Water Aerobics & Pregnancy

Staying fit during pregnancy has many advantages, including a greater chance of easier delivery. With your doctor's approval, aerobic exercise can benefit your circulatory and respiratory system, and by exercising in the water, you are easing your body's weight bearing burden, allowing you to relax and enjoy.

  1. Types

    • Select the right water aerobics class which reflects an appropriate difficulty level for your stage of pregnancy. If you are in your first trimester and are used to exercising regularly, choose a class that will challenge you. If you are are farther along in your pregnancy, consider a water aerobics class designed specifically for pregnant women.

    Function

    • Aerobic exercise ramps up your heart and lungs to satisfy your body's increasing demand for oxygen. Water exercise has a low impact on your joints, which may be more vulnerable to strain during your pregnancy. By practicing water aerobics, you keep your increasingly awkward body flexible and toned, speeding your postpartum recovery.

    Features

    • Typical water aerobics classes begin and end with slow and gentle movements. Then you will go through a series of exercises that gradually increase your heart and breathing rates. The instructor will have you maintain an aerobic level of activity for 15 to 20 minutes for optimal fitness benefit.

    Considerations

    • Avoid overheating during your water classes.

      While a 90-degree pool is soothing, a 101-degree hot tub is unsafe during your pregnancy. According to the American Pregnancy Association, doctors caution pregnant women about letting their body temperature rise above 102.2 degrees. A good rule of thumb is if the water is uncomfortably warm, exit the pool.

    Warning

    • While you are pregnant you should monitor your heart rate during water aerobics classes to ensure that it does not rise above the level your doctor recommends, commonly around 140 beats per minute. Too high a heart rate is stressful rather than healthful.