Swimming and Water Exercises During Pregnancy

Some women say that while they are pregnant, the only time they really feel comfortable is in the water. Being in the water has a calming effect on some women, and it can help reduce swelling related to pregnancy.

Because water supports you, you will feel much lighter, and you won't have to worry about keeping your balance. Water also supports the weight of the fetus, relieving your lower back of some stress. That enables you to adopt a more relaxed posture and to enjoy a greater range of motion while in the water.

Being in the water reduces the effect of gravity, which in turn reduces pressure on your joints-a great temporary relief for some women. In addition, exercising in the water makes it significantly easier for your heart to pump blood. That's a real benefit, especially if you have hypertension.
You can also get a good workout in the water. Water exerts 12 times the resistance of air on limbs-you'll expend more energy moving through water than you would walking down the street.

Your baby is well protected inside your body while you are in the water. There are actually three barriers that provide protection-the amniotic membrane that surrounds the baby, the cervix and the vagina. Don't be concerned about water getting to the baby. However, if your bag of waters has broken, do not exercise in the water.