My midwife is running aqua natal classes at our local pool, are they safe?

Exercise is recommended throughout your pregnancy. Not only does it boost your immune system, but also will help in labour, as exercise improves your circulation and energy levels. Low impact activities are ideal such as swimming and aqua natal classes. You are very lucky as not all areas are able to provide this. Even if a class is not being held, just wading in the water is therapeutic.

¹Even women who are unable to swim have found benefits in water exercises. It is particularly beneficial for the treatment of low back pain during pregnancy. Water provides resistance with a low risk of injury, allowing you to work without overheating. The trainer conducting the sessions will advise about range of movement to minimize any risk. The sessions are also helpful in building new friendships during your pregnancy. Many trainers offer follow-on aqua-natal classes following your birth and are helpful for post natal pelvic floor toning.

The Royal College of Midwives have published a book called Aqua natal Exercises by Gillian Halksworth, which is really informative. Although written for midwives, it is reader friendly for a wider audience. The Complete Prenatal Water Workout Book by Helga Hughes is also a very good book. It explains the benefits and purpose of each exercise, as well as discussing the importance of a good balanced diet to complement your exercise routine.

¹ Leisure-time physical activity among pregnant women in the US - Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology , vol 18, no 6, November 2004, pp 400-407 Evenson KR; Savitz DA; Huston SL - (2004)