and look ahead all the time.
A contraindication for visiting the pool is poor health, infectious and viral diseases of various origins and the cold season (so that you don’t catch a cold on the street with a wet head). In other cases, pregnant women can go to the pool without any fear.
What should be remembered when visiting the pool?
Before visiting the pool, you need to know how pregnant women need to swim there, or rather, precautions. They consist in mandatory rubber shoes, which need to be removed only before entering the water directly. Put a hat on your head. This will save the woman from fungus and possible lice.
You need to swim slowly, without swallowing water. Classes in the pool for pregnant women are carried out calmly, without sudden movements. Better to stay close to the sides.
You can't swim in the middle of the pool. A pregnant woman may become ill, dizzy or have a leg cramp. This is dangerous because a woman swallows water and experiences great fear.
What can you do in the pool?
In the pool, a pregnant woman can perform various exercises which will help her relax her muscles and relieve a lot of tension. In addition, classes in the water help prepare for childbirth, facilitate their process.
As an exercise for a pregnant woman in the pool, you can do leg swings. Just be careful not only to hurt other swimmers, but also not to dislocate the joint. Holding on to the side, do light squats, literally bend your legs for a couple of centimeters for a few seconds. Do tilts to the side, relaxing your back. These exercises in the pool for pregnant women are a life-saving action from pain and tension. Twist your torso a little, keeping your hands on your waist. You can swim on your back in the pool on early term pregnancy.
Exercises of a pregnant woman in the pool can be performed arbitrarily, the main thing is to avoid jumping, strong bends and full squats.
The benefits of water are invaluable. It is needed not only inside the body, but also outside. Water softens and relaxes the muscles throughout the body, relieves the tone of the uterus. The baby feels comfortable and light. For this reason, it is recommended to conduct classes for pregnant women in the pool until the very birth.
And how to swim in the pool for pregnant women so that it benefits? You need to do this in the usual way for yourself. The main thing is to be convenient and comfortable. There is no need to hurry, sudden movements will harm the baby. On the contrary, the exercises of a pregnant woman in the pool must be done as smoothly and slowly as if she were doing it in a dream. You should take your husband or girlfriend to the pool with you. They will help you accomplish many useful exercises and will be there for safety. And the last question - how often should a pregnant woman swim in the pool? The frequency depends on the well-being of the expectant mother. If she is in good mood, she is not tormented by toxicosis, then you can go to the pool 2-3 times a week for 1-2 hours. The pool is a great opportunity to relax and de-stress. In addition, swimming improves the functioning of the immune system, which reduces the risk of viral diseases.
A girl who is expecting a baby tries to keep herself in shape during this period so as not to gain overweight. Swimming is a great helper in this matter.
Water has a positive effect on the female body and makes it possible to prepare it for childbirth. During swimming, the girl's body is in a relaxed state, and her muscles are in good shape. Do not be afraid of water. It is dangerous only if it gets inside the body. Swimming has a positive effect on the body of a pregnant woman, and which we will now understand.
Benefits of swimming during pregnancy
Swimming always helps with problems with the spine, joints and musculoskeletal system. During pregnancy, the load on them increases. The girls have pain in the spine, varicose veins, it is difficult to walk. Swimming in the pool avoids this. Water relaxes and removes swelling and pain.
Swimming helps keep your weight in check. During pregnancy, girls gain weight. Classes make it possible to follow the figure and gain only a couple of kilograms.
Swimming helps you breathe properly. This helps both the baby, who is still in the womb, and the mother during childbirth.
Swimming allows you to relieve the nervous tension that appears during pregnancy. Every girl worries about her baby and the upcoming birth. Water soothes and relaxes.
Swimming normalizes work of cardio-vascular system. In pregnant girls, the heart rate changes. Classes in the water normalize it. The girl feels much better.
Exercising in the water is much better than on land. First, water makes a girl lighter. Therefore, all movements are performed with ease. Secondly, water is a protective barrier. While exercising on land, you can easily get injured, but not in the water. Thirdly, the temperature in the water is much lower than on land. This avoids burns or sunstroke.
Many girls are worried about the appearance of stretch marks on the body. During pregnancy, girls struggle with this problem in cosmetic and other ways. Water is the best cosmetic to prevent or get rid of stretch marks.
Swimming is good for the baby in the womb. If the baby is in the wrong position, which can complicate the birth process, then doctors recommend visiting the pool. Swimming allows the baby to change his position.
Harm from swimming during pregnancy
Regardless of the well-being of the expectant mother, before swimming, you need to visit your gynecologist. It is forbidden to swim girls with the threat of miscarriage. In addition, if after swimming there is nausea, bleeding, pain, stomach pulling, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, then swimming lessons should be canceled.
Girls with kidney disease and cystitis are not advised to go swimming.
If there is a tendency to the appearance of a fungus on the legs and nails, then swimming is recommended to be abandoned. Swimming pools and beaches are places where it is easy to catch a fungal infection. It cannot be cured during pregnancy. Medications, which are used during the treatment period, are contraindicated in pregnant girls.
If the doctor allowed you to swim, then you still need to be careful. Listen to your body. If you feel unwell, stop exercising.
How long can you swim
Swimming starts from the 12th week. Doctors recommend stopping training 3-4 weeks before giving birth. Why such timeframes? In the first months of pregnancy (sometimes this happens at week 7), a mucous plug forms. This cork closes the entrance to the womb and protects the fetus from various infections that can enter through the vagina. The cork comes off a month before the birth. But every woman's body is different. These times may vary. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult with your doctor.
Rules for visiting the pool during pregnancy
Before you go to the pool, you need to choose it correctly. When choosing a pool, you should pay attention to the water temperature, the cleaning system and the condition of the interior of the pool bowl. The water temperature should not be below 28 degrees. The cleaning system should consist of several stages with the mandatory use of chlorine or bromine. We recommend trying the walls of the pool. If they are covered with mucus, then this means that the pool has not been cleaned for a long time and it is not worth swimming in it. In addition, the steps in the pool must be non-slippery. Often they are trimmed with rubberized material.
It is better to conduct classes in the pool with a coach or instructor. Often in sports complexes open special groups water aerobics for pregnant women. If there are no such groups, then you will have to swim on your own.
There are several styles of swimming, but for women in position, it is recommended to swim only breaststroke. At the first lesson, it is worth swimming 25 m. After that, rest a bit. Stand in the pool or do some light exercise. After that, swim another 25 meters. This will allow you to feel cheerful in the morning, without any sensation of pain in the muscles. In a couple of weeks, the girl will easily overcome distances of more than 25 meters.
Swimming is worth 2 or 3 times a week for 30-40 minutes. Over time, the time spent in the pool can be increased to 50 minutes.
If there are no contraindications, then swimming will allow the girl who is expecting a baby not to gain extra pounds and prepare her body for the upcoming birth.
Prepared by "Person Sport.ru"
