Worried - how much is too much?

[Jamantha]

I'm 23 weeks pregnanct and have been taking part in a sponsored swim over the past few weeks, aiming to total 34 km (1360 lengths) over 10 weeks. This should have been 3 swims a week, of between 40 and 50 lengths a time. (Prior to pregnancy I was swimming 2 or 3 times a week at 40-60 lengths a time so didn't think this was outrageous) Fool that I was, I didn't account for being ill (just a bad cold) mid-way through and falling behind on the lengths. Since getting better I've upped my swimming a bit to try to catch up as it's all meant ot be completed by March 25th. I've nearly done it, even though I admit the swimming is getting harder as I get bigger. But people are concerned that I've overdone it, and now that concern is rubbing off on me. I have put in some long swims, I admit - on Sunday I did 90 lengths. BUT I had bags of energy when I started and did it at a relaxed pace, taking breaks avery 20 lengths or so and honestly didn't feel tired until length 86 when my legs felt tired. I've been working on the principle that if I listen to my body and rest when I get tired (I had a very relaxed day after the long swim) I can't go far wrong. But everyone's concern is getting to me. I've agreed to take it a bit easier now even though there's just 1 week of official swimming to go and if necessary take a few days longer to finish the charity swim, but am worried that it's too late and I may have been doing the baby some harm. Sorry for long post, but any advice?

I'm not qualified or anything but from what i know they say that if you are already very active it doesnt hurt to keep it up and swimming is probably the best type of excercise as it supports your bump. Talk to your midwife if you're really worried.

I once knew a girl who was very active throughout pregnancy and she played rounders at 9mths pg (so did i, i think i was about 7mths pg) but i didnt run i just hit the ball and my aunt ran for me because im not fit at all!!!!!

If you are feeling well, know when to stop and you are used to doing this sort of thing, I can't see that it would cause a problem for the baby.

I think it's fine. It's not like you've started a new course of training halfway through your pregnancy - you already had a good level of fitness before you got pregnant. Swimming, too, is good cardiovascular exercise but isn't going to be as harmful to your joints etc as running or other sports. I very, very much doubt you'll have done the baby any harm at all - you've listened to your body, it sounds like you've exercised well within your capabilities.

Thank It's nice to hear someone who doesn't think I'm putting my baby at danger. I still have some concern, but am trying to balance the risks of getting tired agaisnt he benefits of exercise - it must help if I keep a good level of fitness up.

your pregnancy is well established with presumably no unusual problems and you are clearly a fit and able swimmer who exercises regularly I wouldn't have thought there would be any ill effects

Last pregnancy I went to the gym/awimming daily until 42 weeks. I was very fit by the end !! No harm done and despite a 3rd degree tear I recovered very quickly which I always put down to my level of finess.

Will be able to compare this time as have done absolutely nothing !

not really related to swimming, but I mucked 3 horses out when pg with dd up until 42 weeks, when I really could not bend!!
I also walked the dog everyday. I think its best to stay fit during pregnancy. Exercise in the water will be even more beneficial, as your body weight will be supported and put less stress on your joints.
I am sorry but I do not buy all this "taking it easy" rubbish when you are preg, unless you have a medical problem. I say enjoy it while you get the chace, one lo comes along there if little time for exercise.

If anything you probably did bubs alot of good. just think of all that lovely oxygenated blood getting through bringing all those lovely nutrients and taking away all the yukkies. Same reason for why orgasms are good for bubs, increased blood flow . So long as you feel OK and don't strain any muscles, I can't see any reason to worry.