Is it possible to swim while pregnant? It is believed that bathing during pregnancy is a great way to prepare yourself for future childbirth and improve your well-being. helps the expectant mother learn to breathe correctly, relax her muscles, and relieve pain that appears in the back as the abdomen grows. Swimming during pregnancy is useful for training the cardiovascular system. Swimming improves blood and lymph circulation throughout the body. During swimming, the blood is actively saturated with oxygen, which means more oxygen is supplied to the baby.
Can pregnant women swim in the sea?
Swimming in the sea is useful for pregnant women to prevent stretch marks, as sea water improves the condition of the skin. The high concentration of salts in sea water guarantees its purity, therefore, the risk of contracting an infection is minimal. Sea water helps improve blood circulation in the legs, which prevents varicose veins.
Swimming in ponds during pregnancy
Swimming in rivers during pregnancy, lakes or other standing bodies of water is not prohibited. But it should be remembered that in reservoirs the water is fresh, and the risk of contracting an infection is greater.
Swimming during pregnancy in the pool
Swimming during pregnancy in the pool, especially in specialized groups for pregnant women, is possible and beneficial. The water in the pool is cleaned by powerful systems, so the risk of infection is low. Pregnant women can swim in the pool from the very beginning of pregnancy until childbirth, if there are no contraindications.
Bathing during pregnancy in the bathroom
A pregnant woman can bathe in a bathtub at a water temperature of no more than 36-37 degrees. Stay safe when swimming by using a non-slip mat to avoid falling on wet tiles. Take a bath when there are people nearby who can help you if necessary.
Bathing rules for pregnant women
Expectant mothers need to know that:
Why is it sometimes forbidden for pregnant women to swim?
Pregnancy is an exciting and trembling month, perhaps the most unusual state for a woman. The life of an expectant mother is changing, some habits have to be abandoned for the sake of the baby’s health, and some are strongly recommended to be acquired. It is clear that smoking is a negative habit that you should get rid of, but a proper daily routine and a mandatory breakfast will only be beneficial. But what to do with the usual water procedures that you had before pregnancy, which of them will not harm your health, and which should be postponed for a while? In our article today we will look at the effect of the most common water procedures on pregnancy, which of them can be taken and which cannot.
Shower during pregnancy
A shower is a basic hygiene measure that is available to pregnant women and is not contraindicated at any stage.
The shower can be used locally, for intimate hygiene and light massage of the chest and abdomen, or take a general shower.
A cool shower is a shower with a water temperature in the range of 20-34°C, a cold shower when the water temperature is less than 20°C, a warm shower - 38-39°C, a hot shower - 40°C and above.
General shower rules for pregnant women:
1. No sharp contrast in water temperature. Contrast shower is not best way refresh and keep your skin toned. To prevent stretch marks in later stages, a contrast shower is used on the abdomen, chest and thighs in the form of alternating warm and cool water (not hot and cold, much less ice).
2. Soft water pressure. Too much exposure to a shower jet can cause uterine hypertonicity, especially in combination with a contrast shower.
3. Avoid showers that are too hot. When exposed to high water temperatures, vasodilation occurs, which can cause fainting, especially at the most early stages pregnancy and before childbirth.
Right:
Take a shower 2 times a day,
- warm or moderately cool shower,
- do not freeze after water treatments,
- a local shower on the shin area in the form of alternating warm and cool water has a beneficial effect in terms of preventing varicose veins; the jets should be of moderate strength and directed from the bottom up, from the feet to the hips.
- the showering procedure should not cause a feeling of discomfort, neither in terms of temperature nor mechanical impact
Restrictions
In the presence of the following conditions, the shower should be as short as possible, and the temperature should be close to body temperature. In these cases, the hygienic function of the shower is performed and any temperature, mechanical and positional effects on the female body are limited.
Threat of miscarriage or threat of premature birth,
- placenta previa (thermal procedures are especially dangerous),
- early toxicosis pregnant women, accompanied by dizziness, fainting,
- pregnancy occurring against the background of preeclampsia, gestational arterial hypertension (high water temperature can provoke sharp jumps in blood pressure, which will aggravate the situation and can lead to dire consequences for both the mother and the fetus).
According to indications, Charcot's douche may be prescribed in a medical facility. For example, if a pregnant woman has a spinal lesion of some nature (for example, the consequences of injury or congenital kyphoscoliosis), and pregnancy provokes the appearance of back pain. For obvious reasons, drug treatment during pregnancy is strictly limited, so non-drug methods (massage, water procedures) are used as much as possible.
Bath during pregnancy
Taking a proper bath will benefit a pregnant woman and her baby. A proper bath should be:
With water temperature 37 - 39 C,
- bath duration is 15 - 20 minutes,
- there is a non-slip mat at the bottom of the bathtub (you can often find these in children’s goods departments, then this accessory will come in handy when bathing your baby and if there are elderly people in the house who can slip),
- It is advisable to take a bath while not alone at home. You will know that if difficulties arise (you get dizzy or find it difficult to get up, especially in the later stages), you can always call for help.
- the surfaces of plumbing equipment (the bath itself, taps, tiles) must be thoroughly washed,
- periodically you can use regular or sea salt as an additive (from 300 grams to 1 kg of salt per full bath). You cannot take salt baths too often; once every 1-2 weeks is enough. “Sea” baths have a beneficial effect on blood vessels (useful for varicose veins and venous insufficiency) and can help relieve uterine hypertonicity. Please note that everything that gets on the skin is absorbed into the general bloodstream, which means it reaches the baby in small quantities, so it is not advisable to use foams and bath oils, or bath salts with additives and extracts. Regarding herbal decoctions added to water, you should consult your doctor. Herbal preparations are far from harmless additives; many herbs are contraindicated during pregnancy because they increase bleeding or cause uterine tone.
- Local baths can also be used. Foot baths can be cool, warm or contrasting (alternating cool and warm water), with the addition of table or sea salt and self-massage with a mitten. Such procedures will help relieve tired legs and help fight swelling a little, especially if after the bath you lie down with an elevated leg end.
You can't float your feet!
To combat the first signs of a cold, use gentler methods. Hot water greatly dilates blood vessels; at the time of use, this can cause fainting or dizziness, and placental blood flow is also depleted. In the long term, the habit of floating legs leads to venous insufficiency and swelling of the legs.
You can use warm sitz baths if you are bothered by hemorrhoids. Together with specific treatment, regular sitz baths will help relieve discomfort.
When taking a bath, do NOT immerse yourself completely in it; your shoulders and heart area should be open.
This will prevent the body from overheating. The temperature of the water should be such that you can comfortably plunge your face into it; the skin of the face is very sensitive and immediately signals the “wrong” temperature.
Is it possible to go to the bathhouse during pregnancy?
Banya is a traditional Russian health procedure that almost everyone is familiar with. However, during pregnancy it is necessary to carefully weigh all the pros and cons of this water procedure before going to the bathhouse to take a steam bath. The benefits of bath procedures are undeniable:
All vessels are trained, the development of varicose veins and stretch marks is prevented,
- prevention of the development of swelling of the legs,
- positive effect on vegetative nervous system, improved sleep, reduced anxiety, nervousness.
However, visiting a bathhouse for the FIRST time during pregnancy is strictly not recommended. Bath procedures can only be allowed for those ladies who are accustomed to such heat loads and who often visited the bath before pregnancy.
Contraindications for baths during pregnancy:
1. First trimester. The placenta has not yet formed, high temperature and humidity can lead to changes in vascular tone and provoke spontaneous miscarriage.
2. Hypertension that existed before pregnancy or gestational arterial hypertension
For these diseases, exposure to hot, humid air is undesirable; this leads to excessive vasodilation and fainting, hypertensive crisis and shortness of breath may develop.
3. Pregnancy occurring against the background of a threat of termination or threat of premature birth. A significant temperature difference can cause uterine hypertonicity and vascular disorders in the placenta.
4. Preeclampsia. Moderate and short bath procedures can PREVENT edema, but do not treat existing ones, especially if there is also an increase in blood pressure and/or the appearance of protein in the urine. An increase in temperature affects kidney function, and if they suffer during pregnancy (this always happens with the development of preeclampsia), then such measures will not bring benefit.
5. Acute inflammatory diseases. Contrary to popular belief, a bathhouse and steam room will not help with developed ARVI or bronchitis. Warming the body can help prevent illness if a person is cold or wet in the rain, but these measures are not for pregnant women!
6. Previous surgical interventions and oncological diseases.
As we see, there are more contraindications for visiting a bathhouse than cases where benefits are guaranteed. If your pregnancy proceeds without complications, you previously steamed regularly and felt good (there were no dizziness or fainting in the bathhouse), you have already passed the first trimester and your doctor does not mind, then a bathhouse at a moderate temperature is not contraindicated for you.
Take precautions:
Always wear rubber slippers to prevent falls on slippery surfaces,
- do not wet your head before entering the steam room,
- place a towel or sheet on the shelf,
- go into the steam room for 1-2 minutes, it is better to make several visits than to steam in one session,
- wear a special cap and remove all jewelry,
- keep a bottle of cool water (not ice!) in the dressing room,
- To cool down after a bath, just sit in a cool dressing room. Diving into a cold pool, taking a contrast shower or swimming in the snow is not recommended at all!
Is it possible to go to the sauna during pregnancy?
In terms of its pros and cons, a sauna is in many ways similar to a bath, but it is still easier to tolerate.
A dry sauna does not put as much strain on the circulatory system as a wet sauna. Contraindications for visiting the sauna are the same as for going to the bathhouse, as well as the presence of skin rashes and toxicosis that continues after 12 weeks. In any case, you should consult with an obstetrician-gynecologist whose opinion you trust and adhere to his recommendations.
Is it possible to swim in a pool while pregnant?
Physical activity for expectant mother is necessary and very useful, but it is not worth playing sports or performing unusual labor-intensive exercises. In your position, the loads should be smooth, measured and dosed: walking, yoga for pregnant women, stretching and swimming in the pool.
Why are exercises in the pool beneficial for pregnant women?
1. Exercises in water promote smooth and uniform distribution load on the body, muscles relax, overheating of the body during exercise is eliminated.
2. Blood flow and lymph flow are activated, this is especially important for placental blood flow and lymph flow from the lower extremities in the later stages, when edema begins to appear in most pregnant women.
3. Regular water aerobics classes for pregnant women will help regulate weight; for those who are prone to excess weight, this is especially important.
4. Improving blood circulation in the mammary glands (due to the stimulating temperature and mechanical effects of water, as well as due to muscle activity) helps prevent problems with lactation after childbirth.
5. Breathing training during exercise in water helps the expectant mother adapt to the upcoming birth.
Features of visiting the pool:
1. Visit government agencies or licensed private ones with positive work experience. You need to be confident in the sanitary and epidemiological safety of the pool. Pregnancy reduces a woman’s immunity and an infection that enters the body can quickly develop into a clinically significant disease (for example, fungus on the feet or nails). The pool must require a certificate in the established form with examinations by a dermatologist, gynecologist and therapist.
2. Classes must be supervised by a trainer. You can visit the pool on your own, simple swimming in different styles will also benefit you and help relieve muscle tension, but an organized lesson with a trainer in a group is much more effective. Such classes are aimed at gradually preparing all muscle groups for childbirth. It is possible to attend 1-2 group classes, and then you will repeat the complex on your own.
3. Proper equipment. Your previous swimsuit may not be suitable due to an increase in the size of your breasts, hips and abdomen. We recommend purchasing a one-piece swimsuit made of dense elastic fabric with wide straps that do not cut into the body and support the chest well; the elastic fabric of the swimsuit should support the stomach, but not squeeze it. The cap will protect your hair from the effects of treated water. Ozonated or ultraviolet-disinfected water has a less damaging effect on hair than chlorinated water, but additional protection will not hurt your hair.
Rubber slippers are required. The pool floor is always wet and slippery. To protect yourself from falling, use special non-slip shoes, they are sold in sports stores and will be useful to you for a long time.
4. Skin protection. Frequent exposure to water dries out any skin, and during pregnancy, the skin of some areas is also subject to severe stretching. To protect your skin before entering the pool, take a shower with soft gels; it is better to use children’s cosmetics (for example, Bubchen or Johnson’s brands) or special cosmetics for pregnant women (for example, MamaComfort brands).
After water procedures, be sure to take a shower and use emollient creams and oils approved for pregnant women. There will be double benefit if you use products aimed at preventing stretch marks (MamaComfort, Vichy, Avent, Sanosan, ChiccoMammaDonna, Clarins, Bioterm, Vitex FOR MOTHER, World of Childhood, GreenMama).
5. At the initial stages of training, use aids (swimming boards, sticks or circles).
6. Visiting the pool should be approximately 3 times a week; this number of sessions will be enough for you to improve your well-being and will not cause you to become overtired. You can start with 1-2 classes per week.
7. You should not visit the pool on an empty stomach. Before leaving home, eat yogurt, cottage cheese, banana, etc. And be sure to take a snack with you, you will be physically exerting yourself and burning calories, so you need to have a snack after class.
As healthy snack you can take with you drinking yogurt, homemade juices and purees from fruits and vegetables (for example, apple-pumpkin, apple-banana, apple-pear, etc.), nuts (a little, nuts are a very high-calorie product, a handful is enough to satisfy your hunger) or sweet fruits (pear, banana). Dietary recommendations should be adjusted to individual restrictions. For example, if you have diabetes of any type, frequent consumption of sweet fruits and juices is not recommended; if you have gastritis and other gastrointestinal problems, you should not drink juices on an empty stomach. Talk to your doctor about what you can take with you. Pregnant women need to eat frequently and in small portions. And given the increased social activity (attending courses, classes in the pool and gym, late maternity leave), most meals will take place outside the home.
Contraindications for visiting the pool:
1. Threat of miscarriage. The threat of abortion involves, in addition to hormonal and other drug treatment, the patient's peace. Any load during this period worsens the prognosis.
2. Bloody discharge of unknown origin. An urgent consultation with a gynecologist is necessary.
3. Threatened premature birth or isthmic-cervical insufficiency. Physical activity worsens the prognosis of pregnancy. And if there are sutures on the cervix or an unloading obstetric pessary installed, the likelihood of infection of the genital tract also increases.
4. Severe toxicosis during this pregnancy. Minor symptoms of nausea may even be relieved during quiet swimming, but if vomiting occurs, water activities are temporarily contraindicated.
5. History of recurrent miscarriages. Pregnancy resulting from IVF is also a relative limitation. In these cases, water procedures and activities should be agreed upon with the attending physician.
6. During a period of acute infectious disease.
7. For hypertensive disorders. Arterial hypertension(gestational or chronic) or preeclampsia is a contraindication for exercise, even in such a lightweight version.
8. Neurological diseases. Admission to classes must be given by an obstetrician-gynecologist after consultation with a neurologist.
9. Vaginitis (colpitis) at the moment or recurrent colpitis during this pregnancy. Inflammation in the vagina should be treated and make sure that the disease does not harm the course of pregnancy. Chlorinated water inevitably enters the vagina, which causes dryness and vulnerability of the mucous membranes.
10. Other diseases. There are also rare contraindications to swimming pool exercises: some blood diseases, suspected surgical pathology, skin and allergic diseases, psychological reasons (hydrophobia).
Swimming in open water
Swimming in the sea, river or lake is a pleasant summer activity that is difficult to refuse even in such a trembling state, but is it possible for pregnant women to swim there? Contraindications for swimming in open water are the same as for swimming in a pool. Precautions:
Monitor the water temperature. In mid-latitudes, water warms up much later than the air. For safe swimming, the water must be at least 22ºС and the air at least 25ºС. You can find out the water temperature on the Internet or by using a water thermometer.
Visit organized or familiar places. You must be confident in the cleanliness of the reservoir, its infection safety and the safety of the bottom. We repeat that pregnancy predisposes to a decrease in immunity, which means intestinal infections that can be transmitted by water are much more dangerous than usual. Bottom safety means that the bottom is flat, without cliffs, holes or muddy areas, and there is no danger of tripping or hitting large rocks.
Each entry into the water should be no more than 10 minutes.
- Don't overheat in the sun.
- Do not participate in active beach activities. Jumping with a ball and other types of outdoor activities are not suitable for you, even if your tummy is not yet visible or it does not yet interfere with your movements.
- Don't swim alone. During pregnancy, the phenomenon of seizures is widespread. Convulsions calf muscles happen even to those who have never encountered this before. Cool water can provoke convulsions, especially dangerous if it happens far from the shore.
Self-help for seizures:
* the cramped limb must be straightened as much as possible and the toes pulled towards you
* pinch or scratch the area with the hardened muscle with your fingernail
* take a deep breath, hold your breath, take a “float” pose, that is, press your legs to your body, clasp them with your arms and lower your face into the water, and then stretch your legs as much as possible.
Swimming in natural bodies of water is a more risky activity than in tested and disinfected pool water, so take into account all possible contraindications and consult a doctor.
To ensure that water procedures bring only benefits, listen to our recommendations and be sure to consult with your obstetrician-gynecologist, because only the attending physician is aware of all the nuances of the course of your particular pregnancy. Take care of yourself and be healthy!
On a warm summer day, it’s nice to swim and relax in a sun lounger on the shore of a local reservoir. Sunbathing has a beneficial effect on the body of the expectant mother: it strengthens the immune system, stimulates blood circulation and metabolism, and helps in the prevention of infectious diseases. In addition, tanning promotes the production of vitamin D in the pregnant woman's body, which is very important for the health of the baby. Swimming is no less useful for a pregnant woman: water also helps improve metabolic processes in the body, blood circulation in the placenta, normalizes blood pressure and uterine tone, helps get rid of swelling, pain in the back and joints, and heaviness in the legs.
Of course, the “interesting situation” dictates its own laws - not everything that is included in the usual “range” of beach holidays is safe for the expectant mother. Some water activities will have to be abandoned altogether, others will need to be slightly adjusted to accommodate pregnancy. The regime of staying in water and in the sun will also require changes: time of day, duration of swimming and sunbathing, permissible temperature of water and air. This does not mean at all that a beach holiday will turn into complete prohibitions for the expectant mother. Not at all, but there are still a few recommendations that are worth following.
Tip #1. How to swim for pregnant women: watch the temperature
Make sure that the water temperature is not lower than 22°C and the air temperature is about 25°C. You can look up the weather forecast on the Internet or simply measure the water temperature with a water thermometer while already on the shore.
Attention, danger! Cold water can cause cramps and trigger a cold. In flowing reservoirs of our latitudes, the water warms up much later than the air. It often happens that vacationers exhausted by the heat begin to swim in unheated water, and this is unsafe. Immersion in cold water can cause cramps in the calf muscles - and in a pregnant woman, cramps in water occur quite often due to the peculiarities of blood circulation during this important period. As the baby grows, the pregnant uterus impedes the flow of blood in the vessels of the pelvis, and as a result, a larger than usual amount of venous blood, poor in oxygen, is retained in the vascular bed of the legs. This stagnation is one of the main factors provoking cramps in water. As a result of a sudden muscle spasm, the expectant mother may lose her balance, fall, hit herself and swallow water, and if a cramp in the water catches a pregnant woman while swimming at depth, swimming in cold water can be life-threatening!
If you have a cramp in the water
- If your fingers are cramped, you need to try to straighten them with your other hand. It is important to try to relax all the muscles of the cramped arm as much as possible - shake it, stroke it and knead the muscles with the other hand. In addition, this method helps: quickly clench the fist of your clenched hand with all your strength, shake it, and then sharply unclench your fingers.
- The following actions help with leg cramps: you need to stretch your leg straight and pull your big toe towards you with all your might. You can also pinch or prick the cramped leg muscles with a sharp object, the edge of a nail, or a shell.
- If the above methods do not help, you need to take the “float” pose - tilt your head, clasp your knees with your hands, pull them to your stomach and slowly, without sudden movements, straighten your cramped leg with your hands. The advantage of this position is that you do not have to simultaneously try to stay on one leg and relieve the cramp on the other. As soon as the muscle spasm passes, you need to immediately get out of the water, sit down or lie down and rub yourself well with a towel, and then massage the muscles with your fingers. You should no longer swim on this day.
Tip #2. How to swim while pregnant: make sure the pond is clean for swimming
From the point of view of water purity, it is best to choose flowing clean reservoirs - small rivers, on the banks of which there are no industrial enterprises. Do not be lazy to first inquire about the purity of the water from local residents. When choosing a place to swim, find out if there is a livestock watering hole, sewage discharge, sewer, port or large boat station with motor boats nearby upstream - these factors significantly reduce the safety of the swimming pond. If we are talking about a fairly large body of water (river, lake, reservoir), information about the purity of the water can be easily found on the Internet.
Attention, danger! Water pollution from industrial waste, wastewater, sewerage, unfortunately, is not uncommon. In rural areas, reservoirs serve as places for swimming and watering livestock; local residents wash cars on the shore. All this can lead to infectious diseases in the expectant mother (intestinal infections, hepatitis A, and skin diseases).
Tip #3. How to swim for pregnant women: find out where it is better to go into the water and what is the bottom of the reservoir
Another important factor in the safety of swimming for pregnant women is the current and bottom topography in the reservoir. Even if the river is shallow, but the bottom of the reservoir is dotted with large boulders or holes, it is, of course, better to refrain from swimming. To avoid encountering underwater springs, stones and holes, snags and large debris washed up by waves in shallow water, give preference to organized beaches. When swimming for the first time in an unfamiliar place, do not hesitate to ask vacationers about the features of the bottom and dangerous places.
Attention, danger! Uneven topography of the bottom of the reservoir, stones, muddy bottom - in the water it is much easier to stumble, lose balance and fall, which can lead to sprains, dislocations and even fractures, which, of course, is extremely undesirable for a bather “in position”.
A pregnant woman should stay in the water for no more than 10 minutes per bath. At the same time, try to move and swim more. Of course, this does not mean that it is contraindicated for a pregnant woman to swim for more than 10 minutes a day: if you feel well, it is quite possible to go into the water several times, but you should not swim for a long time without a break: this causes hypothermia, physical fatigue and can provoke cramps in the water even with normal water temperature. Once ashore, immediately dry with a towel and stay in the sun for 3-5 minutes to warm up. You should not go into the water more than once every half hour.
Not only in the pond!
If your health does not allow you to leave home or there is no decent body of water nearby, you can still provide yourself with water treatments. In the city you can visit the swimming pool - if you wish (and, of course, feel good) at least every day! Give preference to pools where group classes are held for expectant mothers and babies: they have stricter sanitary and hygienic requirements, and the water in them is much warmer! Before signing up for a swimming pool, be sure to consult with your doctor. If you spend the summer outside the city, you can provide yourself with regular water treatments right in your own garden. Just fill with warm water inflatable pool, place a sun lounger nearby - and a “beach” vacation is guaranteed! And, of course, no matter where you spend your summer in pregnancy, on a hot day you can always take a refreshing shower - and more than once!
Tip #5. How to swim for pregnant women: take care of the comfort of your beach holiday
If the rules of sun exposure are observed and the expectant mother is in good health, sunbathing is even beneficial - it promotes the release of vitamin D, which is responsible for the prevention of rickets in the baby. However, the expectant mother will not be able to be on the move or on her feet all the time. In order for sunbathing to be beneficial, and relaxation by the water not to tire a lady “in an interesting position,” it is important to take care of a comfortable rest on the shore. The rules here are very simple - both at sea and in our strip it is dangerous to stay in the open sun, so it is better to choose a place to relax in the shade or partial shade.
Attention, danger! A pregnant woman should not sunbathe while lying on the ground, even on a mat. On the one hand, the earth may not be warm enough, and then the expectant mother risks catching a cold. On the other hand, if there is sand on the beach, it, on the contrary, may be too hot and lead to overheating of the body. Lying on pebbles is simply uncomfortable, especially against the backdrop of weight gain during pregnancy. Finally, it is simply inconvenient for the expectant mother to get up from the mat flush with the ground. If the shore of the pond is not equipped with sun loungers, bring a folding chair from home.
Tip #6. How to sunbathe during pregnancy: protect yourself from sunburn and overheating
Remember that it is dangerous to remain in the open sun at midday. A pregnant woman can sunbathe without danger to health before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. When spending the day near a pond, be sure to cover your head with a Panama hat or a wide-brimmed hat. Try to go into the shade for at least 10 minutes every 20 minutes to avoid overheating. In addition, 15 minutes before leaving the house, you should treat exposed areas of your body with sunscreen. When choosing sunscreen cosmetics, give preference to products without perfumes - during pregnancy the risk of developing skin allergic reactions increases. The skin of the expectant mother becomes more sensitive, which means that the chosen product should have a sun protection factor one level stronger than the one you usually used. You can opt for sunscreens for babies - they are hypoallergenic and always have a maximum protection factor against UV rays.
Attention, danger! When swimming, these rules become especially relevant - because the water reflects the sun's rays, increasing their effect on the skin. At the same time, in water that is cool compared to air, the feeling of heat disappears, signaling us about overheating of the skin and the danger of sunburn. Overheating during pregnancy can harm the development of the baby: at a high body temperature of the expectant mother, her blood becomes thicker and moves more slowly through the vessels of the placenta, but it is with the placental blood flow that the baby receives nutrients and oxygen!
Tip #7. Swimming for pregnant women: do not participate in active beach and water activities
During pregnancy you will have to give up many traditional summer sports games. “Forbidden” sports include riding a cheesecake, banana boat, jet ski and water skiing - too big physical activity, risk of falling and injury. For the same reason, participation in beach volleyball is canceled. But the expectant mother may well take on the role of a referee, as well as swim, play with an inflatable ball in the water and ride a boat - of course, as a passenger!
Attention, danger! During pregnancy, you should not scuba dive - a sudden change in pressure during a dive can provoke a spasm of the placental vessels and even lead to premature placental abruption. It is important to follow this rule from the very beginning of pregnancy, even if the tummy is not yet visible at all: in the early stages, pressure changes are no less dangerous for the baby!
Benefit from the sea
- At a seaside resort, you need to start swimming and tanning gradually. It has been noted that swimming in sea water during pregnancy helps reduce edema, helps cope with high blood pressure and anemia, and normalizes uteroplacental blood flow.
- Sea air calms the nervous system of the expectant mother. And the sun's rays carry vitamin D, which is so necessary for the baby. You can start water procedures the next day after arrival, if the water is no colder than 22°C and the sea state is within 2 points. It is advisable that at least 1–1.5 hours have passed since breakfast.
- Before entering the water, stand for 5-10 minutes in the shade so that your body gradually cools down and there is no sudden temperature change when swimming. For the first time, it is enough to stay in the water for about 10 minutes. In the following days, provided the bather is in good health, you can gradually increase the duration of water procedures to 30 minutes.
- After swimming, you need to immediately warm up and dry yourself with a towel. But don’t rush to rinse with fresh water - let the sea salt settled in the pores of your skin have its beneficial effect on your body!
Hygiene is a fairly broad concept, and for a pregnant woman this concept includes rest and work patterns, nutrition and sex. IN in this case It would also be relevant to mention direct body hygiene during pregnancy. In a woman’s body, both in late and early periods, many changes occur. At the same time, the typical hygiene regime for a woman cannot always maintain the required level of comfort and freshness. During pregnancy, you need to be more careful about keeping your body clean, but can pregnant women take a bath as usual?
Most women claim that during pregnancy, sweating increases significantly, and a previously uncharacteristic appearance appears. bad smell. The intensity of vaginal discharge also increases, and to this phenomenon it is worth adding frequent urination. All these changes are completely natural, since during pregnancy the speed and amount of blood flow in the body changes, and many changes are also observed in the hormonal background.
In addition to the fact that stagnation of vaginal contents and increased sweating cause discomfort, these phenomena can also be dangerous because they can create the most favorable conditions for infection by fungi and bacteria. That is why hygiene procedures should become more common than usual.
Is it possible to take a bath during pregnancy?
Traditionally, the everyday life of pregnant women is limited by many prohibitions and many are not even surprised by some wonders. For example, it is considered highly prohibited to take a bath during pregnancy. In fact, the only problem is that this issue needs to be discussed with the attending physician who is caring for your pregnancy and he most likely will not mind.
Indeed, what could be better than a gentle bubble bath at the end of a tiring day. Upon learning that they are pregnant, women may become frightened and trade a relaxing bath for a shower. During the entire nine months of pregnancy, a woman will hear more than one prohibition and more than one warning, but many of them are considered elementary prejudices.
Every woman during pregnancy is interested in the question of whether it is possible to take baths. Some medical professionals strongly discourage pregnant women from taking a bath due to the risk of infection or miscarriage. A variety of pathogenic microorganisms can reach the fetus through hot water, which is why some may recommend forgetting about taking baths for the next nine months. There is also an opinion that a bath can cause miscarriage and premature birth. This argument is worth examining in more detail, since it cannot always be taken seriously.
The cervix is covered by a mucus plug, and the baby is still surrounded by amniotic fluid, which perfectly protects the fetus from various kinds of microorganisms. That is why the opinion in question is considered to be erroneous in most cases. However, you should be as careful as possible, since taking hot baths is strictly prohibited for pregnant women, but a warm bath will not harm the unborn baby.
The effect of taking a bath on the body of a pregnant woman
Taking baths has a very beneficial effect on the body of a pregnant woman, since such a procedure can reduce swelling, improve blood flow to the legs and blood circulation in general, reduce lower back pain and relieve tension.
Taking foot baths is no less useful, especially if you add sea salt to them. The benefits of baths are obvious; in addition, they remove toxins from the body, normalize the nervous system, elevate mood, reduce the tone of the uterus, relieve swelling and tension, and relieve pain.
Many people like to add it to the bath essential oils, but pregnant women should first consult with their doctor, since it is quite possible that an allergic reaction may occur. Most often, for the purposes under consideration, it is customary to use sandalwood, orange, eucalyptus, rose oil, as well as tea tree oil.
If we talk about the dangerous effect of a bath on the body of a pregnant woman, then it consists in a strong rush of blood to the pelvis, and there is a risk of miscarriage or premature birth. This effect is typical only for hot baths. If you take baths at medium temperature, then you do not risk anything, since the procedure will, on the contrary, be useful.
Can pregnant women swim? Doctors' opinion
Some time ago, there was a strict warning that pregnant women should not only take a bath, but also swim in any body of water, since the water contains a huge number of pathogens of various kinds of diseases that can penetrate the womb through the sexual tract and cause damage. It was also generally accepted that gynecological diseases and inflammation could occur against this background.
Today, from a medical point of view, it has long been proven that the above statement is nothing more than nonsense. In fact, even if a small amount of dirty water gets into your intimate areas, the protective effect of the mucus plug in the cervix will prevent bacteria from harming the baby. Nowadays, doctors are more inclined to believe that taking water treatments, doing water aerobics and visiting a swimming pool for pregnant women is very useful, and a home bath is even more considered an excellent way to solve the problems of swelling, back pain, stress at the end of the day and fatigue.
A pregnant woman is even allowed to use special additives and aromatic oils, sea salt, but before use it is necessary to consult a medical expert, since many oils can be dangerous, for example those containing extracts of cypress, rosemary, cedar, patchouli, thyme and basil.
Optimal bath during pregnancy.
- The temperature of the bath during pregnancy should not exceed 37 degrees, since in some cases, exposure to hot water can harm the fetus, provoke placental abruption, premature birth or miscarriage. It is sitting in a hot bath that counts folk method getting rid of unwanted pregnancy. At this stage, it is worth clarifying that this method is not particularly effective and unsafe.
- You should not be afraid that water along with microbes will get into the vagina, since the tightly closed cervix protects the uterus along with the mucus plug, while the fetus itself is in the bladder.
- You must be careful when using special aromatic products, especially if you have allergic reactions. If there are none, you can safely add eucalyptus oil or rosewood, sandalwood, lemon or orange oil.
- Instead of shower gel and regular soap, it is highly recommended to use baby soap, because it has a pleasant smell and does not cause allergies.
- After taking a bath, apply a moisturizer to the skin, especially to the skin of the abdomen and rub it with light massaging movements.
- If uterine bleeding is normal for a pregnant woman, taking a bath is strictly prohibited; it is better to replace this hygienic procedure with a shower.
- Place a rubber mat on the bottom of the bathtub to prevent slipping. This warning especially applies to women in the last stages of pregnancy. You shouldn’t refuse your spouse’s help when getting out of the bath.
- Do not take a bath if your water has broken.
- The maximum time spent in the bathroom is fifteen minutes.
- You can pamper yourself with the procedure in question only if there are other relatives or close people in the house who can help you in case of loss of consciousness.
- When sitting or lying in the bath, it is necessary to leave your shoulders bare to avoid overheating of the fetus.
- As soon as you feel the slightest discomfort, you must leave the bath immediately.
- It is generally accepted that it is more hygienic to take a shower during pregnancy.
Shower during pregnancy
For urban residents, a shower is a traditional water hygienic procedure and its beneficial effect on the body is explained by the presence of several or one jet. In addition to the hygienic effect, the shower also causes mechanical and thermal irritation. The physiological effect of the shower on the body directly depends on this.
At a temperature of twenty to thirty-four degrees, the shower is considered cool, at a temperature of less than twenty degrees - cold, at a temperature from thirty-eight to thirty-nine - warm and hot at a temperature of forty degrees and above. A short hot or cold shower can refresh, increase the tone of the vascular system and tone the muscles. Due to a long hot or cold shower, excitability decreases and metabolism increases. A warm shower can have a calming effect. At the same time, pregnant women should be aware of certain prohibitions that relate to the temperature of the water in the shower and the duration of this procedure.
- It is strongly recommended to avoid hot showers during pregnancy. If tepid or cold showers are your normal routine, then you can stick to your habits during pregnancy. For most women in this position, a warm shower is suitable, with the only exception being when a woman is advised to go to bed. In this case, you will have to maintain hygiene with wet wipes.
- At home, while taking a shower, you can use a jet of any pressure, but the procedure should not cause discomfort. As for procedures that require the presence of special equipment, during pregnancy they can only be performed as prescribed by the attending physician or under his supervision.
- To prevent varicose veins in the legs, in some cases, doctors recommend foot showers with high water pressure.
- Varicose veins of the rectum, or in other words hemorrhoids, are a common occurrence during pregnancy and an ascending shower is recommended to combat this disease. The procedure is usually carried out in a regular shower, but with a flexible hose. Rising jets of water are directed to the perineal area, and the temperature should be from 34 to 36 degrees. The duration of the procedure is no longer than five minutes. It is also relevant as a pain reliever after defecation or as a preventive measure for complications of hemorrhoids. Carry out one procedure for fifteen to twenty days.
- A contrast shower is special kind water procedure in which hot water alternates with cold. This product has a hardening, invigorating and refreshing effect. The procedure has a beneficial effect on connective tissue and blood vessels. Cold water improves the tone of joints and muscles, while warm water relaxes. During pregnancy, you should be careful with this procedure, since a hot shower is contraindicated for pregnant women, and a cold one can cause stress.
Thus, the warning that pregnant women are prohibited from swimming and taking any water procedures is absurd; it is only necessary to take precautions and regulate the temperature of the water, not allowing it to heat above 38 degrees.
The long-awaited summer is in full swing! The sun is hot and you really want to freshen up, go to the beach to take a dip in the invigorating waters. But you are not alone now, your heart is pulsating new life. Therefore, you need to know whether you can swim and sunbathe, because pregnant women need to take care of the baby and think not only about themselves.
Many people are familiar with the healing power of water, and everyone loves to swim, since water cleanses the skin and gives coolness and vigor on a hot summer day. Bathing is undoubtedly beneficial for the expectant mother and baby. The procedure strengthens the woman’s body, preparing it for childbirth, which will become less painful and faster, and swimming will teach proper breathing.
It should be remembered that pregnant women can sunbathe in the morning. Can pregnant women swim? After all, recreation on the water with visits to water attractions is contraindicated for pregnant women. Swimming, which will help you cope with the heat more easily, should also be taken with caution.
The benefits of sea bathing
Water procedures are beneficial for everyone, especially pregnant women. They train the cardiovascular system, relax muscles and help learn proper breathing. Swimming sea prevents unnecessary stress on the spine, stimulates blood circulation, strengthens the abdominal muscles, and ensures regular bowel function.
Gentle sea waves tone the skin and the vessels located in it, helping to cope with swelling during pregnancy. Vodav sea has mass healing properties In addition to iodine and salt, it is rich in minerals and trace elements.
However, before going to a seaside resort, a woman should enlist the support of a supervising doctor by familiarizing herself with the rules of bathing:
- late stages of pregnancy are not the best time to change the climate zone, and it is better to avoid long-distance travel altogether;
- if you feel normal at the beginning of pregnancy, you can go to the sea coast, swimming will help relieve the symptoms of toxicosis;
- It is important to remember that the water in the sea must be warm at least + 22°C, and the beach must be equipped with a 24-hour medical aid station;
- to avoid hypothermia, you should not take a plunge right away, because the body needs adaptation, 10-15 minutes in the shade is enough;
- Do water procedures regularly; after going ashore, you need to warm up by wrapping yourself in a towel.
Important: swimming in the seas is allowed only after an acclimatization period. When swimming, you need to be wary of jellyfish, they can be poisonous. The slightest discomfort (feeling cold, muscle cramps) is a good reason to stop swimming and go ashore. To relax on the shore, choose a sun lounger; lying on pebbles is uncomfortable.
Features of swimming in fresh water
If it is not possible to go to the sea, but there is a river nearby, this is also a good option for relaxing on a hot summer day. But first you need to find out whether a woman can swim in the river. After all, pregnant women need to be wary of infections that may lurk in the waters of any natural body of water.
In some pathological conditions that threaten the health of the pregnant woman and the fetus, it is better to avoid water procedures, choosing to rest in the shade, but near a body of water. Swimming in the river, if there are no contraindications, will bring a lot of positive emotions; for an expectant mother it is an excellent cure for depression. The benefits of her communication with nature for the baby will result in a large volume of oxygen, but some nuances should not be forgotten:
- an infection may be present in the river, so choose safe bodies of water with specialized places for swimming;
- even if the reservoir is tested, you should not plunge headlong into a lake or river, this is a threat of microbes from the water getting into the woman’s nasopharynx;
- when choosing a beach, give preference to little-visited places with a calm environment, away from the industrial zone;
- You should swim in a river with running water, choose clean and transparent lakes, since standing waters can threaten the expectant mother and get thrush;
- It is better to relax on the shore of a reservoir in warm and calm weather to avoid colds, which are dangerous for you and your baby.
Important: it is strictly forbidden to relax alone, especially to swim. The underwater currents of a reservoir can cause convulsions, and there is no point in swimming too long and too far. You should not swim with a full stomach, this can cause a gag reflex, and if you feel the slightest feeling of fatigue, you should immediately get out of the water.
What danger does a stagnant body of water pose?
If there is no river with running water nearby, and pregnant women are far from the sea, they can relax on the shore of the lake. Isn’t it dangerous for a woman in a position to swim in a lake, because it is a body of water with stagnant water and cold undercurrents?
The nuances of exercising in swimming pools
If the time of year is not suitable for swimming in a natural body of water, pregnant women should go to the pool. Can a pregnant woman swim in the pool?
Movement in an aquatic environment is much easier, and the temperature difference between the body and water stimulates the heat exchange function. For the expectant mother, this helps in burning excess fat and protects against rapid weight gain.
Water, taking the load off the spine, will relieve back pain, charge you with health, and give waves good mood for a long time. Swimming and even diving in the pool will help the young mother strengthen her immune system, and for the baby it is an opportunity to change her body position in the womb.
Important: having purchased a subscription to the pool, a woman does not have to worry, because the water in the pool is cleaned and chlorinated with special means to avoid infection of swimmers. However, it is better to choose a pool with ozonated water so as not to dry out the skin. Don't forget to consult a doctor and bring slippers.
Should pregnant women forego the benefits of bathing? Of course not! A woman can take water procedures and swim not only in the waters of a natural reservoir, but and in the pool. The procedure will give you the joy of a good mood, speed up your metabolism, and boost your immunity, which weakens during pregnancy. Heliotherapy normalizes hemoglobin levels, protects against the development of osteoporosis, and swimming will be an excellent preparation for childbirth.
