Last updated December 2011. Planned review date: December 2012

Swimming and pregnancy

Swimming has several benefits for pregnancy, including improved circulation, better muscle tone and increased endurance. The water supports your body so it’s a great choice for pregnancy fitness. Ideally, aim to swim for 30 minutes, three to four times a week.

It's important to find a stroke that's comfortable for you, and to avoid busy periods at the pool. Lots of pools run a range of antenatal swimming classes.

If you are exercising in water – an aquanatal class, for example – the water temperature should not exceed 32˚C. 35˚C is the recommended maximum if you’re using a hydrotherapy pool.

You can swim all through your pregnancy. As you move into your final three months, the feeling of weightlessness in the water can be very comfortable.

Sources

RCOG Guidelines (2006) Exercise in Pregnancy, Statement 4, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

Department of Health (2009) The Pregnancy Book, NHS, London, 286153

In this section

How active should I be?
When to be careful exercising
Exercise/activity to avoid
Everyday activity suggestions
Pelvic floor exercises
Swimming in pregnancy
Running in pregnancy
Walking in pregnancy
Yoga and pregnancy
Aerobics and weights in pregnancy
Questions on exercise in pregnancy
Five pregnancy exercises (pdf)

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