Open water swimming and expecting

[empQ]

Is this ok? I got a BFP on Monday so am 4 weeks 3 days along. And about 6 weeks ago I started open water swimming - which I love. Has anyone continued swimming through their pregnancy? It is chilly enough (in Northern Ireland) and two weeks ago I got stung by a jellyfish so planning to stick to the lakes as opposed to the sea for a while.

Or would it be better to stop?

[unimaginativeusernamehere]

I can't think of any reason it wouldn't be ok when pregnant

[Pinkshrimp]

Some info here. Something I’d love to try if there was anywhere suitable near. Used to swim in lakes and rivers as kids although not in winter! Congratulations on you pregnancy.
www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/swimming-for-two/

[ScottishStottie]

I cant think of a specific reason why you shouldnt, but i think if it were me i would stop.

Cant put my finger on why but dont think i would be comfortable with the situation

[ScrapThatThen]

I don't know about pregnancy specifically but there will be various lovely bacteria that could make you ill. It's a bit like all the soft cheese you have to avoid - you're not any more likely to get listeria than normal, it's just potentially more serious when pregnant.

[yukka]

I swam in the sea till a week before I gave birth. Keeping warm is key, and always having someone to watch you In case you got cramp which is more common in pregnancy.

Swimming was my lifeline for pain management of pelvic girdle pain and general aches and pains as you get heavier.

[empQ]

Thank you for your replies. I think I'm going to try to keep going. Feel safer outdoors than in the pool at the moment (well changing rooms - I mean the side of the road is far healthier right? 😬)

[calimommy]

Avoid still water or ponds, where the water may be stagnant. The sea is probably the best.

[PolarBearStrength]

Still sea swimming happily at 32 weeks currently. Went up to delivery last time. DH got cryptosporidium from one of our regular lakes a couple of years ago so I’m avoiding freshwater although I don’t really think it’s a particularly rational avoidance.

[jojanna]

I've been cracking on. Am at 30 weeks, ditched the wetsuit a while back and got a maternity swim suit. It's been a nice way to stay active. Been swimming at the West Reservoir and Hampsted ladies pond in London. Haven't heard any convincing reasons why I shouldn't. Water has been reasonably warm (>18deg), and obv try not to ingest too much water in case of gastro issues - but one doesn't usually make a habit of that anyway!

[110APiccadilly]

I have been - I've not seen any evidence against it. (Now my pool has re-opened I'm not in the sea as much, but I've always been a bit of a fair weather outdoor swimmer.)

I have been a bit more careful about keeping my mouth out of the water in case of swallowing nasties, but tbh that's just me pandering to my own paranoia!

[Muda]

I’m a regular sea swimmer and in early pregnancy and was wondering the same whether it was safe to keep sea swimming. My main concern was the temp of the water and if it was too cold would it affect the baby. Also my mum keeps asking me to go for a swim with her and I dont have many reasons why I can’t left!