Swimming

[Sastra]

Hi all, before pregnacy I was a very keen runner. However, I've not done much exercise (apart from walking) since about week six, when sickness struck.

I'm 30 weeks now and still sick at least in the morning. I really want to do a bit of exercise, and was thinking of swimming as I've just moved very close to a pool!

A) will it be okay do you reckon to do some gentle swimming, as although I was very fit, I haven't don't much for 24 weeks and

B) does one need a maternity costume (I will obviously try on my normal costume, but I thought I'd ask others before I depress myself by becoming Moby Dick-ed).

I know I could ask my midwife, but I always feel I get a very generic answer about stuff like this (eg exercise, not whether I look like Moby dick!), and I wanted to know what others' experience was!

Yes, I'm 29 weeks and signed off for pregnancy related back pain. The doctor told me last week to go swimming - I hadn't done any much exercise for years quite a while. Have been three times this week and it has been bliss. The first time I did about 250m, and am adding 50m a day - so yesterday was 350m. And am going really slowly.

Breast stroke is easiest but hurts the pelvic area after a while; back crawl is OK but the bump feels heavy after a while. Front crawl is OK but since am unfit I find it quite hard. Doggy paddle is nice and easy :)

Yes, it's much more comfortable with a maternity swimming costume. Being in the pool is the only pain free moments I have had since about 20 weeks - being able to take the pressure of the back and sciatic nerve, and feelling like I am actually doing some beneficial exercise is wonderful. I really regret not having thought to go earlier on.

I had a maternity tankini, which may be eaiser to get into than a 1 piece suit. Oh, and your bump may shrink - DS had an "oh it's cold in here mum" and shifted back inside me, whether it was something with my muscles and the exercise or baby just not liking the change of temperature I'm not sure. It lasted about 24 hours, twas strange but very sweet.

Swimming is brilliant! I did 50 lengths every day on maternity leave pre-baby, up until the day waters broke. All the annoying late pregnancy aches and pains disappeared when I was swimming. I just wore a normal bikini. Enjoy!

Swimming is brilliant! I did 50 lengths every day on maternity leave pre-baby, up until the day waters broke. All the annoying late pregnancy aches and pains disappeared when I was swimming. I just wore a normal bikini. Enjoy!

I am nowhere near confident for a bikini whilst pregnant!

I'm 35 weeks and still swimming. (although with the summer holidays on - its a bit too busy for me) i do plan to carry on for as long as possible though - i think the holidays are over in a couple of weeks and hopefully the timetable will change back at my pool.

I didnt do any exercise before getting pregnant, and am only swimming as i've recently moved and not working, so its an excuse to get out of the house.
I'm still wearing my Tankini, its a hassle to get on and off as its got a bra support in it, but i dont want to spend money on anything that isnt gonna last.
So really my advice - Go swimming, take it easy and you'll be fine. :)

Another vote for a bikini. I got a cheap one from Matalan, started swimming at about 34 weeks when I could no longer do anything else for exercise except walking, and have managed fine. :)