Water procedures in early pregnancy. Pool during pregnancy - moderate exercise is only useful

Why is swimming useful for pregnant women? One of the most important points is that in the water the body becomes lighter and the weight of the expectant mother, which gradually increases with the growth and development of the baby, is practically not felt. This is because the density of water is greater than the density of air (this is especially true for salt water), so water pushes out less dense bodies and the human body is in a state of half gravity. This causes the receipt of not quite familiar signals to the cerebral cortex from the musculoskeletal system, heart, lungs and other organs. Therefore, the responses of the brain also change: the depth of breathing increases, the work of the cardiovascular system, biorhythms, sleep improves, metabolism is activated, etc. Therefore, swimming during pregnancy is considered the best “medicine” both against insomnia and against excessive nervous tension .

Such physical activity during pregnancy does not cause body tremors, which can be dangerous in an interesting position. You can, for example, even run or jump in the water without harm to the baby. There is no pronounced effect on the spine, joints, ligaments; the muscles relax, especially the back muscles, which carry a significant load during pregnancy.

Water resistance when performing movements acts as a massage, increasing blood flow in all organs and systems, activating metabolic processes, the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to both the mother and the baby, due to this effect, the work of the venous valves of the legs improves (prevention of varicose veins, hemorrhoids) and, accordingly, the outflow of blood is normalized. All this prevents the appearance of edema, which are frequent companions of pregnancy.

During swimming during pregnancy, the work of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems improves and trains, because in order to inhale and exhale, it is necessary to overcome the resistance of water, so the respiratory muscles gradually strengthen. This effect is also on the muscles of the back and abdomen.

If you swim regularly during pregnancy, then the central nervous system begins to more perfectly regulate the activity of the heart: the stroke volume of the heart increases, the tone of arterial vessels normalizes, due to this, blood pressure, if it was lowered, rises, and if it was increased, it can normalize.

Swimming on pregnant women also has an excellent hardening effect: the body's resistance to adverse conditions increases external environment(mainly to cold and sharp fluctuations in temperature). Thus, water has a lower temperature than the human body, irritating cold receptors, therefore, with regular immersion in water, thermoregulation will improve, resistance to cold and changes in temperature conditions will increase, thereby reducing susceptibility to colds, which will positively affect the well-being and health of the mother. and baby.

Swimming during pregnancy: attention to detail

When going for a swim, a pregnant woman should pay attention to some points:

A pregnant woman should not swim too often (daily or several times a day) and for more than 30 minutes, this can lead to overwork of the expectant mother.
It is undesirable to stay in a wet swimsuit for a long time after bathing: a warm and humid environment, which is likely to contain pathogens, exacerbates candidiasis or cystitis.
Having decided to swim, you must remember that you need to enter the water gradually, this process should take about 5-7 minutes, so as not to cause hypothermia and convulsions. It is also undesirable to immediately go into the water after a long stay under the sun, it is recommended to cool in the shade so that there is no sharp temperature drop.
It is undesirable for a future mother to swim in ponds with stagnant water: there is a high risk of infection of the urethra with the development or exacerbation of cystitis, thrush, and the occurrence of other diseases. In addition, it is undesirable to visit the pool with big amount people and not very high-quality cleaning. It can also lead to the occurrence or exacerbation of many urogenital diseases (thrush, cystitis, chlamydia, etc.) and allergies. In addition, with a large crowd of people, it will be uncomfortable for a pregnant woman to swim or she may be accidentally pushed. Therefore, it is better to choose pools where classes are held specifically for pregnant women or visit common pools in the morning, when the water is clearer and there are fewer visitors. You should pay attention to how the water is disinfected. It's better if they are modern methods without the use of chlorine (ozonation, ionization) with regular water changes.
When resting and swimming during pregnancy in natural reservoirs, it is advisable to choose a familiar area (where there are no unknown and dangerous bottom reliefs, pits, whirlpools, stones, fast or cold currents).
When swimming during pregnancy in the pool, it is necessary to pay attention to the presence of special handrails along the side, so that it is comfortable to hold on while in the water (when doing water aerobics exercises or if the expectant mother is tired). In order not to slip, it is advisable for the expectant mother to be in the pool in special rubberized swimming slippers that hold well on the foot and do not slip off.
You should not swim in cold water. The water temperature must be at least 22 °C.
Before you go swimming, especially before attending classes in the pool, you should consult with an obstetrician-gynecologist observing pregnancy.
In addition, pregnant women should not swim if they feel unwell.

Swimming during pregnancy: be careful, cramps!

Cramps during pregnancy are involuntary, painful muscle contractions. Quite often they occur in pregnant women and during swimming. In most cases, this applies to the calf muscles. Sharp pain in a contracted muscle usually lasts for several minutes, then the tension subsides, the pain subsides, it becomes aching, but the discomfort can persist for up to several days. Such convulsions, even if they are slightly expressed, are quite dangerous, because succumbing to panic, the expectant mother may lose control of her body and the consequences may not be the most favorable.

First aid for cramps in pregnant women

First of all, you need to calm down, as panic can further increase muscle spasm.
Try to get out of the water as soon as possible, because on land it is much easier to remove the cramp. Get someone to help you if you can't get out on your own.
If a muscle spasm occurs, for example, far from the coast (this applies to natural reservoirs), do not frantically swim back. So you can quickly get tired, and the cramp will not decrease. It is necessary to try to relax, breathe deeply and slowly (since frequent and nervous breathing can impair the baby's supply of oxygen or lead to excessive contraction of the muscles of the uterus, and also impair blood flow in the spasmodic muscle and make it difficult to relax).
There are two ways to get rid of cramps in the water: lie on your back, take a deep breath so that you can stay on the water. Then, pulling the knee to the chest, holding the foot, you should sharply pull it towards you. It is desirable to keep the leg in this position for as long as possible - if possible until the cramp disappears, take a deep breath again and try to stretch the muscle as much as possible (however, this is more suitable for those expectant mothers whose tummy is not very large and manipulation is easy to do). The second option is suitable for almost everyone: you need to take a deep breath, immerse your head in the water, assuming the position of a float, grasp the big toe of the closed leg with the opposite hand, pull the toe towards you, at the same time it is desirable to try to straighten the leg at the knee.
On the shore, the reduced muscle also needs to be strongly pulled, and then kneaded. To do this, grab the toes, sharply pull them towards you (while pulling the heel away from you) and, despite the pain, try to keep the foot in this position. At the same time, it is necessary to massage the tense muscle strongly. In addition, ice can be applied after the spasm has been relieved to reduce pain (for 10-15 minutes).
If the leg is not cramped or the expectant mother feels that she is about to reduce the muscle, and she can freely reach the bottom, then you can simply stand on straight legs on a full foot.
After you have dealt with a cramp in the water, it is advisable to drink water: this normalizes the water-salt balance in the body and reduces pain in the leg after a cramp, and also prevents subsequent ones (that is, the likelihood of repeated cramps after the elimination of a cramp that has already occurred). To prevent sudden muscle cramps, it is advisable to take magnesium supplements in combination with vitamin B6: this will improve neuromuscular impulses in the muscles and, accordingly, normalize them. However, before taking it is necessary to consult with the doctor observing the expectant mother.

Why do convulsions occur in pregnant women?

Most often, convulsions in pregnant women develop for the following reasons:

overwork, prolonged physical stress during swimming, prolonged intense or sharp load on the muscles of the legs during swimming (this is especially true for untrained and poorly trained muscles, for example, after a strong repulsion of the legs from the side of the pool or the bottom);
dehydration of the body (for example, with early toxicosis, when profuse frequent vomiting leads to the loss of fluid by the body and, along with it, salts of potassium, calcium, sodium, their balance is disturbed, as a result of which contraction and relaxation of muscles are disturbed);
previous injuries of muscles and ligaments;
constriction of blood vessels due to exposure to low temperatures when swimming in cold water or when entering water after prolonged exposure to the sun (with sudden cooling, a sharp spasm of blood vessels occurs). The blood flow in the muscles of the legs is disturbed, their innervation and a spasm occurs;
more often in cold water it reduces muscles in those expectant mothers who have chronic diseases of the spine, since there are already predisposing factors for the occurrence of seizures (due to dystrophic changes in the vertebrae, the presence of hernias, protrusions, and so, innervation and blood flow in the muscles of the legs can be disturbed, due to which they respond, and in cool water this can be aggravated);
lack in the body of certain trace elements (in particular, calcium), which are involved in the process of normal muscle contractions.

Who can't swim?

Pregnant women can swim at any stage of pregnancy, however, there are contraindications for such a gentle type of physical activity. Don't swim:

with severe toxicosis, when frequent vomiting is disturbing, since this condition can lead to an imbalance of potassium and sodium in the body and provoke convulsions in the water or lead to a decrease in blood pressure while in a pond and a deterioration in general well-being while swimming;
if the expectant mother has previously had miscarriages or premature births, so as not to provoke changes in the tone of the uterus, which can be dangerous for the course of pregnancy;
with exacerbation or presence of inflammatory diseases (for example, cystitis, thrush), musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular diseases (for example, hypertension with frequent increases in blood pressure over 140/90 mm Hg, which can provoke pre- or eclampsia ), with exacerbation of osteochondrosis, arthritis, etc .;
with various violations of the course of pregnancy: bleeding, polyhydramnios, increased uterine tone (which can be manifested by cramping pain during or after swimming, especially in relatively cool water);
if the expectant mother is worried about frequent cramps in the muscles of the legs, you should also not go for a long time or deep into the water, especially if it is cool.

It is not for nothing that future mothers are interested in whether they can visit the pool. Opinions in this area are extremely opposite. Some argue that pregnant women should avoid pools, while others argue that swimming is extremely beneficial for a pregnant woman. Which of them is right? To go or not to go to the pool during pregnancy?

Before using the pool, you should consult with your doctor. In the absence of any evidence, visiting the pool has a beneficial effect on the health of the expectant mother and baby.

Benefits of swimming during pregnancy

Swimming has a very positive effect on the health of the expectant mother. The body acquires a certain lightness and weightlessness during immersion in water. Therefore, for all expectant mothers, especially those who are already in the last stages of pregnancy, the pool helps to relieve the muscles and spine from the load, reduces pressure on the blood vessels and helps to cope with lower back pain at least for a while. When the body is immersed in water, a pleasant and light massage of all internal organs and muscles of the body occurs.

Swimming relieves physical stress and improves the condition of the whole organism: it gives rest to the spine (thanks to which it is possible to avoid osteochondrosis and back pain);
Strengthens the heart and blood vessels. This improves blood and lymph circulation, lowers blood pressure, and trains the heart muscles. Thus, varicose veins and hypertension during pregnancy do not threaten mothers who constantly visit the pool;
Provides prevention of many diseases;
This effective method fight edema (movement in water helps to remove excess fluid from tissues) and overweight;
Swimming has a beneficial effect on the psyche, unloads nervous system eliminates stress. (During swimming, one feels the unified element of the baby and the expectant mother);
In the process of swimming, breathing is produced, which contributes to the preparation for childbirth. Simple diving brings great benefits to the body of a pregnant woman. When holding the breath, the baby gets used to the lack of oxygen and activates all its reserves. During childbirth and contractions, the baby does not receive oxygen, so diving is good for the baby and is a kind of training for him.

Swimming in the pool is a great way to boost your immune system. After all, it's not a secret for anyone that it is this type of physical activity that underlies hardening. In general, you need to swim during pregnancy! However, before going to the pool, it does not hurt to consult a doctor. Unfortunately, not all expectant mothers are shown such a pleasant and useful pastime.

When we are talking not only about a woman, but also about her future baby, choosing a budget pool closer to home can be a huge mistake. So you need to pay attention to the details:

Availability of classes for pregnant women. In many pools for pregnant women, an instructor is provided, and groups are also created for classes, during which a nurse must be nearby. The instructor will be able to choose the best exercise option for you, and the nurse will monitor your health throughout your stay in the water. Experts confidently say that pregnant women can swim in the pool;
Water temperature (allowed range from 28 to 32 degrees);
The presence of comfortable handrails and stairs;
The purity of the water.

Water is one of the main criteria for choosing a pool. It comes in 3 types:

salty – the best way. It is very useful for the body, it has a good effect on the condition of the skin. Another plus of salt water is its buoyancy properties. It is easier to swim and exercise in it.
Purified by ozone. With the help of special ozonizing plants, water is saturated with oxygen. Such a cleaning system increases the cost of a subscription, but this is not the only negative, as it might seem at first. If the water initially had a lot of pesticides, under the influence of ozone the situation will only worsen.
Chlorinated. The most common option. If ultrasound and other methods are used to purify water along with chlorine, then this option is suitable for the expectant mother. If only chlorine is used, and in large volumes, you should not buy a subscription to such a pool.

Can a pregnant woman go to the water park?

In the matter of visiting the water park during pregnancy, everything is not so clear. If there is a pool with water of a suitable degree of purification and temperature, there will be entertainment for the expectant mother. True, the noisy atmosphere of the water park is not at all what a pregnant woman needs. Even in a relatively calm area, where there are no steep slides, lovers of running jump into the pool and frolic under water may suddenly appear. Expecting a baby, it is better not to run into them.

Riding water slides and attractions is a very bad idea for a woman in an interesting position: even harmless entertainment often causes injuries.

Training

In principle, no special preparation is required. You just need to pack a bag with necessary things. This:

a special certificate from a doctor, which is requested in all pools;
fruits, drink (ordinary water or tea will do);
swimsuit;
rubber shoes with non-slip soles;
rubber cap;
hygiene products (soap, washcloth, shampoo);
nourishing skin cream.

Who should not swim: contraindications

In some cases, it is better for the expectant mother to refuse swimming in any reservoirs, artificial or natural. These are the following diseases and conditions:

feeling unwell (general weakness, etc.);
uterine hypertonicity;
risk of miscarriage;
copious discharge from the vagina;
severe illness;
the presence of miscarriages in the past.

Important! Postpone going to the pool if you used to have a fear of water: during pregnancy, a phobia can again make itself felt.

Output. FAQ: Top 5 questions about swimming during pregnancy

If you have already been swimming, it will be easier for you to navigate how to behave during classes and how to plan your workouts. For beginners, it’s better to work out with an instructor first, and when choosing aqua aerobics, you should sign up for a group entry level. Still, you need to follow a few general recommendations related to visiting the pool during pregnancy.

1. "Can I swim on early dates pregnancy?"

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Pregnant women can go to the pool at any time, but you need to consult a doctor about this and monitor your well-being. If a woman has already had miscarriages, an aborted pregnancy, if she suffers from toxicosis with nausea and weakness, if at least a slight detachment occurred in the first weeks, then it is better to wait until the 2nd trimester with swimming. From the 14th week, the fetus is already protected by the placenta, the main risk factors recede, and the well-being of most expectant mothers by this time is already noticeably improving.

2. “Until what gestational age can I go to the pool?”

You can visit the pool even at the 9th month of pregnancy, but only until the mucous plug is discharged. Closing the cervical canal, it protects the uterine cavity and the fetus in it from infections, as well as other negative external factors. The mucus plug comes off in everyone different time: in some - 2-3 weeks before childbirth, in others - immediately before them. If this happens, swimming is already prohibited, since there is a danger of intrauterine infection of the baby, the development of concomitant infections, which is highly undesirable on late term. For a similar reason, doctors do not recommend going to the pool at the very beginning of pregnancy, when the mucosa and placenta have not yet formed.

3. "Is it safe for pregnant women to swim in chlorinated water?"

When choosing a pool, it will not be superfluous to ask how the water is purified in it. The most commonly used disinfectant method is chlorine. It kills pathogens and their waste products. The method is traditional, while quite effective and conditionally safe. The problem is that the bleach is absorbed into the skin, and the vapors produced by the evaporation of water enter the respiratory system to a greater or lesser extent. Periodically swimming in water with bleach is not dangerous for mother and unborn child, but for daily visits it is better to look for sports centers with more modern disinfection methods. IN major cities there are many pools in which water is treated with ultraviolet, ozone, ultrasound - these are the best options for pregnant women.

4. "How to swim in the pool for a future mother?"

Training in the pool for pregnant women takes place in three formats:

swimming - crawl is best suited for expectant mothers, while breathing should be relaxed and free, even periodically during classes you need to take breaks to rest.
immersion - diving and a short breath hold at depth help to train various body systems, which is very useful during contractions.
water aerobics - pregnant women are advised to attend group classes where they use safe equipment, and the trainer offers a set of exercises for endurance, breathing, soft stretching of muscles and ligaments.

5. “Does the mom-to-be need help for the pool?”

Help to visit the pool is required for everyone, pregnant women are no exception. The fact is that there are certain restrictions for swimming, which are not excluded when registering with a antenatal clinic, and they can also be temporary. That is why it is necessary not only to obtain a certificate once, but also to update it every six months.

In some pools and multifunctional clubs, the requirements are more stringent - they may request a new certificate every 3 months. Of course, you have to spend time on visits to the clinic, which causes inconvenience, but at the same time, hygiene and safety are ensured - this is extremely important for the expectant mother. So strict control over the health of visitors is a big plus for the sports center.

A few more tips will help make swimming during pregnancy as comfortable as possible. It is recommended to eat a hearty meal 1.5-2 hours before training: it is difficult to swim with a full stomach, and it is undesirable on an empty stomach, dizziness and weakness may occur. Immediately before entering the pool, you should thoroughly wash yourself in the shower, wash off cosmetics, remove plasters, bandages. Before training, you need to slightly warm up and warm up the muscles with ligaments, and then gently stretch them, avoiding twisting. If the water is chlorinated, you should apply a moisturizer after exercising and showering to prevent dehydration of the skin and the appearance of early or deep stretch marks.

The question of visiting the pool worries many expectant mothers. Can pregnant women go to the swimming pool? Until what pregnancy can you swim and when is it not recommended to swim in the pool? We will answer these and other questions about swimming during pregnancy in our article.

The benefits of swimming

Swimming pregnant is not only possible, but also recommended and welcomed by doctors. In water, the body becomes practically weightless, the expectant mother will be able to relax from the tension of the muscles of the back and abdominal wall, at the same time, the muscles of the arms and legs and other muscle groups are strengthened. Strengthening the muscles of the small pelvis will make it easier to endure childbirth. And with the relaxation of the muscles of the spine, pain in the lower back will subside.

A positive effect is also on the cardiovascular system of a pregnant woman. Blood circulates faster through the blood vessels, which helps to reduce congestion in them, is a good prevention against varicose veins and edema.

Swimming has a stimulating effect on the respiratory system. The flow of oxygen into the blood of the mother, and therefore the baby, improves. In addition, training the respiratory system will help the expectant mother to better prepare for childbirth.

Like any physical activity, swimming is great for the health of the expectant mother.

Swimming helps the baby to keep correct position in mom's tummy. Sometimes, with an incorrect presentation of the fetus, doctors recommend that women swim in the pool.

Modern training courses for pregnant women are hard to imagine without visiting the pool. In addition, swimming helps to strengthen the immune system, develops stamina, and simply cheers up, which is also important for the expectant mother!

However, despite all the benefits of swimming, sometimes doctors do not recommend visiting the pool for expectant mothers. In what cases does this happen? The main contraindication to visiting the pool is the threat of miscarriage. With uterine hypertonicity, doctors also do not recommend swimming, with any suspicious vaginal discharge, with early toxicosis or gestosis. And, of course, do not visit the pool with viral and infectious diseases and poor health.

But you should not worry about getting an infection in the pool - at present, pools use water purification systems and special products that do not contain chlorine. Samples are regularly taken for purity and contamination of water.

No matter how purified the water in the pool is, try not to swallow it, it is absolutely not suitable for food.

At what stage of pregnancy can you visit the pool?

If you have no contraindications, then the sooner you go to the pool, the better. It is desirable to visit the pool as part of a specialized group for pregnant women. You can swim until childbirth, it's never too late to start. The main thing to remember is that you should not exercise through force, enjoy swimming.

Precautionary measures

Don't forget to bring rubber shoes with you, take them off just before entering the water. This will protect you from fungus. Don't forget to wear a hat too - it can protect you from possible lice.

A pool with a large crowd of people poses a certain danger, because there is a threat of getting hit in the stomach, so stay vigilant while swimming

Try not to make sudden movements while swimming. Stay close to the edge. It is not recommended to swim in the middle of the pool, this is motivated by the fact that a pregnant woman may become ill, may have a cramp, as a result she will grab water and be very frightened. It is best to go to the pool with a loved one or a friend, they can help with some useful exercises and will also be nearby in case of danger.

Based on the foregoing, we can say that swimming is very beneficial during pregnancy. However, remember that before visiting the pool, you need to consult with your doctor and provide the appropriate certificate.

If you are in an interesting position, but love to play sports, the question will surely arise: is it possible to swim while pregnant? Such activities should be discussed with the doctor you are seeing.

Most expectant mothers want to strengthen their body and properly prepare for the upcoming birth. The best assistant in this is sports, but a woman, being in position, does not look much like a runner or a gymnast. The best option in this case is to go swimming.

Nowadays, there are a lot of special pools for pregnant women. In them, the water is purified with ozone instead of chlorine, and experienced trainers work, so you can not just go swimming, but conduct quite productive workouts.

Why is it good for pregnant women to go to the pool

Swimming lessons in a specialized pool:

Develop the muscles of the back and lower back;
Strengthens the immune system;
They unload the nervous system, which is not unimportant for a woman who is expecting a baby, because she already has so many stresses;
Improves blood circulation;
Improves the functioning of internal organs;
It has a general strengthening effect on the female body.

It is also useful to go to the pool because swimming strengthens the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, which means it will facilitate childbirth in the future and reduce swelling of the legs, help to cope with varicose veins. Also, mothers who bathed in the pool during pregnancy have practically no problems with lactation after childbirth, since swimming improves blood circulation in the mammary glands. When in the water, a pregnant woman will be able to relax, due to the fact that the load is removed from the back muscles, and the pain goes away. In addition to all the above positive effects, there is one more, the most important. Qualified specialists have proven that in case of incorrect presentation of the fetus, classes in the pool help him to take the correct position in the mother's tummy. But of course there are times when you can not go swimming in the pool.

Contraindications for swimming for pregnant women

The main contraindication is the threat of premature termination of pregnancy. Also, any heavy discharge, severe toxicosis, uterine hypertonicity and placenta previa will block your path to the pool. If a woman has discussed with her doctor all the nuances of her health, all the tests are in order and the above problems are absent, then the pregnant woman can swim in the pool, and it is best to start attending swimming classes from the first weeks of pregnancy. This will keep you in great shape and prepare your body for childbirth.

Diving

Diving for pregnant women is also very useful. Especially in the "float" position, since this position is very close to the position of the child in the mother's body. You need to stay in this position for some time, this will help you practice breathing and understand the current state of your baby, as well as cheer you up. Diving is an excellent training of the respiratory system, underwater skills breathing exercises will help you a lot when it comes time to push.

Aqua aerobics

In the maternity pool you will be offered the services of a professional trainer. It is he who will be able to draw up a lesson plan and suggest what should be paid attention to. Typically, the lesson includes exercises in walking on the water, raising the legs high, various swings, circular movements of the arms and legs, as well as stretching. Muscle stretching exercises will make the ligaments more flexible and elastic, which will facilitate the process of childbirth and help you get back into shape faster after childbirth. Also make sure that the inner thigh muscles work.

What you need to take with you

In the pool you will need:

Swimsuit;
Towel;
Rubberized slippers;
rubber cap;
Shower gel;
Washcloth;
Hairdryer (most pools have a hair dryer at their disposal);
Wet swimsuit and towel bag;
Necessary skin care products for use after the pool (face cream, cream for stretch marks, etc.);
Light snack after swimming;
A doctor's note will be required.

How long can pregnant women go to the pool

If there are no contraindications, then you can go swimming until the expected date of birth. The main thing is to practice swimming in special groups, under the supervision of experienced instructors and doctors. The most important thing is that swimming lessons are not a burden to you, but, on the contrary, please you.

Swimming in natural waters

So, we found out that pregnant women can swim in the pool, but what about swimming in rivers, ponds, the sea?

While waiting for the baby, it is better to refrain from this pleasure, because the water in such reservoirs is not purified, which means that there is a risk of infection. In maternity pools, there are usually two options for swimming - in fresh water and in the sea. You can choose the most suitable option for you.

Water will help your body relax, you need to remember this feeling, then it will be easier to relax between contractions. Swimming during pregnancy will improve the health of your baby and you, keep you fit, clean nervous tension, will fill you with a charge of vivacity and cheerfulness for all nine months.

To the question of expectant mothers - is it possible for pregnant women to go to the pool, the answer is ambiguous, being in an interesting position, many may have contraindications to being in the water. You should inform your doctor about your desire to engage in water procedures.

Hello dear expectant mothers! Most likely, you will agree with us that water has a very beneficial effect on our body as a whole. Water procedures relax, relieve pain, improve mood and tone the muscles of the body.

During pregnancy, expectant mothers have a special relationship with water. Some procedures are useful, and some can even be dangerous. Today we will talk about whether it is possible for pregnant women to use the sauna and the pool?

In addition, we will try to find out: what precautions should be taken when visiting these places, and how useful are such procedures during pregnancy?

Bath for pregnant women - a taboo or is it still possible?

Do you know that our great-grandmothers not only regularly went to the bathhouse, but also gave birth to their children there? Hot steam has a relaxing effect on the muscles, and therefore childbirth in the bath was easy and almost painless.

However, do not forget that the health of our great-grandmothers was much stronger than that of modern women. Healthy eating, physical labor, usually taking place on fresh air, and regular visits to the bath made them strong and hardy.

In addition, village women gave birth to 7 or even 12 children, and for them this was not a feat. We live in completely different conditions, we work mainly in offices, rarely walk in the fresh air, our products leave much to be desired, and there is no time even to think about a bathhouse.

A modern woman is ready to give birth to the 1st, well, a maximum of 3 children. That is why the bath for us can be a certain danger. Especially if you decide to go there for the first time during pregnancy.

If we talk about the benefits of a bath for a future mother, then the following points can be noted:

visiting the bath helps to strengthen the immune system;
blood circulation improves, including blood supply to the placenta;
bath treatments - good workout for the respiratory system;
relieves muscle tension;
prevents varicose veins, improves the tone of the walls of blood vessels;
prevents the appearance of , ;
helps to get rid of headaches, insomnia.

Also, the bath helps to remove toxins and toxins from the body, relieves anxiety and irritation in the expectant mother. Fans of bath procedures usually give birth much easier, but again, if a bath is a common thing for them.

Then, if the bath is so useful during pregnancy, what could be the danger? The fact is that visiting a bath is a certain burden on the body, especially on the heart. In addition, out of habit, you can easily allow the body to overheat, and this is very dangerous during pregnancy.

In the early stages, the risk of abortion increases, so at this time it is advisable to refuse to visit the bath. It is possible for pregnant women to go to the sauna starting from the second trimester and of course in the absence of contraindications.

For example, if there is a threat of miscarriage, women with chronic diseases of the heart and kidneys, at any stage, if you have a multiple pregnancy or incorrect placenta previa, the bath should be abandoned.

Swimming in the pool during pregnancy, how useful is it?

Today it is difficult to imagine courses to prepare pregnant women for childbirth without classes in the pool. Even if you do not attend such courses, you have probably heard about the benefits of the pool during pregnancy.

Why is it so useful for a future mother to swim in the pool and is it always possible for pregnant women to go to the pool? Classes in the pool, swimming, water aerobics are muscle training in weightless conditions. On the one hand, it is very convenient, given the weakened ligaments during pregnancy.

On the other hand, it happens increased load on the muscles, as water prevents movement, and this is an excellent preparation of the body for the upcoming birth. It has already been proven that swimming has a positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system and lungs.

Women who swim during pregnancy have an easier and more practical birth. You can swim during pregnancy in the pool according to the program for expectant mothers, starting from the second trimester, before this there is not much point.

It is also necessary to take into account that the water in the pool is highly chlorinated and not particularly clean, so it is quite possible to catch some kind of infection or you may experience skin irritation, an allergic reaction, dry skin.

It is imperative to consult a doctor whether it is possible for pregnant women to swim in the pool, usually, with pregnancy complications, doctors prohibit such procedures.

In general, swimming in the pool is much more beneficial for the expectant mother than harm or risk. Therefore, if you have no contraindications, and there is an opportunity, be sure to go to the pool. Easy and painless childbirth will be guaranteed to you.

Photo and video: Bath and pool during pregnancy - harmful or useful, possible or impossible