Swimming is undoubtedly a great exercise when it comes to getting and staying fit and healthy in the UAE.

Question: In general, is swimming as an exercise considered safe for pre-natal women in Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Sharjah?

Many forms of exercise, sport along with typical gym routines can be considered too aggressive and therefore not recommended during pregnancy in Abu Dhabi. According to this study by WebMD swimming is a great fitness tool for all trimesters.

Swimming on the other hand presents a very different way for prenatal women to stay fit and healthy during their pregnancy.

It’s a very low impact sport, and offers expecting mothers a safe means of exercising.

Water naturally supports weight, decreasing the burden on spine and limbs, hence also why swimming is also used as rehabilitation for injuries.

Due to its low impact and support, women can exercise for longer and reduce the stress on the unborn child with a smooth way to exercise.

A full body workout for pregnant women in Abu Dhabi

Swimming while pregnant also does not limit the woman to isolating body parts and she can get a “full body” work out by using both her arms and legs at the same time.

When you are pregnant you should always seek the guidance of a professional prenatal personal trainer.

Exercise has to be taken with care when pregnant. Although swimming is considered to be a low impact exercise method are there any swim strokes that should be reduced or avoided during pregnancy?

Without a doubt, Breaststroke is the best stroke for pregnant women in Abu Dhabi.

The main reason for this is that it doesn’t require torso rotation and you can swim it quite comfortably with your head out of the water.

This also makes it the most sociable of the 4 strokes, as women can swim down the pool while talking to each other too, without having to time their breathing with their arms. During pregnancy, the spinal column and the pelvis tend to lean forward.

However, Breaststroke helps to strengthen and relax all of the muscles in the back.

Butterfly and Backstroke are not strokes that I would recommend for pregnant ladies.

Many pregnant women may find it too difficult or strenuous to swim Butterfly and it places a lot of strain in the lower back so is best avoided until the baby is born.

Backstroke is also not a good idea during pregnancy because of the pressure that the baby may put on major blood vessels.

Earlier on in the pregnancy, during the first and second trimesters, swimming Backcrawl should be fine though.

How often can you swim when pregnant in Abu Dhabi?

Question: As a personal swimming coach in Abu Dhabi how often do you think it is safe for pre-natal women to use the pool?

If you were a regular swimmer before you became pregnant, you should be able to continue with your usual routine.

Even if you’ve never exercised before, swimming in Abu Dhabi is a safe sport to take up during pregnancy.

Swimming in a chlorinated pool is not harmful to you or your baby. It’s usually safe for you to swim throughout your pregnancy, right up until your baby’s birth.

Whether or not you are a seasoned swimmer, you should start slowly and gradually work up to sessions of up to 30 minutes long.

Make sure you warm up and cool down gradually, and don’t over-exert yourself. You should always come out of the pool feeling that you could do more.

Can swimming classes help pregnant women?

Question: As well as swimming alone, do you think swimming exercises classes be of benefit to pre-natal women and if so how?

Support of your body weight from the water is one of the big advantages of ‘Swim Fit’ Classes.

The lift provided by the water can give the back a break, and lessen backaches and swelling of the joints.

Water based exercises will also help to keep stomach muscles strong.

Working out in water (swimming pool) also helps to keep you cool. This in turn lessens the risk of getting overheated and possibly harming the unborn baby, especially in the heat of summer in the UAE.

The swimming coaches will guide you through the sessions giving you reassurance, guidance and ideas for safe ways to exercise alone or in a group of friends.

What are the top 5 benefits of swimming for fitness when pregnant?

Question: Pre-natal women should always seek medical advice in the UAE prior to taking physical exercise or changing their physical exercise routines. In your experience as a professional swimming instructor what would you say are the top 5 benefits of swimming for pregnant ladies in Abu Dhabi?

• With the high temperatures in Abu Dhabi, what better way to enjoy the outdoors while pregnant than a jump in a cool pool!
• If you have high blood pressure, being in shoulder-deep water can help to decrease your overall blood pressure. This is due to increased circulation from relief and swelling.
• Jump in and relieve your worries. Swimming is an awesome stress reliever.
• When in the pool, the water creates a weightless feeling that pregnant ladies, especially late in pregnancy can appreciate. Let your body relax, spend some time floating and enjoy the relief!

Swimming is a great way to keep fit while pregnant. Swimming while pregnant can help the shoulder and abdominal muscles that can be strained when having a baby.