A massive study published in the Journal of Perinatal Education (2003 Winter; 12 (1): 6–17) reported that aquatic exercise during pregnancy benefits the mother and baby. The researchers reviewed more than 40 scientific studies on the subject and drew the following conclusions, presented in their inimitable science-speak:
Psychological stress increases the prevalence of adverse fetal outcome
Aquatic exercise in pregnancy has not been shown to be associated with adverse fetal outcomes
Aquatic exercise in pregnancy appears to provide some benefit to the fetus
See your doctor first, of course, before beginning an exercise program. But let’s see if we can summarize the key research findings presented immediately above:
Psychological stress isn’t good for the baby (check).
Exercising in water while pregnant is probably not bad for you and your baby (check).
If pregnant, exercising in water is probably good for both you and your baby (checkmate).
Gotta love those research scientists!
Always speak with your doctor before beginning an exercise program, whether water- or land-based.
