Water Aerobics is a Real Benefit to Pregnancy

Congratulations on your pregnancy! Your pregnancy will be an amazing journey. In the meantime, it is your goal to take care of yourself and your growing belly. One way to accomplish this goal is to exercise. Yes, I said exercise! The old idea that pregnancy is some kind of illness or that a pregnant women is too frail to do any kind of physical activity is outdated. In fact, there a many benefits to exercising 30 minutes a day during your pregnancy. The benefits include: increasing your energy, endurance, and strength; decreasing the nausea, back pain, constipation, bloating, and swelling; you will get back into shape faster after delivery, and might reduce the duration and pain of your labor and delivery. However, before you start any exercise program, consult your medical professional. Some high-risk pregnancies need to be monitored by health care professionals or to eliminate exercise completely while pregnant.

There are many exercise activities that are safe while pregnant. These include: low impact aerobics, Pilates, Yoga, calisthenics, some weight training, and water workouts. One activity that I felt beneficial, while I was pregnant, was water aerobics. In fact, water aerobics was the most comfortable and effective way to exercise. Water aerobics is a no impact exercise, thanks to the support of the water, allowing you to work harder and longer with less exertion. Other benefits include: reduction of the risk of injury and overheating during the workout. However, never jump or dive in the swimming pool, drink plenty of water while in the pool, and wear sunscreen because your skin is now more sensitive. Communicate to your teacher about your condition. Your instructor will assist you on what movements might and might not be safe for you and your baby! He or she will find other movement modifications that will be safe for you. Stop exercising immediately and call your health care professional if you experience vaginal bleeding, chest pain, dizziness, headaches, and decreased fetal movement or contractions. You don't know how to swim! Try a class or simple activities like walking in the shallow water or use a flotation belt or device in the deep end. Just keep moving! It will be a benefit!