Swimming is a great aerobic exercise that can help to both improve physical fitness and shape the body. It is a popular choice among many women and even some pregnant women continue to swim. But is swimming beneficial during pregnancy?
Is Swimming Beneficial During Pregnancy?
Yes, it is.
Swimming during pregnancy not only promotes a higher rate of vaginal deliveries but also has numerous benefits for the health of both the mother and the fetus. The benefits of swimming during pregnancy can be seen in several aspects.
Reducing the Physical Burden on Pregnant Women
The buoyancy of water helps to counterbalance most of the weight of a person in the water, allowing them to move freely in the water with a near weightless feel. This helps pregnant women to alleviate the heavier physical burden caused by gravity when moving on land, thus reducing discomfort such as back pain, dizziness, varicose veins, blood congestion, and leg swelling.
Enhancing the Physical Condition of Pregnant Women and Fetus
The horizontal position of the body in water and the full-body movements in various swimming styles can promote blood circulation in pregnant women, enhance the metabolic process, improve appetite, aid digestion, enhance the pregnant body's adaptability to pregnancy, and reduce discomfort during pregnancy. These factors contribute to improving the physical condition of both the pregnant woman and the fetus.
Reducing Abnormal Fetal Positions
The back and abdominal movements during swimming can effectively strengthen abdominal muscles, lumbar muscles, and pelvic floor muscles. This can help reduce abnormal fetal positions caused by relaxation of abdominal muscles during pregnancy, and avoid complications such as weak uterine contractions, difficult labor, perineal tears, and excessive uterine bleeding during delivery.
Facilitating a Smooth Delivery
The unique breathing techniques and prolonged breath-holding during diving in swimming can increase the lung capacity of pregnant women and help them during the prolonged breath-holding exertion during labor, thereby facilitating a smooth delivery. Furthermore, swimming during pregnancy can help pregnant women maintain a relaxed and pleasant mood, reduce anxiety, which are also important factors for promoting a healthy pregnancy and smooth delivery.
Precautions for Swimming During Pregnancy
1. Pregnant women should undergo a physical examination before swimming. Only those with normal physical examination results can participate in swimming exercises. It is advisable to measure pulse and blood pressure before and after each swimming session.
2. Pay attention to the appropriate amount of exercise, focusing on slow and long swims. Practice breathing exercises and breath-holding exercises in the water. Avoid short-distance sprints, diving, and prolonged and deep diving.
3. It is best to schedule swimming before lunch or after a nap. Ensure adequate rest time before meals and nap time. Each swimming session should generally last around 1 hour and not be too long.
4. The water temperature for swimming should be around 30-31°C. It is not advisable to swim if the water temperature is below 30°C.
5. Pregnant women should avoid swimming during the late stages of pregnancy as it can increase the risk of premature rupture of membranes.
