Pregnancy Fitness Tips: Walking And Swimming While You’re Pregnant

Daily exercise is important when you’re pregnant. A brisk walk, swim, or yoga session will increase your energy level, giving you the strength you need to get through the day. It can also help to minimize aches and pains that are part of the territory during pregnancy. When you exercise on a regular basis, you’ll sleep more soundly, feel less stress, and enjoy a better mood. You’ll also bounce back to your pre-pregnancy shape more easily after giving birth. The key is choosing the right exercises to ensure your safety as well as that of your baby.

This article will take a practical look at walking and swimming while you’re pregnant. These are arguably two of the best activities to enjoy since they are easy on the joints, target multiple muscle groups, and strengthen your cardiovascular system. We’ll offer a few tips for doing both exercises during each of your three trimesters.

During Your First Three Months

Before you participate in exercise of any kind, speak with your obstetrician. He or she will be familiar with your health as well as any circumstances that may increase the risk of pregnancy complications. Once your doctor has given her approval, take a few preliminary precautions.

You’ll need comfortable shoes for walking. Buy a pair that offers plenty of padding and support for your ankles. You should also have drinking water with you at all times for hydration. Even on overcast days, your body can easily become dehydrated without water, placing your baby at risk.

If possible, try to walk in an area that offers air conditioning (shopping malls are a good option). This will help to keep your body temperature down, especially on warm-weather days.

Swimming is a recommended activity for moms-to-be for several reasons. It’s very safe, and employs muscles throughout the body. It also relieves much of the pressure that your baby is placing on your body. Even if you have never swam in the past, you can do so without risk to you or your baby. The most important precautions to take are keeping yourself hydrated, and stretching before sessions.

Your Second Trimester

The precautions you took during your first trimester are just as important now. For walking, make sure your shoes are still comfortable. If your feet have swollen – which is common due to fluid buildup during pregnancy – buy a larger pair of shoes. Continue to carry drinking water with you to keep hydrated.

During your second trimester, you may notice that your balance and coordination are diminished. This too is common as your body grows. Your equilibrium will shift, making it more difficult to feel steady on your feet. Use your arms to provide balance; swing them while you walk. Also, avoid terrain that is uneven since it can cause you to lose your footing.

With swimming, very little will change between your first and second trimesters. Continue to drink plenty of water during your workouts, and stretch to avoid pulling muscles. Swimming is a very accommodating exercise, so the loss the balance and coordination mentioned above will have practically no effect on your safety.

The Final Three Months Before Childbirth

During your third trimester, your body will seem increasingly awkward. This is due, in large part, to the continuing loss of coordination you’ll experience. Again, make certain that your shoes fit your feet comfortably, and stay on level ground to avoid tripping and falling.

Your body will be more susceptible than ever to overheating, which means hydration is critical. Seek an air-conditioned environment in which to walk, preferably one in which other people are present. That way, if you experience early contractions or other issues that require medical attention, help will be nearby.

Swimming naturally prevents your body from becoming too hot, making it an ideal exercise during your third trimester. That said, it is still important to drink water during your workouts. Also, practice breaststroke since it will help you to avoid twisting your body to take a breath. It’s easier on your muscles than other strokes.

Many obstetricians consider walking and swimming to be two of the best exercises you can do while pregnant. But take precautions to make sure you and your baby remain safe.

Maternity Months