Can You Go Swimming While Pregnant?

The full answer

Swimming and water aerobics are widely recommended in pregnancy. The water supports your growing bump, takes pressure off your back and joints, and lets you stay active comfortably even late on, while still giving your heart and muscles a good workout. It can also ease swelling and help you sleep. Public and properly maintained pools are fine — the chlorine isn't a concern. A few sensible points: take care on slippery poolsides, don't dive or jump in from a height, and avoid very hot pools or hot tubs, since overheating (not the swimming) is the real risk. Scuba diving is the one water activity to avoid entirely in pregnancy. Otherwise, swim as often as you like, listening to your body.

How to go swimming safely

• Swim or try aqua-natal classes throughout pregnancy — it's low-impact
• Take care on slippery edges; don't dive or jump from a height
• Avoid very hot pools/hot tubs and scuba diving

When to avoid: Avoid scuba diving entirely, and stay out of the water if your waters have broken or you have bleeding or an infection.

Staying safe and active in pregnancy

Most “can I do this?” questions in pregnancy come down to three things. Overheating — anything that pushes your core temperature above about 102°F (39°C), like hot tubs, saunas, and very hot baths — is best avoided, especially in the first trimester. Impact and balance — falls, contact sports, and jarring, high-force rides are the reason some activities are off-limits later on. And infection or absorption — the reason tattoos and some treatments call for caution. Set against that, movement is actively encouraged: about 150 minutes of moderate activity a week is recommended in a healthy pregnancy. When in doubt about your situation, your midwife or provider is the final word.

For the full picture, see our pregnancy safety guide, and track your pregnancy with the How Far Along Am I? calculator and the week-by-week guide.