Hello!

I’m currently 36 weeks pregnant & take my 16 month old for swimming lessons every Wednesday morning. I’m just wondering if it’s safe to do during the later stages. I’ve read that it is not recommended taking a bath, just in case your waters break as bacteria can enter the birth canal, so I’m assuming it would be the same in a heated public pool. My son arrived at 36 weeks when my waters broke & my doctor thinks I’ll probably go early again with this one.

Thanks in advance :)


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  • Swimming is a particularly good exercise in pregnancy, as the water helps to support your extra weight. This can be a huge relief, especially in the third trimester. And unlike some other forms of aerobic exercise, swimming helps you to feel cool. It’s fine to swim in a heated pool when you’re pregnant. It’s a great relief on those feet too !!
    And yes, you can swim until the minute you deliver !


  • I would think it would be encouraged because it’s good for your health and keeps you fit.


  • I do antenatal hydrotherapy classes – perfectly safe. Some woman continue going right up until they give birth (I’m planning the same). It helps being in the water to relieve some pressure :-)


  • I went swimming ,well floating when in late pregnancy it’s great to relieve the pressure of carrying .


  • I was recommend by midwives to go for a swim to help encourage something to happen. My daughter was a week over due.


  • I don’t think there is any rule against it as long as your waters have not broken


  • I went swimming and worked up until had our son’s
    Think it’s more you need to listen to yourself and have someone with you u
    Just incase you go in labour early


  • I would err on the side of caution..It’s only a few more weeks.My daughter was born with an infection after my waters broke a few weeks before she was born.It was quite dicey there for a while, I wouldnt want anyone else to go through that.


  • I haven’t heard that it’s not safe? I wouldn’t worry about it.


  • Being a public pool, there would be a risk of infection if your waters broke, especially if their chlorine level is too low. It should be at least 3 parts per million and no higher than 4 parts per million


  • I swam and did aqua aerobics right up until the week before I gave birth with my 3 children.. Swimming particularly is great. As with any exercise during pregnancy, make sure you don’t overdo it or overheat (drink plenty of water as the humidity in indoor pools can dehydrate you) Check with your doctor if you are concerned though!


  • I did pregnancy swim classes up to 40 weeks. I think it’s fine.


  • Sounds like you’re close to needing a replacement for that role for a few weeks or so anyway so might it be worth considering succession planning from now so you’ll be less worried?


  • Hi Kath,
    I have 2 sons and they’re all grown up now, I remember I stopped swimming when I was 8 and half months pregnant even though I had full term pregnancies. You should ask your doctor if you should or should not continue going into the pool; he/she would give you the best advice because the doctor has known your health condition.
    Good luck!
    Cindy


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