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
  • I was not a swimmer when I was pregnant, because I did not learn until my youngest was 7. I did work-out a lot during pregnancy, doing cario work, lifting weights and such. However, rule of thumb with exercise, do what you are doing before(unless it is sky diving or something) and as the pregnancy progresses, modify what you need to as you grow. The kids had a coach who said swimming(she said it became more like floating by the 9th month), was wonderful therapy in the latter stages. There was an article on this website by two friends of mine, Nadine Day and Dr Millie Nelson who covered pregnancy, and miscarriages and swimming and such. I think it would be a good read for you. After several tries, Nadine was pregnant at this time last year(she was so cute at High School sectionals), and delivered a beautiful baby. Despite what people will tell you, pregnancies usually do not miscarry because of some form of exercise, it is because of a problem in the body that is likely beyond your control at that time. It sounds like this time, it is not your issue, and you will be fine.
Reply
  • I was not a swimmer when I was pregnant, because I did not learn until my youngest was 7. I did work-out a lot during pregnancy, doing cario work, lifting weights and such. However, rule of thumb with exercise, do what you are doing before(unless it is sky diving or something) and as the pregnancy progresses, modify what you need to as you grow. The kids had a coach who said swimming(she said it became more like floating by the 9th month), was wonderful therapy in the latter stages. There was an article on this website by two friends of mine, Nadine Day and Dr Millie Nelson who covered pregnancy, and miscarriages and swimming and such. I think it would be a good read for you. After several tries, Nadine was pregnant at this time last year(she was so cute at High School sectionals), and delivered a beautiful baby. Despite what people will tell you, pregnancies usually do not miscarry because of some form of exercise, it is because of a problem in the body that is likely beyond your control at that time. It sounds like this time, it is not your issue, and you will be fine.
Children
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