Water-based exercises such as swimming and aquanatal classes may result in less pregnancy tiredness1, a reduced risk of gestational diabetes2 and less pregnancy weight gain3. For your baby, it could mean a healthier heart rate4 and birth weight5. It may even help your baby's brain to mature sooner. The hydrostatic pressure of the water helps to reduce swelling, improve the circulatory and respiratory system and lower blood pressure6. And because it’s low-impact, there’s no stress on the joints.
However, as a result of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, swimming may not be an option for you. There are plenty of other ways to stay active throughout your pregnancy that can be done safely at home, such as pregnancy yoga or strength training exercises.
Ali is a mum, ex-competitive swimmer and an aquanatal and antenatal swimming teacher with Puddle Ducks. Specialising in pregnancy swimming fitness, Ali has developed and taught her aquanatal programme to over 1,500 expectant mums. Watch as she explains the unique fitness benefits of swimming for you and your baby.
You don’t need much to start swimming during pregnancy, but well-fitting swimwear and a float will keep you comfortable and help you get the most out of Ali’s routine:
Before you start swimming or exercising, allow your body to warm up by walking across the pool whilst punching down with your fists into the water.
Continue warming up the body by practising heel raises – coming up on the toes whilst shrugging the shoulders.
Finish your warm-up with some lovely side sweeps, moving the water from one side of the body to the other, without twisting. Do this for approximately five minutes.
Don’t forget to cool down after you’ve finished exercising.
Ali’s first sequence of moves is ideal for beginners and is designed to get your heart working whilst toning and strengthening your muscles. There are five moves to complete, and they can be repeated as many times as you feel comfortable with.
1. Hamstring and arm curl
With your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent and toes pointing forwards, bring your right heel up to kick your buttock but keep your thighs parallel. Bring your heel down and switch to the other leg. As you raise and lower each leg, raise and lower your arms in a bicep curl. Repeat for approximately 30 seconds.
2. Knee lifts with arm press
Standing with your legs hip-distance apart, lift each knee alternately. At the same time, push the palm of your hand out and away from your body, alternating arms. Repeat 20 times.
3. Sidestep with squat and push
Stand with your feet together, toes pointing forwards. Step to the right, then squat and push your hands down into the water. Bring your left foot to meet your right and stand up. Repeat time times on each leg.
4. Rolling
Bend your elbows and make a winding motion with your hands circling each other, in front of your body. The lower in the water you go, the more resistance you’ll feel. This is quite an intense exercise. Try to roll forward for 20 seconds, then backwards for 20 seconds.
5. Rocking horses
Standing with your left leg in front, raise your left knee to your chest. As you bring it back down to the floor, transfer your weight and kick your right leg out behind you. When you lean forward, push both hands out in front. Raise your left knee again, jumping back onto your right foot, and bringing your arms back to your body. Continue in a rocking motion, kicking your right leg out behind you whilst pushing the water away with your arms. Repeat 20 times, then switch legs.
This routine can be adapted to suit your fitness level. The moves use a woggle, but if you have any kind of shoulder, arm, neck or back injury, they can be completed without.
This routine will improve your muscles, strength and endurance levels, while increasing the speed of the repetitions will add an aerobic element.
1. Woggle press
Hold the woggle with one hand, arm down, hand next to your thigh. Bend your elbow to bring the woggle up, keeping it close to your body, then push it back down again. Repeat 20 times, then swap sides.
2. Woggle push
Hold the woggle with both hands under the water in front of your body. Push the woggle out, then pull it back towards you. Repeat 20 times.
3. Tyre pumps
With one foot, stand on the middle of the woggle, holding each end to keep it in place. Bring your knee up, then push the woggle back down. Repeat 20 times, then swap sides to work your other leg.
4. Seahorse swimming
Sit on the woggle, as if it were a seahorse, and let it carry your weight. Whilst floating on the woggle, kick – alternating your legs – to propel yourself around the pool. Do this for two minutes.
5. Squat and cuddle baby
With your toes pointing forwards and soft knees, place one hand at the top of your baby bump and the other at the bottom. As you squat down, swap your hands over so you are stroking your bump.s.
You can continue with any of Ali’s trimester 1 and 2 routines for as long as you feel able. But if you begin to tire more easily in your third trimester, this gentle sequence will help to open your hips and keep you active without too much exertion. Repeat the sequence two or three times, depending on your level of fitness.
1. Hip openers
With your feet shoulder-width apart, move your hips forward through the water, then push them back, keeping your back as straight as possible. Next, roll your hips around in a circular motion, and then roll them back the other way. Repeat for 30 seconds, rest for 10 seconds, then repeat.
2. Jogging on the spot
Shift your body weight from one foot to the other, lifting your feet off the floor one at a time. With your hands under the water, push each arm out alternately with each leg lift. Repeat for 30 seconds, rest for 10 seconds, then repeat.
3. Gathering in standing
With your feet shoulder-width apart, use your hands to scoop the water towards you, one arm at a time. Continue for 30 seconds, rest for 10 seconds and then repeat.
4. Supported swimming
Using a woggle for support, swim on your front or back, pointing your toes, and repeatedly kick your legs behind you. Swim for around five minutes.
5. Arm toner
Hold your arms down and close to your body. Slowly raise your arms out to the side, keeping your elbows straight, until your hands break the surface of the water, then push back down again. Repeat 20 times.
A thorough stretch after your workout will help to release any remaining tension and reduce soreness. Watch Ali’s full stretching sequence:
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Last reviewed: 3 June 2020
Reviewed by Nutricia’s Medical and Scientific Affairs Team
