Zwemmen in de zwangerschap: Alles wat je moet weten - Verloskundigen PuurBegin in Kampen

Are you pregnant and wondering if swimming is still safe? Good news! Swimming is a great way to stay active during your pregnancy. Not only is it safe, it also offers many benefits for you and your baby. Let’s take a look at what makes swimming during pregnancy so special.

The Benefits of Swimming During Pregnancy

Swimming is more than just a fun activity; it is a complete workout that strengthens your body in a gentle way. The water supports your growing belly, which means you feel less pressure on your joints. This makes swimming an ideal sport, even if you suffer from back or pelvic pain. Midwives PuurBegin often recommend it.

Swimming during pregnancy has a number of advantages:

Less morning sickness: Many pregnant women experience less nausea in the water, especially in cold water. The focus on swimming distracts from the nausea.
Gives energy: Swimming helps to relieve the fatigue that often occurs during pregnancy. A few laps can make you feel relaxed and energized. It also improves blood circulation, which reduces cramps and fluid retention in the legs and feet.
Reduces the feeling of extra weight: In the water you feel weightless, which relieves the pressure of the extra weight. This can also reduce back and pelvic pain.
Reduces the risk of injuries: Swimming puts less strain on the muscles and joints than other to play sportsYou can continue doing this throughout your pregnancy unless you are in labor, as this increases the risk of infection.
Trains muscles and builds endurance: Swimming is an endurance sport that builds stamina and strengthens muscles, which can be beneficial during labor. A fit body also helps with a faster recovery after delivery.
Gives a refreshing feeling: The cool water can be beneficial if you suffer from hot flashes.

What is pregnancy swimming?

Pregnancy swimming is a special form of swimming that is adapted to the needs of pregnant women. It is not a course to learn to swim, but rather a way to stay active during your pregnancy. The lessons are given in groups and are supervised by an instructor. A lesson usually lasts 45 minutes to an hour. At Verloskundigen PuurBegin we are enthusiastic about the benefits!

What do you do during pregnancy swimming?

During pregnancy swimming you do various exercises in the water. Think of floating, swimming and relaxation exercises. The warm water (30 to 33 degrees) provides relaxation, improves blood circulation and reduces leg cramps and fluid retention. In addition, it has a positive effect on the brain development of your baby due to the substances that are released during exercise.

When can you start pregnancy swimming?

You can start pregnancy swimming at any time during your pregnancy, usually around 12 weeks. You can continue until the birth, as long as you feel comfortable. After the birth, you can usually start swimming again six weeks after the birth to build up your fitness again, provided that you are no longer bleeding. If you are still bleeding, there is a risk of infection and it is not recommended to go swimming. It is also important that you listen to your body and consult with us as your midwife if you have any doubts.

What should you pay attention to?

There are a few things to keep in mind when going swimming during pregnancy:

Avoid swimming if you have vaginal bleeding or ruptured membranes due to the risk of infection.
Be careful with saunas. Limit the time and temperature or avoid them if you are not used to them, the maximum allowed time is 15 minutes, after which you may not immediately enter another sauna. Saunas in the first trimester are not recommended at all.
Avoid steep and crowded water slides to prevent collisions or hard impacts.

How much does pregnancy swimming cost?

The costs for pregnancy swimming usually vary between €5 and €8.50 per lesson. Often there are multiple-pool cards available that reduce the price per lesson. Some health insurers (partially) reimburse pregnancy swimming from the supplementary insurance. It is therefore wise to check your health insurance during your pregnancy, because your healthcare needs change. For example, you can do pregnancy swimming at Optisport in Kampen, swimming pool De Kemenade in Dronten or at swimming pool De Koploper in Lelystad. This way you can choose from different days and times to see what suits you best!

Baby swimming

After pregnancy, you can start swimming with your baby from about 3 months old. This is good for the development and the bond between you and your baby.

With the right precautions and a little common sense, you can safely and happily continue swimming during your pregnancy. Enjoy! I hope this information helps you get off to a good start!

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