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Pool during pregnancy - moderate exercise is only useful. Can pregnant women go to the pool in the second and third trimester? What are the benefits and what are the contraindications

Many women are interested in how safe it is to swim in the pool during pregnancy and what are the indications and contraindications. Before visiting the pool, you must always consult with your doctor. It is best to visit the pool when the mucous plug is fully formed, as this will prevent the penetration of harmful substances into the cervical canal. This will protect the child from external negative influences. The stage of formation of the mucous plug begins at about the 7th week of pregnancy, which is why visiting the pool in the early stages is not recommended.

Pool during pregnancy

From the 13th week of pregnancy, you can swim in the pool, however, only up to 36 weeks. At this time, the cork peels off, which increases the risk of various infections penetrating the fetus.

Swimming has a beneficial effect on the woman's body, as a result of this Wow:

  • The feeling of heaviness in the body of a pregnant woman decreases;
  • There is pain in the back;
  • The psycho-emotional state is stabilized.

Doctors recommend starting water procedures with a short warm-up, and only after that, gradually move on to swimming. Important! It is highly undesirable to proceed to swimming without prior preparation. Be sure to prepare the body. A smooth, competent approach will bring a positive result for the health of the child and the woman. In addition, swimming in the pool, a woman prepares the body for childbirth, as it learns to breathe correctly.

Pregnancy is not at all a reason to refuse sports, but physical activity needs to be weakened. Dynamic sports are being replaced by less calm ones, such as swimming in the pool. Swimming in the pool is very beneficial for pregnant women. Diving and holding her breath for a while, a woman prepares for childbirth. At such moments, the child feels a slight lack of oxygen, which is a good preparation for possible hypoxia during childbirth.

Among other things, swimming in the pool has such benefits for the body as:

  • It is possible to keep the figure in good condition;
  • The woman becomes more resilient;
  • You can relax in the water;
  • It is possible to strengthen the immune system.

It is imperative that you properly engage in water procedures, which is why you need to conduct the first classes with a trainer so that you can determine exactly how to behave in the water and how long you can swim. Reviews of pregnant women who visited the pool during pregnancy are only the most positive, as this will allow you to relax as much as possible.

Before visiting the pool, you must first consult with your doctor, as this can be not only beneficial, but also significant harm. That is why, you need to know for what diseases you can not visit the pool.

In particular, contraindications include:

  • placenta previa;
  • Risk of miscarriage;
  • Hypertension of the uterus;
  • Bloody discharge from the vagina;
  • Severe toxicosis;
  • Exacerbation of chronic diseases;
  • The presence of open wounds;
  • Allergy to chlorine.

In addition, you should not visit the pool if you feel unwell, as this can be quite dangerous for a pregnant woman. Some doctors oppose swimming in the first trimester and later, as it can cause serious harm to a developing baby.

What gives swimming during pregnancy

Light sport can be very beneficial for pregnant women under conditions of moderate exercise. In particular, swimming in the pool can give a good result. The ideal option is to go swimming before pregnancy, as in this case, the body will be well trained.

Swimming is useful in absolutely any period of pregnancy, the most important thing is to follow some precautions.

During the first trimester, you can swim in the pool for no more than 20 minutes a day, visiting it 3-4 times a week. Then the time spent in the pool can be gradually increased to 45 minutes, but it is important to take into account your well-being. Any sport necessarily requires compliance with certain rules of safety precautions and swimming is no exception.

When swimming in the pool, be sure to:

  • Swim slowly;
  • Excessive temperature fluctuations must be avoided;
  • Wear rubber shoes for safety.

Swimming is best in pools where all sanitary and hygienic water quality standards are met. When visiting pools with bleach, be sure to follow all precautions and undergo a preliminary examination, as there is a risk of allergies.

You should swim only if you are in good health. If any discomfort or discomfort occurs, you should immediately get out of the water. You can visit the pool throughout the entire period of pregnancy, with the exception of periods of deterioration of health or in the presence of a doctor's ban. Subject to all precautionary requirements, classes are completely safe for the pregnant woman and the child. Women who swim regularly during pregnancy are much more likely to avoid tears and pain during childbirth. Since such training helps to improve the condition of all muscle groups.

Need to know: is it possible to get pregnant in the pool

Many young girls out of inexperience are interested in whether it is possible to get pregnant in the pool. It can be said unequivocally that this is absolutely impossible. The thing is that sperm, despite all their activity, once in the water, simply die. They can survive only by being in a woman's genital tract, however, their survivability period is only 3 days. Even if spermatozoa accidentally enter the woman's vagina along with water, there is no chance of pregnancy, since they instantly die when they enter the water.

If there is a delay in menstruation, then in addition to pregnancy, this can occur for reasons such as:

  • Hormonal disbalance;
  • stress;
  • Sudden weight loss.

Violation of the menstrual cycle may be due to the ongoing hormonal failure that occurs in the body for certain reasons. This happens mainly after a previous illness or due to a sharp change in climate. Hormonal disruptions in women, and menstrual irregularities can occur due to various kinds of stressful situations, in women with weakened immune systems, with improper use of hormonal contraceptives. In addition, in some cases, such violations can occur for no apparent reason.

Often, a delay in menstruation or its complete cessation can occur due to adherence to a strict diet, as a reaction to a sharp weight loss.

Actual question: is it possible for pregnant women to go to the pool (video)

Swimming in the pool for pregnant women can have a very beneficial effect on the condition of a woman, a child, and also facilitate the process of childbirth. However, it is important to follow the rules for visiting the pool and take into account the available indications and contraindications.

It is quite difficult to answer unequivocally the question: is it possible for pregnant women to go to the pool. Every pregnant woman should competently approach this issue. Before using the pool, you should consult with your doctor. In the absence of any evidence, visiting the pool has a beneficial effect on the health of the expectant mother and baby.

When can pregnant women visit the pool

With the approval of a gynecologist, you can safely go to the pool. You need to get 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 the doctor's recommendations. Otherwise, you can aggravate your health situation or the unborn baby.

It is better to visit the pool with the completed formation of the mucous plug, 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 phase begins at 7 weeks of gestation. This means that in the first semester of pregnancy, it is undesirable to go to the pool (the first 12 weeks). Starting at 13 weeks, you can go swimming. When the 36th week comes, swimming should be stopped. At this time, the cork in most pregnant women begins to flake off. Consequently, there is a risk of penetration to the fetus of various infections.

Swimming for pregnant women

In water, the body becomes, as it were, weightless, which allows unloading the spine of the expectant mother. Accordingly, the feeling of heaviness in the body of a pregnant woman decreases. At the same time, back pain disappears, 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 neat, 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 future mothers regarding the health of their baby, the reasoned arguments about the benefits of swimming are listed below:

  1. The water space allows you to unload the spine, thanks to which it is possible to avoid osteochondrosis and back pain.
  2. Swimming burns more calories than regular exercise. In this case, the probability of stretching the tendons and muscles is almost zero. This is the perfect solution for overweight expectant mothers.
  3. Swimming stabilizes 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 to remove excess fluid from the tissues, so you can get rid of edema.
  5. Swimming and diving in the pool, the expectant mother is well prepared for childbirth and develops proper breathing. Due to holding the breath while diving, the vitality of the baby itself also increases. Given that during childbirth, oxygen access to the fetus is reduced, it will be easier for the child to cope with this.
  6. While swimming, one feels the unified element of the baby and the expectant mother. Harmonious unity with your own child has a beneficial effect on the psycho-emotional state of a pregnant woman.
  7. Swimming helps to strengthen the immune system.

Which pregnant woman should not go to the pool

Pregnant women should not visit the pool:

  • with uterine hypertonicity;
  • with copious discharge;
  • at risk for preterm birth;
  • suffering from severe toxicosis;
  • with infectious diseases;
  • during the period of exacerbation of chronic diseases;
  • if they feel unwell or have a headache;
  • with a negative reaction to bleach;
  • if a history of spontaneous miscarriage was noted.

Which pool is better during pregnancy

Of course, the priority is the pool with sea water. These pools are filled with ordinary water and sea salt is added to it. The benefits of sea salt are now known to every inhabitant of the planet. Water purification is carried out by electrolysis. There can be no question of the presence of bleach. 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 pools with sea water, and a subscription here is not cheap.

An alternative option is pools cleaned with ozonizing plants. The advantage of ozone disinfection is the saturation of the water with oxygen. Given the continuous operation of the ozonating plant, the cost of the subscription is above average.

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

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

What to focus on when choosing a pool during pregnancy

Choosing the perfect maternity pool involves a combination of all of the following criteria:

  • water is highly purified.
  • The swimming pool is located near the house.
  • Swimming is carried out under the supervision of an instructor for pregnant women. The optimal time for classes is 40-50 minutes, visits per week - 2 times.
  • water should warm up to 28–31 degrees.
  • if there are convenient handrails in the place of descent to the water.

Essentials for expectant mothers in the pool

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

  • medical report on health;
  • closed swimsuit;
  • non-slippery shoes with corrugated soles;
  • rubber hat;
  • cleansing accessories for the body;
  • hair dryer for drying wet parts of hair;
  • skin nourisher.

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

Increasingly, among expectant mothers there are disagreements on the basis of visiting pools. Someone considers this case very useful, and someone is terribly afraid of catching some kind of infection. Let's dot the "i" on the question of whether pregnant women can visit the pool.

Rules for visiting the pool for a pregnant woman

First of all, before visiting the pool, you need to consult your gynecologist. If you do not have 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 mucous plug has formed, but has not yet come out.

Mucus plug

A mucous 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, swimming in the pool, you can not be afraid that dirt will get in and harm the baby. But the cork does not protect the woman and the fetus during the entire period of pregnancy.

A mucous 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 move away 2-3 weeks before childbirth or immediately before them. Everything is individual. Therefore, bathing for pregnant women is strictly forbidden precisely after the cork has come off, since at this time the risk of various infections and pathogens to the child increases greatly.

Contraindications and precautions

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

Do not forget about the fungi that you can pick up in such public places. Now it will be completely inappropriate for you. It is extremely difficult to treat nail fungus during pregnancy, almost all drugs are contraindicated.

Don't overstress. If you feel tired, stop exercising. Also, women with severe toxicosis, miscarriages, and abdominal pain after class should not go to the pool.

The benefits of exercising in the pool

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

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

But before going there, nevertheless it is recommended to carefully study the information about training, their benefits and possible harm, after all, during pregnancy, a woman is obliged to control her health with the utmost care.

Three whales

There are three areas of physical activity in the pool, useful for expectant mothers. This swimming, diving, and water aerobics.

Swimming

When swimming, a pregnant woman feels incredible lightness. This is what is often lacking in the difficult period of waiting for the baby.

Swimming allows you to relax and relieve stress. It unloads the spine and the musculoskeletal system as a whole.

Also, such classes are good because increase endurance, which will not be superfluous during childbirth.

Swimming strengthens chest muscles, and experts say that women who go to the pool during pregnancy are less likely to suffer from a lack of breast milk. This is a great opportunity to prepare yourself for childbirth.

Diving

Diving is considered useful, first of all, from the point of view of psychology. So, the mother begins to understand and feel the baby in the liquid throughout the pregnancy.

From a physical point of view diving is useful as breath holding training, which will not be superfluous during childbirth.

Studies show that babies whose mothers actively dived during pregnancy are able to go through the birth canal faster and adapt to the outside world after birth.

The fight on average lasts from one to one and a half minutes. Diving lessons can teach a woman to hold her breath for this period, which will facilitate the prenatal process.

Aqua aerobics

The specifics of classes for pregnant women are somewhat different than usual. So, high loads are contraindicated for expectant mothers.

In this case the essence of exercises in jumping and running on water with high knee raises, swings with legs and arms.

Useful and stretching. Water increases muscle elasticity, and training of the inner thigh muscles is especially good, which can later facilitate the process of childbirth.

Pregnancy and Swimming - Swimming Pool Olympic TV

Indications and contraindications

Is the swimming pool good for pregnant women? Within reasonable limits physical activity with water has a positive effect on any expectant mother Therefore, pregnancy in itself is an indication for such activities.

However, before you start visiting the pool, be sure to consult your gynecologist about this issue. You also need to know that there are contraindications for the pool for pregnant women.

Yes, a specialist can advise you avoid such activities diseases of the internal organs, and.

You can not visit the pool pregnant, suffering infectious diseases and having chlorine.

Will have to give up training if placenta previa or. An important contraindication is the poor health of the pregnant woman: so, if you feel at least a slight malaise, skip the workout.

About timing

Both doctors and swimming instructors agree that it is worth starting to visit the pool of a pregnant woman as early as possible. Ideally, it is better to practice swimming before pregnancy, which will help to train the body well.

If you decide to enroll in the pool, already being in an interesting position, do not delay, as swimming is beneficial at any waiting time for the baby.

For it is better to visit the pool at intervals every other day (3-4 times a week), and swim for twenty minutes. Further you can increase the time of classes up to 45 minutes, but let your well-being be the main criterion.

Stop swimming in the pool only needed before childbirth. If we are talking about severe pain in the abdomen and, then you can no longer do it.

So that the choice does not become flour

The future mother should approach the choice of the pool more responsibly than any other woman. No need to go to the first complex you come across just because it's near your house.

Optimal choice- swimming pool at a special school for pregnant women. You also need to consider what kind of water the pool is filled with. It is better if it is sea or running water.

If you get into a good pool, you will certainly be asked for a certificate from a specialist authorizing such activities.

Choose your instructor carefully with which you are going to work. It is important that this person be attentive and tactful, not impose exercises on you, but develop an individual program for you.

A true specialist will always monitor how you do the exercises correctly. If there are flaws, he will correct you and show you how to do it right.

What to bring?

It is mandatory to have authorization letter from a doctor.

Bathing suit. If the pregnancy is already quite long, your regular swimsuit is unlikely to be suitable for exercising. Accordingly, you need to buy a product in a larger size.

Rubber slippers with grooved soles, they will help prevent falls on slippery floors. A towel and a rubber cap will also come in handy.

Shower gel. It is very important to take a shower immediately after taking the pool, especially if the water in it is chlorinated.

Hairdryer, if it is not in the premises of the complex with a swimming pool, wet laundry bag.

something to eat. After prolonged contact with water, as a rule, appetite increases. Grab a couple of fruits, crackers or a milk drink with you. Don't forget about drinking water either.

Precautionary measures

Like any other activity, swimming in the pool involves the need to adhere to a number of safety rules.

So, pregnant ladies need to know the following:

  1. Swim only in a pool where all sanitary and hygienic water quality standards are met. Specify this point in advance at the selection stage.
  2. When immersed in water, try to avoid extreme temperature fluctuations.
  3. Swim slowly, and preferably in the style you are used to. When pregnant, it is better to refrain from swimming on your back.
  4. Shoes must be non-slip, otherwise the risk of falling increases.
  5. Any discomfort or pain should immediately become a reason to leave the pool.

Thus, if all the rules are followed, the pool is useful for both the expectant mother and the baby. With permission from a specialist, you can swim, and even need to.

This will help reduce pain during further childbirth, train muscles and avoid a number of troubles.

And, of course, the pool is also a very pleasant pastime, and positive emotions for the expectant mother are never superfluous.

Photobank Lori

Swimming is a great activity for pregnant women, which trains muscles and many body systems without overloading.
However, you can’t go to the pool if there is a threat of abortion, any vaginal discharge appears.
You can swim not only in the pools, but also in "trustworthy" natural reservoirs. In any case, before deciding to take this step, you need to obtain the permission of your doctor.

Why is it good to swim during pregnancy?

In addition, swimming develops and strengthens many muscle groups. For example, strong back muscles will make it easier to endure pregnancy and cope with the load that the baby growing in the stomach provides. Strengthening the muscles of the small pelvis, pelvic floor, abdomen and perineum will be the key to a successful birth.

Another plus is that swimming has a good effect on the cardiovascular system, and during pregnancy it experiences quite a lot of stress. Blood circulation improves significantly, blood and lymph begin to circulate faster throughout the body and internal organs. All this helps to cope with the problem in the lower extremities and varicose veins, reduce swelling.

Since the excess load is removed from the spine and all muscle groups in the water, the expectant mother relaxes, and she is no longer bothered by back and lower back pain. Swimming perfectly trains the respiratory system, which allows the expectant mother to prepare for the upcoming birth. Proper breathing and proper ventilation of the lungs improve the supply of oxygen to the blood, which means that the future baby also receives it in abundance.

Swimming can also help the baby get into the correct position in the mother's stomach. In cases of problem presentation, doctors even advise pregnant women to go to pool classes to give the baby a chance to roll over. But, despite all the benefits and advantages of such training, there are conditions when they are contraindicated.

When can't you swim?

The main contraindication for such activities is the threat of abortion, so the question of whether it is possible for you to swim during pregnancy should be discussed with your doctor. Any abundant discharge, placenta previa will also become a reason for the ban.

If the expectant mother has no contraindications, you can safely go to the pool, and as early as possible in order to start preparing for childbirth from the first weeks. Do not be afraid to catch an infection: modern pools use powerful purification systems and special products that do not contain chlorine.

Can expectant mothers swim in rivers and lakes?

If you want to swim in open water, then, of course, do not swim in prohibited areas. Before entering the water, evaluate whether it is clean enough.

Swimming during pregnancy in the sea is considered a useful thing, because the microelements contained in it have a beneficial effect on the skin. Just keep in mind that walking on a rocky bottom is better in special shoes.

How long can you swim during pregnancy?

Expectant mothers can go to the pool until the due date and it is advisable to engage in specialized groups for pregnant women. The main thing during classes is to listen to your body. First of all, you should enjoy swimming, you don't have to force it.