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How long can I swim for?

6 replies

MtnBikeChick · 23/07/2010 15:43

I am 39 weeks pregnant and am currently going for a 30-40min swim every other day, and doing 30mins pregnancy yoga on the other days. I just wondered is it OK to swim right up until 40 weeks (and beyond if the baby is late)? This may seem like a silly question but if my waters broke in the pool would I even know?!
Thank you

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lucylev · 23/07/2010 15:54

They say swimming is good right up until baby is born, i'm swimming twice a week and enjoying it lots and being in the water makes me feel so light! not sure about if your waters broke in the pool though guess we wouldn't know or would we feel it???

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SpiderWilliam · 23/07/2010 15:54

At my aqua natal class this week the mw said a woman had given birth once to a 10lb baby 2 hours after the end of the class.

So I think you can carry on as long as you feel happy to.

Not sure about the waters breaking question though.

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bigredtractor · 23/07/2010 15:56

Hello! With regard to your first question the answer is 'as long as you feel that you can'. Good on you for still being active!

I'm swimming loads too since I was told by the gym instructors and my MW that it was great exercise and a good way of getting the baby into a good position for birth (bump dangling into the water giving the baby lots of space).

Second question about your waters breaking, dunno (but I've wondered the same thing!!).

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oldmum42 · 23/07/2010 20:05

Agree with PP, Keep going as long as you feel it's the right thing to do!

I'm 26 weeks and swim 1km x 5 days a week - getting a little slower as the weeks go by, but I intend to keep going until the day before my elective section at 39week.

Swimming or other regular activity is very good for your blood pressure, very good for your blood sugar (much lower risk of GD if you are active and if you do get it, it will be easier to control), and very good for lowering various other risk-factors such as blood clots and poor wound healing.

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PickleSarnie · 23/07/2010 21:05

Don't leave it too long that you end up having an unintentional water birth!!

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MtnBikeChick · 23/07/2010 21:27

Haha TBH if it happened that quickly I wouldn't care that I was in the pool at the gym!!! Well, maybe I might....