Pregnancy in the pool, many benefits

Why is the pool a great pregnancy companion? The fundamental reason is the ability of water to lighten the weight of the body and therefore facilitate movements and exercises compared to doing them in the gym.

The main points in favor of exercising in the pool when pregnant are:

• lightening of body weight and therefore the possibility of doing impossible exercises in the gym
• targeted courses: posture, circulation, breathing, tone
• natural “massage” effect of the water
• constant temperature even in the hottest and most sultry periods

In Italy there are more and more public and private structures offering courses for pregnant women.

There are different types, from the classic aquatic courses (aimed at improving circulation, posture, breathing and muscle tone for example) or courses specifically designed to promote relaxation.

We are well aware that exercises in water are facilitated as the movements take place in the absence of gravity and therefore the effort is less than in the same exercises that take place in the gym, for example.

Natural massaging action

In addition, water performs a natural massage action that stimulates blood circulation, a real panacea during pregnancy! Another benefit concerns the complete perception of one’s body. In fact, water “bumps” against our body in all its parts. And therefore it helps to perceive those areas that are generally hardly considered. Like the perineal area that we know how important it is to train in view of childbirth.

For example, for those who suffer from back pain or cramps, water can be of great help as it promotes joint flexibility and increases muscle elasticity.

In some specialized centres, targeted therapeutic courses are also organized which can be borrowed, indicated for those with certain pathologies of the spine, for example, or who perhaps suffer from hypertension or particular weight load…

But the fun aspect shouldn’t be underestimated either, because we know very well that in the water, if we have a good relationship with it, it’s natural to let go. Often during the courses games are suggested such as, with the help of a classmate, putting yourself in the fetal position and imitating the movements of the baby inside the uterus, floating, rolling… in short, a nice way to get in tune with your baby !

Watsu (also called water-shatzu) is also having a lot of success , which clearly derives from shatzu but in this case everything takes place in water. In this case, the operator holds the pregnant woman in his arms and through lifting and swinging makes sure that it is the water that stimulates those areas which are stimulated with the shatzu through the massage.

All these courses must be carried out in a water temperature which must be between 34 and 35 degrees, so that the immersion does not cause shivering or contractions.

It is also wonderful to be able to do these courses in pairs with your partner. In the water we support each other, there is a reciprocal exchange which also favors the emotional one.

But how do you know if there are courses for pregnant women in your city?

Just inquire at the public (hospitals and swimming pools) or private facilities in your area.

For those who are instead interested in watsu, I refer you to the official site:  http://www.watsu.it where you can find all the news and courses in Italy.