Swimming is generally considered one of the safest forms of exercise for pregnant women, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Pregnant women who swim are unlikely to overheat or stress their joints.
But whether you swim in a pool or hit the beach, waterborne illnesses are something pregnant women need to watch out for, according to Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency.
Waterborne Illness
Waterborne illnesses also are known as recreational water illness, or RWI. RWI's are spread by breathing in, swallowing or coming into contact with contaminated water in lakes or rivers, pools or oceans.
Commonly contracted waterborne illnesses include E. coli, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Shigella and norovirus. All of these RWIs cause diarrhea.
Less common RWIs cause eye and ear infections, skin and respiratory infections and neurological infections. Their symptoms vary widely.
How Waterborne Illness Spreads
RWIs usually spread from person to person. An infected person can easily have an accident while swimming at the beach or in the pool because they're experiencing diarrhea. This introduces the microbe to the water and pregnant women can pick up these illnesses by swallowing the water.
Some microbes that cause waterborne illnesses live in water. Improperly sanitized pools can easily harbor such bacteria. Ponds and lakes can contain microbes because of animal waste runoff or human sewage runoff.
You don't need to swallow contaminated water to contract a RWI. An open wound can lead to infection. Children and the elderly, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems are particularly susceptible to RWIs.
A chlorinated pool isn't necessarily safe since it can take days for chlorine to destroy some microbes and improper chlorination is a frequent mishap.
Precautions and Prevention
Avoid getting water in your mouth or swallowing water when you swim. Check the conditions of ponds and lakes with your local or state environmental agency.
Don't let your child swim if they have diarrhea, and be vigilant about hygiene when changing diapers. Use the bathroom to change diapers; don't do that poolside or right on the beach.
Shower with soap and water after swimming.
Exercise Tips
If you're sure about the water quality, swimming is still a good exercise for pregnant women. Don't overexert yourself and make sure your heart rate stays under 140 beats per minute as recommended by the American Pregnancy Association.
Don't wear tight clothes and stop swimming if you feel dizzy, faint, nauseous or short of breath. Quit the exercise if you experience contractions or vaginal bleeding.
Never indulge in the hot tub when pregnant as overheating can affect the development of your child, reports BabyCenter.
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