Swimming for the 'feel good' factor

Being pregnant should be one of the most exciting and healthiest times in a women’s life! After all that’s why you are often called ‘Blooming’ and ‘Glowing’.

So exercises which keep you in shape, avoid any bumps appearing on any other parts of the body and are safe for pregnancy are worth a go!

I’ve put together a series of key exercises worth considering not only for a fit pregnancy but also for all the other HUGE benefits they can provide you with - energy, less aches and pains, increased self-esteem, de-stressing.

This week, my one big tip to help with your cardio (benefits: strengthening lungs, heart, keeping weight in check) is swimming.

When I get into the swimming pool, I forget my 'to do' lists and the day's hassles melt away! I feel like I am escaping into another private wet world, with just a deep blue line and gentle ripple of soothing water to focus on! Plus I know I'm getting fit at the same time. In pregnancy it was the exercise which didn't make me feel cumbersome, heavy or too hot.

You’re supported by the water so it's comfortable and you dont' notice your bump. As you are floating, there's less impact stress on your joints – knees, hips, back - which have more laxity due to the production of ‘relaxin’ hormones.

Plus you can still swim as you progress through the trimesters – there’s not so much pressure on the pelvic floor as there is with jogging and you’re not in danger from cars or falling off your bike, like with cycling!

Swimming is great for all over body toning and you can do it up to the last week of pregnancy.
Id recommend a mix of strokes - front crawl, back stroke and breaststroke. Holding a float in front of you whilst on your front and kicking your legs, under the surface, is great for toning your bottom. Front crawl is excellent for getting great, shapely arms and toning the upper body.

Just make sure the water temperature is not over 32 degrees C (not usually likely in swimming pools!). As tempting as they are you'll have to save the jacuzzi’s, saunas or hydrotherapy pools for when you've had the baby – you musn’t overheat when you’re pregnant, a warm bath is better way to relax without overheating as most of your upper body is more likely to be out of the water.