Pregnancy

Women gain an average of two stone during pregnancy, so muscles and posture are going to be seriously overworked and under strain. Swimming offers a feeling of weightlessness since the density of the human body is similar to water and will essentially relieve the body of the extra weight from carrying a child.

Swimming is also a great cardiovascular workout, which elevates the heart and respiratory rates, improving overall health. The good news is that the better your cardiovascular system the more stamina you'll have for the birth.

Swimming can also help alleviate many of the aches and pains of pregnancy like backache, but can also help with varicose veins and circulation problems as the water pressure adds to the muscle pressure exerted on the veins to aid the return of deoxygenated blood to the heart.

Exercising in water is safe and enjoyable during pregnancy - and your local pool is a great place to meet other mums-to-be. Many public and private pools offer antenatal classes, often run by trained midwives or physiotherapists.

If you’ve swam consistently before pregnancy, you should have no problem continuing. Be sure to listen to your body and stop if you start to feel unwell in anyway or experience anything unusual.

If you’re not a strong swimmer or have not been swimming before, you should start slowly, stretch well before and after, warm up and cool down gradually and you should not overexert yourself.

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