4 myths about swimming during pregnancy

Plenty of theories revolve around pregnant women swimming but not everything you hear is true. You'll want to know the difference because swimming throughout your various trimesters can be beneficial to you and your unborn baby. Here are four myths circulating about swimming during pregnancy. 

1. Exercise is bad for the baby
This statement is completely false. In fact, women should maintain a healthy balance of diet and exercise along the way. The only real concern is if you've never really worked out or gone swimming prior to your pregnancy. This can be problematic because your body might not be used to the extra work and you might need a quick lesson on proper technique.

If you don't typically swim but you'd like to start, talk to your doctor first, suggested Baby Centre. He or she can provide you with guidance for this new endeavor.

2. Chlorine can harm the unborn child
As the source pointed out, this concern is also untrue. Chlorine won't hurt you or your baby. Exercising in the water is something that new mommies can do all throughout the pregnancy. The only drawback is that the chlorine might make your skin red and itchy.

Don't worry though, you can fix this problem by installing a salt system generator, which releases significantly less of the chemical than chlorine generators do. Not to mention it'll feel great on your aching body and skin. 

3. Swimming will make mom even more tired
Since swimming is a sport, some might think that it's too much stress for the mother's body. However, it's just the opposite. As the New Health Guide explained, swimming has many benefits for expectant females. If you use swimming to get your cardio, you're increasing the oxygen supply for you and your little one.

Many moms experience fatigue as a symptom of pregnancy, but according to the source, ladies can actually increase energy by swimming. This occurs because swimming is an exercise in which a person can burn off calories. Once those are shed, the mom-to-be may stop feeling so sleepy and start sleeping better. Ultimately, swimming can make the physical and emotional stresses of pregnancy not seem so big after all.

4. Going around the pool will increase nausea
Finally, most moms know and loathe the feeling of morning sickness. According to the American Pregnancy Association, more than 50 percent of all pregnant women get it. It's usually one of the first signs of pregnancy and it typically lasts throughout the first trimester. It can be a tough time in a woman's life, but that doesn't mean exercise should be avoided.

As the New Health Guide explained, swimming during pregnancy can actually soothe or reduce morning sickness episodes. That being said, if it doesn't seem to be working, pregnant women should talk to their doctors before they continue swimming. Getting ill in the pool can make it an unsanitary place to swim.

Pregnant women can put their minds at ease and make their bodies feel better because swimming in the pool is good for mommy and her baby.