Sink Or Swim

Let me share with you my little secret (well, not really a secret but rather a handicap)... I can't swim!

People always tell me swimming is so easy to learn. Uh huh... tell that to a person who almost drowned when she was a kid. I just can't do it. I am terrified of water. I have that phobia, errr... what's the term? Yeah, aquaphobia.

At swimming pools it's so easy to find me. I'd be using a float hanging on to dear life to the pool's ladder. Or at the kiddie section... hahaha. It's no laughing matter though cos I know I'd be safe there. But swimming is reputed to be one good form of exercise and even more so if you're expecting. I know a few blogger friends who are expecting so I'd like to share the following article with them.

Keeping Fit While Pregnant: Walking And Swimming Through The Trimesters

Exercising while you're expecting is important for a number of reasons. You'll sleep better, avoid fatigue, and enjoy an easier pregnancy. There are many types of activities you can do to stay in shape as a mother-to-be. Among them, walking and swimming are ideal. Both are cardiovascular, which means they will improve your body's use of oxygen; that's good for both you and your little one. Plus, both are low-impact. You'll enjoy developing muscle tone and keeping excess weight off while avoiding putting undue stress on your joints. Below, we'll provide some tips that you can use to walk and swim to stay fit throughout your pregnancy.

The First Three Months

If you don't normally exercise, start slowly. It's less exerting to swim, so you can safely do so for a half hour each day. A lot of moms-to-be enjoy doing it in the morning because the weightless sensation of being in the water helps to curb nausea. Plus, working out in the morning gives you an energetic boost to get through the rest of the day.

When you walk during your first trimester, you'll need to take more care, especially if you're doing so in the sun. Use sunscreen, wear a hat, and have plenty of drinking water available. wear loose fitting maternity clothes or extra comfort. If your body suffers dehydration, it can trigger contractions. If you rarely exercised before getting pregnant, start with a 20-minute lazy stroll. Then, increase your speed as your body grows accustomed to the activity.

The Second Three Months

When month four arrives, you won't need to make any modification to your workout in the pool (besides wearing a larger Maternity Swimsuit). Swimming is uniquely easy on your body. So, unless your normal swim from the first trimester is causing exhaustion, keep it up. Walking during your second trimester can be dangerous if you're not careful. At this point, your balance and equilibrium will shift slightly. To counteract this change, walk with your back straight, tuck your hips to prevent unnecessary swaying, and swing your arms as balancing weights. Pay attention to where you're walking. You may have been able to recover gracefully from a stumble before getting pregnant, but your lack of balance now can be dangerous.

The Final Three Months

Not only is swimming easy on your joints, but as you round the corner on your third trimester, it can also control your body heat. Breaststroke is particularly valuable because it lengthens the muscles in your chest. To alleviate the pressure from bobbing or turning to breathe, consider using a snorkel.

Because walking increases your body heat, you'll need to be extra careful during the third trimester. Consider taking walks in an air-conditioned gym or nearby mall. Also, speak with your obstetrician to make sure your workout doesn't pose a danger to your baby during the final lap of your pregnancy. Exercise should be considered a vital part of your daily routine from the beginning of your pregnancy through childbirth. Add swimming and walking to your workout to stay fit and energized.