Prenatal Water Aerobics: Why It's a Great Option for Today's Pregnant Women

When I became pregnant with my first child several years ago, I was a long-distance runner. I continued running, with my doctor's blessing, until experienced some spotting at about six weeks gestation. I set out to find a better way to stay in shape while pregnant, and found it in the water. Water or aqua aerobics has become an increasingly popular way for pregnant women to get moving.

One of the worst discomforts that pregnant women run into is their increased weight and size. As the months wear on, it's not only difficult to do the things you used to - sometimes it's downright impossible. On top of limited mobility, you overheat more easily, and you may feel like no one around you understands what you're going through. These are all issues that can be solved or improved by involvement in a water aerobics program.

Water is the ultimate anti-gravity medium. When a pregnant woman is in the water, she feels less heavy and can move more easily. This makes water aerobics a low-impact activity for pregnancy-strained muscles and joints. Just the sensation of (near) weightlessness can be relaxing enough - but add a dose of healthy activity to the mix, and you've got a perfect combination. The cool temperature of most pools also helps to prevent overheating during aerobic exercise. And if you sign up for a prenatal water aerobics class at a local pool or community center, you'll likely meet plenty of pregnant women that you can relate to.

So, what do you need before starting a prenatal water aerobics program? Thankfully, not much. After discussing the prenatal water aerobics program with your doctor, start with a good, supportive maternity swimsuit. Today's maternity swimsuits don't need to look like tablecloths or circus tents. Wear your bump with style in the Leaf Print Tankini by A Pea In The Pod ($59.99) or the Maternal America One-Piece Keyhole Swimsuit ($79.00). If I'd known they had maternity swimwear like this when I was pregnant, I'd have gotten involved in an aqua aerobics pregnancy class a lot sooner! The only bad part? These awesome suits probably won't fit once you have the baby.

You'll also need a water bottle to keep handy at the side of the pool while exercising. It may not seem like you sweat in the water, but the cool temperatures can be deceiving. It's best to stay safe and hydrated. If you're concerned, it's also a good idea to invest in a waterproof heart-rate monitor to make sure you stay within your safe target heart rate zone during exercise. Other supplies will vary by class. Some classes use different types of floats to assist in exercise, and these may be purchased or provided as part of your registration fee.

Prenatal Water Aerobics is a great way to get out, get fit and meet pregnant women like yourself during your pregnancy - a time when it's easy to feel overweight, unhealthy and misunderstood. With a little time and effort, a prenatal water aerobics program can make those nine important months healthier and happier for you.