Pregnancy and swimming

Former Member
Former Member
I am pregnant in my first week!!!...but got questions as I am a keen masters swimmer and now have to go it alone for 9 months, as clubs make me naturally competitive and anti-natal classes for now are a wee bit slower than what I'd really wish to go - here my questions: 1. I can't find any info on the internet on whether or not doing a flip turn whilst being in the early stages of pregnancy would pose a risk to the fetus? How long into pregnancy did you go if you were continuing doing flips - just out of interest!?... 2. Also, does holding your breath on the flip (like going anaerobic for that short period) - is this a risk too? I've just improved massively on my turns with being able to hold my breath longer for the turn...so a bit of a shame if I have to go back to 'opens', - but not if it poses a risk to my baby! 3. I know that pregnant women should take it easy and NOT get 'out of breath'. I want to continue my swimming up to 3km or so gently in freestyle to maintain my fitness level. Obviously keeping well hydrated is number one, but I always have a big bottle of water/energy drink with me at all swims no matter what and hydrate before and after any workout. 4. I read that swimming pool environments, i.e: chlorine etc. could be a negative risk to the developing fetus and could cause miscarriage. Have any of you thought the same, what is your view on this - did it put you off? I think keeping swimming is better than NOT - hec everything around us poses a risk to the growing baby and I would be rather unhappy if I had to give up swimming completely - I love it to bits!! Thanks for your time....
Parents
  • My wife swam throughout all three of her pregnancies.During the 2nd she was swimming 4000/day 5x/wk until shortly before delivery.She did flips until "the tummy" wouldn't allow it.It is my understanding that you are OK continuing whatever you were doing before pregnancy,but don't increase exertion.As to the chlorine problem,I'd be stunned if the risk/benefit ratio wasn't strongly in favor of swimming vs not.
Reply
  • My wife swam throughout all three of her pregnancies.During the 2nd she was swimming 4000/day 5x/wk until shortly before delivery.She did flips until "the tummy" wouldn't allow it.It is my understanding that you are OK continuing whatever you were doing before pregnancy,but don't increase exertion.As to the chlorine problem,I'd be stunned if the risk/benefit ratio wasn't strongly in favor of swimming vs not.
Children
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