Starting swimming at 36 weeks?

[monkeysmama]

I have just started maternity leave and though I did wind down a bit towards the end a very busy job, plus the travelling & mad tiredness (and not being able to drive) has stopped me from doing any of the exercise I thought I'd partake in during pregnancy. I always walk a lot (though I meant the kind of Oxford Street, Sunday in the park type walking not hiking!) am have a easonable fitness level usually.

Anyway, I am wondering if it is too late for me to start swimming? I am not thinking anything too crazy. Is it safe? What are the chances of it bringing on baby? (I want to go to my EDD if at all possible - long story)

Any other options for a bad lower back? I have suddenly started to feel very uncomfortable no matter how I sit or lie and want to feel like I am doing something to alleviate the situation!

Thanks very much
MM

As long as you're not planning to belly flop off the top board it's perfectly safe.

It's lovely to have a wallow in fact - you feel so light in the water.

You might want to avoid frog legs if you're suseptible to SPD.

Have never heard of swimming bringing on labour. I've swum at least once a week for this entire pregnancy and my EDD was yesterday. Does it work then?

Thank you very much. I am feeling quite excited - I might see if I can persuade DP to join me for a light swim this evening.

It's supposed to be good for keeping baby in the optimal position for birth as your tummy hangs down in the water. I went the other week (I'm 32 weeks) and it was lovely getting in the water but I felt so heavy getting out of the water.

I started aqua natal lessons at 34 weeks with DS2 in a hydrotherapy pool which was lovely - 5ft deep, warm and bubbly!

Crawl leg kick is very good for the pelvis apparantly.

Enjoy