Water procedures for pregnant women. Water procedures in early pregnancy

Hygiene is a fairly broad concept, and for a pregnant woman, this concept includes a regimen of rest and work, nutrition and sex. In this case, it will also be relevant to mention the direct hygiene of the body during pregnancy. In the body of a woman, both in later and in early periods there are a lot of changes going on. At the same time, the hygienic regimen typical for a woman cannot always maintain the required level of comfort and freshness. During pregnancy, you need to be more careful about the cleanliness of your own body, but can pregnant women take a bath as usual?

Most women claim that during pregnancy, sweating increases significantly, and an unpleasant odor that was not characteristic before appears. The intensity of vaginal discharge also increases, and to this phenomenon it is worth adding frequent urination. All these changes are quite natural, since during pregnancy the speed and amount of blood flow in the body changes, hormonal background there are also many changes.

In addition to the fact that congestion of vaginal contents and increased sweating cause discomfort, these phenomena can also be dangerous, since they can create the most favorable conditions for infection by fungi and bacteria. That is why hygiene procedures should become more frequent than usual.

Can I take a bath during pregnancy?

Traditionally, the daily routine of pregnant women is limited by many prohibitions, and many are not even surprised by some curiosities. For example, it is considered that during pregnancy it is extremely forbidden to take a bath. In fact, the only problem is that this issue needs to be discussed with the attending physician who is managing your pregnancy and he, most likely, will not mind.

Indeed, what could be better than a gentle bubble bath at the end of a tiring day. Upon learning of pregnancy, women may be frightened and exchange a relaxing bath for a shower. For all nine months of pregnancy, a woman will hear more than one prohibition and more than one warning, but many of them are considered elementary prejudices.

Every woman during pregnancy is interested in the question of whether it is possible to take baths. Some medical specialists it is strongly not recommended to take a bath to a pregnant woman, because there is a risk of infection or termination of pregnancy. A variety of pathogens can enter the fetus through hot water, which is why some may recommend that you forget about taking baths for the next nine months. There is also an opinion that the bath can cause miscarriage and premature birth. It is worth exploring this argument in more detail, since it is not always possible to take it seriously.

The cervix is covered with a mucous plug, while the baby is surrounded by amniotic fluid, which perfectly protects the fetus from getting different kind microorganisms. That is why the considered opinion in most cases is considered to be erroneous. Nevertheless, you should be as careful as possible, since it is strictly forbidden for pregnant women to take hot baths, but a warm bath will not harm the unborn baby.

The impact of the bath procedure on the body of a pregnant woman

Foot baths are no less useful, especially if you add to them sea salt. The advantages of baths are obvious, besides, they remove toxins from the body, normalize nervous system, cheer up, reduce the tone of the uterus, relieve swelling and tension, relieve pain.

Many people like to add essential oils to the bath, but pregnant women should first consult with their doctor, since it is quite possible that an allergic reaction will occur. Most often, for the purposes under consideration, it is customary to use sandalwood, orange, eucalyptus, rose oil, as well as tea tree oil.

If we talk about the dangerous effect of a bath on a woman's body in a position, then it consists in a strong rush of blood to the pelvis, and there is a risk of miscarriage or premature birth. This effect is typical only for hot baths. If you take baths of medium temperature, then you do not risk anything, since the procedure will, on the contrary, be useful.

Can pregnant women swim? Doctors' opinion

Some time ago, there was a strict warning that pregnant women should not only take a bath, but also bathe in any body of water in general, since the water contains a huge number of pathogens of various kinds of diseases that can enter the womb through sexual contact and cause damage. It was also believed that against this background, gynecological diseases and inflammations can occur.

Today, from a medical point of view, it has long been proven that the above statement is nothing but nonsense. In fact, even if in intimate parts and a small amount of dirty water will enter, protective action The mucous plug in the cervix will prevent bacteria from harming the baby. Now doctors are more inclined to the fact that taking water procedures, doing water aerobics and going to the pool for pregnant women is very useful, and the home bath is even more considered an excellent remedy for problems of swelling, back pain, stress at the end of the day and fatigue.

A woman in position is even allowed to use special supplements and aroma oils, sea salt, but seek medical advice before use as many oils can be hazardous, such as those containing extracts of cypress, rosemary, cedarwood, patchouli, thyme, and basil.

Optimal bathroom during pregnancy.

The temperature of the bath during pregnancy should not exceed 37 degrees, since in some cases exposure to hot water can harm the fetus, provoke placental abruption, premature birth or miscarriage. It is sitting in a hot bath that counts folk method getting rid of unwanted pregnancy. At this stage, it is worth clarifying that this method is not particularly effective and unsafe.
You should not be afraid that water, along with microbes, will enter the vagina, since the tightly closed neck protects the uterus along with the mucous plug, while the fetus itself is in the bladder.
Care must be taken when using special aromatic products, especially in the presence of allergic reactions. If there are none, you can safely add eucalyptus or rosewood oil, sandalwood, lemon or orange oil.
Instead of shower gel and regular soap, it is highly recommended to use baby soap, as it has a pleasant smell and does not cause allergies.
After taking a bath, apply a moisturizer to the skin, especially on the skin of the abdomen, and rub it with light massaging movements.
If uterine bleeding is normal for a pregnant woman, it is strictly forbidden to take a bath, it is better to replace this hygiene procedure with a shower.
Place a rubber mat on the bottom of the tub to prevent slipping. This warning is especially true for women in the last stages of pregnancy. Do not refuse the help of a spouse when getting out of the bath.
Do not take a bath if your water has broken.
The maximum time spent in the bathroom is fifteen minutes.
You can treat yourself to the procedure in question only if there is someone else in the house from relatives or close people who can help you in case of loss of consciousness.
When sitting or lying in the bath, it is necessary to leave the shoulders bare in order to avoid overheating of the fetus.
As soon as you feel the slightest discomfort, you must immediately leave the bath.
It is generally accepted that it is more hygienic to take a shower during pregnancy.

Shower during pregnancy

For urban residents, the shower is a traditional water hygiene procedure and its beneficial effect on the body is explained by the presence of several or one jet. In addition to the hygienic effect, the shower also has mechanical and thermal irritation. The physiological effect of the soul on the body directly depends on this.

At a temperature of twenty to thirty-four degrees, the shower is considered cool, at a temperature of less than twenty degrees - cold, at a temperature of thirty-eight to thirty-nine - warm and hot at a temperature of forty degrees and above. A short hot or cold shower can refresh, increase the tone of the vascular system and tone the muscles. Due to a long hot or cold shower, excitability decreases, metabolism increases. A warm shower can be soothing. At the same time, pregnant women should be aware of certain prohibitions regarding the temperature of the water in the shower and the duration of this procedure.

Hot showers during pregnancy are strongly recommended to be avoided. If cool or cold showers are a regular routine for you, then during pregnancy you can not change your habits. For most women in position, a warm shower is suitable, and the only exception is the case when a woman is shown bed rest. In this case, you will have to maintain hygiene with wet wipes.
At home, while taking a shower, you can use a jet of any pressure, but the procedure should not cause discomfort. As for the procedures that require the presence of special equipment, during pregnancy they can be afforded only on the prescription of the attending physician or under his supervision.
For prevention varicose veins veins in the legs in some cases, doctors recommend a foot shower with high water pressure.
Varicose veins of the rectum, or in other words, hemorrhoids, is a common occurrence during pregnancy and an ascending shower is recommended to combat this ailment. The procedure is usually carried out in an ordinary shower, but with a flexible hose. Rising jets of water are directed to the crotch area, and the temperature, at the same time, should be from 34 to 36 degrees. The duration of the procedure is no longer than five minutes. It is also relevant as an anesthetic method after an act of defecation or as a prophylaxis for complications of hemorrhoids. Carry out one procedure for fifteen to twenty days.
A contrast shower is a special type of water procedure in which hot water alternates with cold. This tool has a hardening, invigorating and refreshing effect. The procedure has a beneficial effect on the connective tissue and blood vessels. cold water increases the tone of joints and muscles, and warm - relaxes. During pregnancy, you should be more careful with this procedure, since a hot shower is contraindicated for women in position, and a cold one can cause stress.

Thus, the warning that pregnant women are forbidden to bathe and take any water procedures is absurd, it is only necessary to take precautions and regulate the temperature of the water, not allowing it to heat up above 38 degrees.

General effect of water procedures

Bath, bath, shower - first of all, hygienic procedures, that is, procedures that most of us take fairly regularly in order to be clean. To begin with, we will explain from a scientific point of view why you need to wash regularly.

The skin covers a large area of the body, it comes into contact with environment, protects our vessels, nerves, glands, internal organs from cold and overheating, from damage and dangerous microbes. The skin breathes, "helps" the lungs and kidneys. With its help, we get rid of toxins and excess fluid.

In the thickness of the skin are located sebaceous glands, they have an exit to the outside in the form of pores. Sebum lubricates our body with a thin layer of the most valuable natural emulsion. This emulsion softens the skin, protects it from drying out, gives it elasticity, firmness, shine, and contributes to the implementation of all of the above functions. In the process of life, excess fat and pollution accumulate on the skin, consisting, among other things, of dead cells - after all, in just one day, on average, a twentieth of the cells of the skin cover dies and is restored in a person. Dead cells, the so-called stratum corneum, are replaced by new, growing ones. Polluted skin no longer works as efficiently, it removes metabolic products worse, breathes worse, protects the body from infection. In addition, contaminated skin is a source of an unpleasant odor, which is caused by the work of the sweat glands, which is unpleasant from an aesthetic point of view.

In addition to cleansing the skin during the above hygiene procedures, water has a positive effect on the nervous system, it relieves stress and improves mood, reducing the level of stress hormones (adrenaline, norepinephrine, cortisol) in the blood.

Let's talk about what features various water procedures have and how the expectant mother can use them most rationally.

Water "anesthesia"

Baths and showers are often used to relieve labor pain. During contractions, a woman stands under the shower, directing jets of water to the lower back and lower abdomen. At the beginning of labor at home or with special equipment in the maternity hospital, a woman in labor can immerse herself in a bath at a comfortable temperature. At the same time, you should not stay in the bathroom after the outflow of amniotic fluid, since water entering the uterine cavity increases the likelihood of infectious complications.

This is the most traditional water hygiene procedure, especially for urban residents. The shower acts on the body with water in the form of a jet or many jets. In addition to the hygienic effect, the operating factor of the shower is thermal and mechanical irritation. The physiological effect on the body depends on the strength of mechanical irritation (impact of water jets) and water temperature.

A cool shower is considered at a water temperature of 20-34 ° C, cold - less than 20 ° C; warm - 38-39°C; hot - 40 ° C and above. A short cold or hot shower refreshes, tones the muscles and improves the tone of the vascular system; prolonged cold or hot shower reduces excitability, increases metabolism; a warm shower has a calming effect.

During pregnancy, hot showers should be completely excluded, and you should also not soar your legs. Cold and cool showers can be used if this is a normal procedure for you. For all pregnant women (with the exception of those who, for one reason or another, bed rest is indicated - wet wipes are useful to them), a warm shower is recommended.

At home, you can use a jet of any pressure created in the shower, while the procedure should not be unpleasant. Procedures in which special equipment is used that creates increased water pressure (Charcot shower, circular shower, etc.) can only be used as prescribed by a doctor and under his control. Some of these treatments, such as high-pressure foot showers, have been successfully used to prevent varicose veins. lower extremities.

An ascending shower is recommended for varicose veins of the rectum - hemorrhoids, which is quite common during pregnancy. The procedure is carried out in a conventional shower with a flexible hose. Ascending jets of water with a temperature of 34-36°C are directed to the perineum. Duration of the procedure - from

2 to 5 minutes. This procedure has an analgesic effect (it can be used immediately after defecation), and also has a tonic effect on the vessels of the perineum, so such a shower can be a way to prevent hemorrhoids and its complications. For this, 15-20 procedures should be carried out, daily or every other day.

A contrast shower is a special kind of water procedure, when hot (40-45°C) and cold (10-20°C) water alternate. This is a wonderful refreshing, invigorating and hardening remedy. Such a shower affects the vessels and connective tissue. Warm water relaxes, cold water increases the tone of muscles and blood vessels. A contrast shower trains the thermoregulation systems, ligaments and blood vessels in the same way as during physical exercises, muscles are trained. The pores of the skin expand under the influence of warm water and instantly shrink when cooled, squeezing out the accumulated dirt in them, which is immediately washed away by water flows. Alternate constriction and expansion of blood vessels, like a pump, more actively drives blood through the vascular bed, improving blood supply to organs and tissues, enhancing metabolic processes in them, and more intensively frees the body from metabolic products. A contrast shower is an intensive hardening procedure. At the same time, a person does not have time to experience a feeling of chills or burns, however, the thermoregulation system perceives the training temperature difference and improves its mechanisms.

Start a contrast shower procedure with warm water, gradually increasing its temperature until steam appears, and then switch to cold and quickly pour over it. Douche phase cold water should be at least 2 times shorter than hot pouring. Repeat the procedure 3-6 times and finish it with cool or cold water. After that, rub with a hard towel until the skin turns red. The temperature difference for non-hardened people should be 6 -7 ° C, and for hardened people -20 ° C or more. A contrast shower should always leave a pleasant feeling. During pregnancy, you can start using a contrast shower, but not in the first trimester and in the absence of complications. The procedure should be started gradually (at first, use a contrast shower only for the legs) and perform it daily.

Bath

Bathtubs, like showers, differ in water temperature, in accordance with this they have a similar effect. Hence the similar recommendations regarding cold and hot baths. But the bath has its own characteristics. As you know, body weight in water is much less than on land. Due to this, the musculoskeletal system (ligaments, muscles, bones) is unloaded, which during pregnancy experience an increased load.

In the bath, you can also use various essential oils and salts, which have a variety of effects on the body.

Bath

As you know, the state of the atmosphere is characterized by temperature and relative humidity. Relative humidity varies from 0 to 100%. The air temperature in the bath varies from 30 to 150°C. Within these limits is the whole widest range of different baths in the world. People tolerate the heat of the bath in different ways. But the pattern is the same: the higher the humidity, the lower the temperature can be sustained. And vice versa: the higher the temperature, the less humidity you can withstand. In other words, the temperature and humidity in the bath have an inverse relationship. Different people fit and like different baths: one is warmer and drier, the other is colder and wetter. It depends on the constitutional features of the human body. These features on a nationwide scale form the bath culture. Apparently, it is no coincidence that dry and hot saunas originated in damp and cold Finland, and cool and humid Turkish baths in dry and hot Turkey.

Staying in the bath causes significant changes in the activity of the cardiovascular system. So, the heart rate rises and reaches 100-160 beats per minute, i.e. increases by 60-70% compared with the figures before visiting the bath. The ejection of blood from the chambers of the heart increases by 1.5-1.7 times. At the same time, the time of blood flow is reduced by almost 2 times. There is a rapid distribution of blood in various organs. The skin blood circulation changes especially sharply - both during the period of hyperthermia (i.e. in the steam room), and when taking water procedures during the cooling period. When sweating in the steam room, the vessels of the skin expand significantly. When you visit a steam room, especially the first time, blood pressure rises. Dousing with cold water dramatically reduces the heart rate - by 30-35 beats per minute or more. Thus, when visiting the bath, the load on the cardiovascular system increases significantly. An additional load on the cardiovascular system is exerted by whipping with a broom during hyperthermia. At this time, the heart rate rises even more.

Particularly significant changes in the heart and blood vessels are found in people visiting the bath for the first time. During pregnancy, it is better not to try to join the bath, as this can be fraught with complications such as increased blood pressure, impaired blood circulation in the placenta, up to placental abruption. You should not visit the bath and with any complications; pregnancy (threat of interruption, increased blood pressure, edema, fetal growth retardation, etc.).

The degree of load depends on the intensity of heating and cooling, their duration, the number of repetitions of these procedures, the frequency of visiting the sauna, etc. In addition, one should take into account the tolerance of the bath by individuals and the different speeds of getting used to the bath. The duration of stay in the bath and the volume of procedures taken are always strictly individual. With regular visits to the bath, the procedure has a training effect on the cardiovascular system, that is, expectant mothers who regularly visited the bath before pregnancy can indulge in this pleasure (by the way, their heart function changes when visiting the steam room and dousing with cold water are insignificant ).

A visit to the bath, in addition to training the cardiovascular system, has other positive effects: due to increased sweating, the excretion of metabolic products from the body (the so-called toxins) increases.

Saturation of air with water vapor improves the activity of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract due to the condensation of water vapor on it.

Under the influence of the bath, oxygen consumption increases and the release of carbon dioxide increases, ventilation of the lungs increases. These changes lead to an increase in the access of oxygen to organs and tissues, including the placenta. At the same time, acute respiratory diseases are a contraindication for visiting a bath, since with acute respiratory infections, as a rule, the temperature is elevated, the load on the heart is increased, on respiratory system, while the bath is very poorly tolerated.

You can enter the steam room several times - as many times as your health, "bathing" experience and common sense allow. After steaming in the bath, you must either take a shower or dive into the pool, while the water temperature, depending on the preparedness of the mother, can be 38 ° C or lower, some even risk jumping into the snow. The procedure should last 1-2 minutes. Then you should wrap yourself in a towel or sheet and relax. When the sweating stops, go to the shower, where you wash off the remaining sweat and sebum with soap and water.

We hope that now, having learned how water and temperature can affect your body, and correlating this with your state of health, your experience, you will right choice which will benefit both you and your baby.

Bath temperature and humidity
Type of bath	Temperature, ° С	Humidity, %
Turkish baths
Russian sauna
Finnish bath (sauna)

Bath: "safety"

If you are a sauna lover, then let us remind you of the simple rules that must be followed so that a sauna day brings you only health.

Before entering the steam room, you must put on a woolen or felt hat (to avoid overheating).
Having entered the steam room, do not rush to climb to the very top, you should sit at the bottom for 3-4 minutes; having climbed onto a shelf, it is necessary to place the legs on the same shelf, and not hang down. Firstly, at the same time, the load on the heart is reduced by half, and secondly, the difference between the temperature at the level of the head and legs can be 15-20 ° C, which is extremely harmful.

Water procedures are an integral part of the hygiene of a pregnant woman. But, in addition to the fact that water is able to ensure the cleanliness of the body, it allows you to maintain firmness and elasticity of the skin, improve blood circulation throughout the body, improve mood and overall vitality.

Shower

Without a doubt, the shower is the most accessible water treatment. Experts recommend a mandatory hygienic shower in the morning and evening. It is absolutely not necessary to use shower gels and soap.

An excellent effect is given by wiping the whole body with a linen bag filled with oatmeal. This is both an excellent peeling, and a moisturizing procedure, and a nourishing mask for the skin.

As for the temperature of the water, then its choice should be approached very carefully. Warm water is optimal. Too hot can lead to, and too cold can promote development.

Depending on the intensity of the jet, you can get either a relaxing effect (when the shower jet resembles a uniform fall of raindrops) or, conversely, a tonic (with intense pressure), which is recommended for massaging the buttocks, thighs and back.

Bath

The hot bath should not be used during pregnancy. This is due to the fact that hot water can provoke a miscarriage.

And an insufficiently thoroughly washed bath surface, especially if it is used not only by a pregnant woman, but also by several other family members, can become a source of infection.

Sauna

Experts have a completely different opinion about visiting saunas by pregnant women. In the absence of contraindications from the side of the cardiovascular system, visiting the sauna by women in position is not only allowed, but also welcomed.

It has been proven that pregnant women who visit the sauna are less likely to suffer from pain in the back and muscle strain, their tissues and ligaments are more elastic, and are characterized by stable function.

Another advantage of visiting the sauna during pregnancy is the improvement in the tone of the deep and superficial veins of the lower extremities, as a result of which it is possible to significantly reduce the manifestations of varicose veins.

Aqua aerobics

Completely new and yet sufficient effective way communication of pregnant women with the aquatic environment is water aerobics.

The benefits of water aerobics

Water aerobics is not only the prevention of the formation of excess body fat, but also the opportunity to prepare for childbirth in the most gentle and effective way. And also reduce fluid retention in the body, cope with edema.

The indisputable advantages of aqua fitness include solving problems with pain in the lumbar spine and preventing the development of varicose veins. Classes in water allow at least for a short time to reduce the load on the musculoskeletal system of a woman, on her ligaments and joints, to give rest to the muscular frame of the back.

Water aerobics classes allow you to cheer up and effectively cope with stress, work out all muscle groups, including the deepest ones.

How to do water aerobics

It is absolutely not necessary to sign up for a special group for pregnant women, although such classes in the company of "like-minded women" allow you to get the most out of your classes.

If there are no such groups in the locality, then it is enough to find a pool with a shallow area, put on a swimsuit and a cap and just dance, jump, perform the usual complex of traditional "dry" gymnastics, but only in the water. Moreover, it is much more efficient.

Basic water aerobics exercises for pregnant women

All aqua fitness exercises can be conditionally divided into:

restorative,
breathing exercises,
stretching exercises,
exercises to prepare for childbirth
relaxation exercises.

Today, more and more often, a set of exercises aimed at correction is included in the aqua gymnastics complex for pregnant women.

General strengthening exercises allow a woman to remain in excellent physical shape for all nine months, and after giving birth to return to her previous volumes within a fairly short period of time.

Thanks to exercises during which a pregnant woman holds his breath, she manages not only to increase the useful volume of the lungs, but also to stimulate blood circulation, learn to control her breathing.

Stretching exercises help maintain muscle elasticity. And special exercises aimed at preparation for childbirth, make it possible to prepare the birth canal and increase the elasticity of the pelvic muscles.

Made in water relaxation exercises, allow you to remove fears and anxiety, suspiciousness and feelings.

Everyone knows that our distant ancestors lived in the water. Yes, and in the womb we also swim. That is why almost every one of us is unconsciously drawn to water, regardless of whether it is rates or a pool. The question regarding whether it is possible to go to the pool during pregnancy is quite natural.

And the answer to it is only positive, because exercises in water put loads on all muscle groups, relieving tension from the spine. It is important to understand that pregnancy is not dangerous disease, and small physical activity in moderation will only benefit both the expectant mother and her baby.

When going to the pool, it is important to consider that there are still some contraindications regarding visiting the pool. In particular, this applies to the presence of chlorine in the composition of water. Therefore, to get rid of any doubts, it is still better to first consult your doctor.

Benefits of swimming in a maternity pool

The undoubted benefits of the pool for pregnant women are manifested as follows:

There is a strengthening of the muscles of the body as a whole;
The woman's body becomes more resilient, which will be a tangible advantage for the upcoming birth;
In the process of taking water procedures, blood circulation improves, which eliminates stagnation of blood in the legs and small pelvis. This is not just a prevention of varicose veins and hemorrhoids, but also provides unhindered access of oxygen to the fetus;
In water, the load on the spine is reduced. This will be especially felt by those women who experience severe pain in the lumbar region;
You train the respiratory system;
When swimming, the risk that the fetus will take the wrong position is significantly reduced.

When swimming during pregnancy can be harmful

Even if you feel well, be sure to consult a doctor before visiting the pool. Many women are confused by the presence of chlorine in the water, which is used to purify it. Is it harmful to the child? In fact, the water in the pool contains so much chlorine that it cannot harm pregnant women and their unborn child.

The only exception is the case when there is an individual intolerance to this reagent. If you have the opportunity to visit the pool, in which the water is purified by ozonation or ultraviolet treatment, then you should give preference to it.

The following cases are also contraindications for visiting:

Severe toxicosis, which is accompanied by excessive weakness caused by indomitable vomiting;
If the doctor poses a threat of miscarriage;
If you experience bleeding associated with pregnancy. It is necessary to postpone the campaign even if there is a threat of their appearance;
If you have pain after any physical activity, then bathing is better to postpone;
If there is an increase in blood pressure.

It is also important to consider that the humid environment of the pool, especially in the shower rooms, is a very favorable environment for the development of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Therefore, it is necessary to provide additional protection from them.

When can I swim in the pool during pregnancy

It is better to start visiting the pool on early dates pregnancy, when the body is not too weakened. The pool in the first trimester of pregnancy can be visited approximately 3-4 times a week, devoting about 20 minutes to classes.

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In the future swimming sessions can be extended up to 45 minutes. You should not stay in the water for a long time, as sudden changes in temperature can harm the baby. In any case, you need to focus on your well-being.

Doctors and many trainers believe that water procedures should be started as early as possible. Ideally, a woman should visit the pool even when planning a pregnancy. This will help prepare the body for further physical activity.

Preparing for a trip to the pool is the key to health

In order for water procedures to bring exceptional benefits, it is important to choose the right pool and follow basic safety precautions. After all, water does not tolerate careless handling.

When choosing a pool, consider the following recommendations:

It is advisable to visit the pool in which sessions for pregnant women have already been held;
An excellent option would be swimming in a group with pregnant women;
It is advisable to study under the guidance of an experienced instructor who will help you in choosing the necessary exercises;
If possible, give preference to those pools that have equipment for a safer stay in them: handles, gentle slopes, rubber mats, etc.

Basic Precautions

Like any kind exercise, swimming during pregnancy in the pool should be carried out taking into account certain rules safety precautions:

Before swimming, it is advisable to make sure that the water meets sanitary and hygienic quality standards;
When immersed in water, avoid sudden and significant temperature changes;
When swimming, avoid sudden movements. It is advisable to swim in the usual style. It is forbidden to swim on your back;
Shoes used in the pool should have rubber soles to prevent falls on wet surfaces.

When deciding whether to visit the pool on a particular day, listen to your feelings. In the presence of the slightest discomfort or the appearance of unpleasant sensations, water procedures should be abandoned. If you are already in the water, you should immediately get out of it.

Water aerobics for pregnant women in the pool

All exercises in the pool for pregnant women can be divided into the following groups:

For muscle stretching;
For twisting;
To learn how to breathe correctly;
For relaxation.

All classes should be carried out only under the supervision of a coach in order to exclude any injuries.

Stretching correctly

These exercises are basic. Without them, it is forbidden to start further classes. After swimming a little, jump in the water, spreading your legs as wide as possible. Then you can try to sit on the twine. Walk in the water, lifting your legs high and rotating your arms. Squats don't hurt either. These exercises help to relax the spine and strengthen the muscles. pelvic floor. It also relieves swelling of the legs and arms.

Twisting exercises

These exercises are performed near the side and help strengthen the back muscles. These include the following exercises:

Stand in front of the side, holding it with your hands. Squat down, placing your feet on the wall, and then push off, straightening your torso;
Holding on to the side, do the "bike". If this is too difficult, then simply rotate your legs, lifting them in different directions;
Lying on your stomach and holding on to the side, pull your legs to your stomach.

Breath holding exercises

These exercises are very important, as they will allow expectant mothers to more easily control their breathing during childbirth. These exercises include inhaling and exhaling into the water. In collective classes, you can dance round dances, and then plunge into the water at the expense.

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Relaxing after exercise

The easiest way to relax is the exercise in which the woman lies on her back in the water with her head resting on a pillow. The main thing here is to relax your body and enjoy peace, spreading your arms to the sides. You can also lie on the water with your stomach down, plunging your head into the water. Thus, there is a simultaneous performance of exercises for holding the breath.

If you have the opportunity to visit the pool, and there are no contraindications, then you should not deny yourself such pleasure. Swimming during pregnancy will avoid severe pain, as well as reduce the risk of such troubles as perineal rupture, as the corresponding muscle groups are trained. Be sure that, subject to certain safety rules, swimming in the pool will be absolutely safe for both you and your baby.

Traditionally, the daily routine of pregnant women is limited by all sorts of prohibitions, and many are not even surprised by some curiosities. For a long time, there was an opinion that pregnant women should not take a bath, steam in a bath, but generally swim in any body of water, since the water contains a huge number of pathogens of various kinds of diseases that can penetrate into the womb through the sexual route and cause damage to health, and also provoke gynecological diseases and inflammation.

Today, from a medical point of view, it has long been proven that the above statement is nothing but nonsense. In fact, even if a small amount of dirty water gets into intimate places, the protective effect of the mucous plug in the cervix will not allow bacteria to harm the fetus. Now doctors are more inclined to the fact that taking water procedures, visiting the pool for pregnant women is very useful, and a home bath is an excellent way to solve problems with swelling, back pain, stress, and fatigue.

In the body of a woman, both in late and early periods, there are many changes. Most women claim that during pregnancy, sweating increases significantly, and an unpleasant odor that was not characteristic before appears. The intensity of vaginal discharge also increases, and to this phenomenon it is worth adding frequent urination. All these changes are quite natural, since during pregnancy the speed and amount of blood flow in the body changes, and many changes are also observed on the hormonal background. In addition to the fact that congestion of vaginal contents and increased sweating cause discomfort, these phenomena can also be dangerous, since they can create the most favorable conditions for infection by fungi and bacteria. That is why hygiene procedures should become more frequent than usual, more carefully monitor the cleanliness of one's own body.

What are the water procedures for future mother safe and beneficial, and which ones will have to be postponed - read in our article.

Shower

Without a doubt, the shower is the most accessible water treatment. Experts recommend a mandatory hygienic shower in the morning and evening. The shower acts on the body with water in the form of a jet or many jets. In addition to the hygienic effect, the acting factor of the shower is thermal and mechanical irritation. A cool shower is considered at a water temperature of 20-34 ° C, cold - less than 20 ° C; warm - 38-39°C; hot - 40 ° C and above. At home, while taking a shower, you can use a jet of any pressure, but the procedure should not cause discomfort.

As for the temperature of the water, then its choice should be approached very carefully. Do not take too hot showers and soak your feet- it is definitely harmful for a pregnant woman, it can lead to spontaneous abortion, and too cold water can contribute to the development of a cold. For most women in position, a warm shower is suitable, and the only exception is the case when a woman is shown bed rest. In this case, you will have to maintain hygiene with wet wipes.

A contrast shower is a special type of water procedure in which hot water alternates with cold. This tool has a hardening, invigorating and refreshing effect. The procedure has a beneficial effect on the connective tissue and blood vessels. Cold water improves the tone of joints and muscles, while warm water relaxes. A contrast shower should always leave a pleasant feeling. During pregnancy, you can start using a contrast shower, but not in the first trimester and in the absence of complications. The procedure should be started gradually (at first, use a contrast shower only for the legs) and perform it daily.

As for the procedures that require the presence of special equipment (Charcot, massage, etc.), then during pregnancy you can afford to massage your legs from time to time, this will already be a preventive procedure for varicose veins. Depending on the intensity of the jet, you can get either a relaxing effect (when the shower jet resembles a uniform fall of raindrops) or, conversely, a tonic (with intense pressure), which is recommended for massaging the buttocks, thighs and back. Sharko's shower - strictly as directed and under the supervision of a doctor.

Bath

Taking a bath has a very beneficial effect on the body of a pregnant woman, since such a procedure can reduce swelling, improve blood flow to the legs and blood circulation in general, reduce back pain and relieve tension. We do not recommend taking a jacuzzi; the point effect of hydromassage on pregnant women has not been fully studied.

While taking a bath, pregnant women should observe elementary caution and some rules.

The water temperature should not exceed 37-38°C, to determine a comfortable water temperature without running with a thermometer in your hand, we offer a simple and affordable way her definitions are simply to dip your face in the bath before diving. The fact is that it is it that is most sensitive to temperature. And if your body is able to withstand much hotter water, your face will “say” immediately and quite unambiguously: “Stop!” Hot water categorically not allowed, overheating can lead to miscarriage, especially dangerous in the insidious first trimester.

Bath time should not exceed 15-20 minutes. When sitting or lying in the bath, it is necessary to leave the shoulders bare in order to avoid overheating of the fetus. If you suddenly feel the slightest discomfort, you must immediately leave the bath.

Carefully enter and exit the bath. Especially if you are on a long term, when it is difficult to maintain balance due to the stomach. Place a rubber mat on the bottom of the tub to prevent slipping. It is advisable that you are not alone at home, so you will feel more confident and, if necessary, get help.

The most accessible and useful for pregnant women with daily use is a light cosmetic sea salt bath. Dosage - 200-300 grams of pharmacy sea salt of that very unappetizing gray color without any additives for the full volume of bathroom water. Rest in a solution of this concentration calms the nervous system, relaxes the muscles of the uterus and relieves tone, the procedure takes 15-20 minutes.

If you are worried about both increased tone and pulling pains in the lower abdomen, prepare yourself a warm bath by putting a kilogram of sea salt in it. The action of a solution of such a concentration, exaggerating, can be compared with the action of a no-shpa tablet. In the old days, such a therapeutic bath removed the threat of premature birth. Frequent use of a therapeutic bath with sea salt threatens to change the mineralization of bones, so you can take it no more than 1 time per week.

But with herbs and essential oils be careful - before using them, check with your doctor, there are contraindications!

Everything that gets on the skin of the expectant mother is instantly absorbed into the bloodstream and immediately follows the child. This also applies to the components of those same foams, gels, scrubs that we use in everyday life. If you are not sure of their absolute naturalness, is it worth risking your baby's health?! It may sound a little old-fashioned, but isn’t it wiser in your position to use the tried and tested instead of all these frills? grandmother's recipe, and, having built yourself a washcloth mitten from terry or canvas fabric, use instead detergents a concentrated solution of sea salt, drunk coffee, ground cereals (for example, buckwheat). Or, if you are unable to give up your habits, buy only really high-quality and natural cosmetics for body and face skin care, special cosmetics for pregnant women. Instead of shower gel and regular soap, it is highly recommended to use baby soap, as it has a pleasant smell and does not cause allergies. After taking a bath, apply a moisturizer to the skin, especially on the skin of the abdomen, and rub it with light massaging movements.

And of course do not forget about the baths for hands and feet. They perfectly relax and relieve fatigue. For example, in the late term, soak your feet in cool water. Foot baths are no less useful, especially if you add sea salt to them. The advantages of baths are obvious, besides, they remove toxins from the body, normalize the nervous system, cheer up, reduce the tone of the uterus, relieve swelling and tension, and relieve pain.

Bath and sauna

As a rule, a sauna or bath is considered as an excellent means of relieving stress and relaxation. Many are so accustomed to visiting them that they can hardly deny themselves this pleasure when the need arises. One such case for women is pregnancy. Women who, before becoming pregnant, regularly visited the sauna or bath often ask themselves the question: is it possible to go to the sauna or bath during pregnancy? Indeed, this issue should, more than ever, disturb the consciousness of a pregnant expectant mother, since in this position the safety of the child is paramount.

The opinions and advice of doctors actually differ on this issue: some say that the bath and sauna have a beneficial effect on the well-being of a pregnant woman, allows you to relax and relieve stress, relax. Others say that a bath during pregnancy is highly discouraged, since there are more risks than benefits when visiting it.

Let's try to understand this issue in order to finally understand: is it possible to go to the sauna or bath during pregnancy?

Contraindications for visiting baths and saunas: in acute inflammatory diseases with fever, epilepsy, oncological diseases, coronary heart disease, hypertension stage II and III. You can't go to the bath bronchial asthma, after recent surgical interventions, with complicated pregnancy (threatened miscarriage, placenta previa, high blood pressure, edema, fetal growth retardation), first trimester.

Before visiting the bath, sauna, be sure to consult with your gynecologist!

Each person goes to the bathhouse for relaxation, well-being and improvement in general health, the bathhouse for pregnant women is useful for the same properties:

The bath perfectly relaxes and allows you to relax, get rid of negative emotions. For pregnant women, this is a great way to relieve the stress that often accompanies the process of bearing a child. Quiet pastime, relaxation, silence have a positive effect on the nervous system, calming both mother and baby;
Since ancient times, the Russian bath has a cleansing effect, washing away negative energy, other people's thoughts, and a pregnant woman attracts a lot of envious glances, so such a cleansing will only benefit her;
Heat baths and a humid environment improves blood circulation, which helps to cope well with swelling and congestion;
Exposure to heat, moisture and the use of a broom can improve the condition of the skin, make it more elastic; thanks to this effect, a bath during pregnancy will help to avoid problems with sagging skin, stretch marks and other troubles;
A cool shower or pool after a steam room activates all body processes, strengthening the immune system, which will subsequently protect both mother and baby;
Thanks to active sweating, edema disappears in the bath, toxins and slags are removed from the body.
The effect of the bath improves the condition of the veins, increases the tone of the walls, which makes it easier to transfer late dates pregnancy. It is known that approximately 1/3 of pregnant women suffer from varicose veins, but after a bath, such problems disappear completely. It has been noted that after childbirth, sauna and bath lovers are much less likely to bleed, and blood loss during childbirth is not great. Women who visit the steam room are less likely to suffer from thrombosis, which is evidence that steam affects the mechanisms of blood clotting.

Despite the undoubted benefits of the steam room for pregnant women, many still bypass it during pregnancy. So why do obstetricians, gynecologists and other doctors continue to dissuade women from visiting baths, saunas during pregnancy, and there are a number of explanations for this:

Firstly, the general state of health, in our time, you can hardly meet completely healthy expectant mothers, especially among residents of the metropolis. Many pregnant women suffer from vegetative-vascular dystonia and instability of blood pressure. Accordingly, the symptoms may intensify in the steam room and bring only discomfort and a threat to health, and not benefit and pleasure.
Secondly, the natural mechanism of a woman's adaptation to pregnancy, it is manifested by a decrease in pressure, and if a woman suffered from hypotension by nature, bath procedures can cause very unpleasant sensations and harm the health of mother and baby.
Thirdly, a considerable load on the circulatory system and major organs (heart, liver, lungs, etc.). In the body of the mother, her own circulation of blood functions, as well as the circulation of the baby, respectively, it is not always possible to increase the load on the heart and blood circulation even with a steam room. A weak body can not withstand such a load.
And finally, at each stage of pregnancy, visiting baths and saunas carry their own threats. In the first trimester, there is no placenta yet, and the connection between mother and baby is very weak, respectively, visiting the bathhouse and increased stress can lead to miscarriage.

Remember only that when visiting a bathhouse or sauna, you are at your own peril and risk and bear all responsibility for this event yourself. If you are a frequenter of baths, then, most likely, there will be no negative and harm from the right trip to the bath, you will only enjoy it, improve immunity and strengthen the health of yourself and your child. But before making a decision to go for a steam bath or not, we urge you to consult your doctor!

In order for the bath to bring benefits and pleasure, you should follow some rules and tips:

The head must always be covered. Special felt hats or just a towel turban will work well. Do not wet your hair before the steam room
Use aromatic oils very carefully, and some should be completely excluded. You can take oil of eucalyptus, chamomile, lavender, citrus, mint, ginger, bergamot. It is forbidden to use the following oils: cedar, cypress, myrrh, rosemary, juniper, basil, sage, thyme, lemon balm, etc.
If you are afraid of getting infections in the sauna, then use proven intimate hygiene products (for example, Intisan, Epigen). It is necessary to apply them to the skin and mucous membranes of the genital organs. So you can increase local immunity and protect yourself from the penetration of fungi and bacteria. On the feet - antifungal ointments, creams.
Be sure to drink at least 15-20 minutes between the steam room. Best of all, rosehip broth, herbal teas or plain water. The more you drink, the more actively sweat is separated, and excess salts and toxins are removed with it.
Be sure to cool the body after the steam room. It is ideal, of course, to plunge into the pool, and preferably with your head - you will immediately feel how the heaviness recedes, and then your head will not hurt. But do not be zealous with temperature changes, a cool shower will do, pregnant women are definitely not recommended to run out into the street and swim in the snow.
Don't stay in the steam room. It is better to visit several times than once for a long time. It is recommended to start from one to two minutes. Lie down on the bottom shelf and carefully monitor the pulse, in no case should it exceed 120 beats per minute. Do not rush to climb to the very top, you should sit at the bottom for 3-4 minutes; having climbed onto a shelf, it is necessary to place the legs on the same shelf, and not hang down. Firstly, at the same time, the load on the heart is reduced by half, and secondly, the difference between the temperature at the level of the head and legs can be 15-20 ° C, which is extremely harmful.
Be sure to listen to yourself. Check your pulse, monitor your general well-being. Any alarming sign - dizziness, discomfort, pulling pains in the lower abdomen - a reason to immediately leave the steam room.
It is good to visit the bath once a week, devoting a lot of time to this.
Be sure to wear rubber slippers in the bath and lay a towel or bedding on the shelf.
Before going outside after the steam room, you need to cool down well. Depending on the season, it will take approximately 15-60 minutes. You should be especially careful during the cold season. Then it is very easy to catch a cold after the sauna.
It is better for pregnant women to visit a bath in special groups for pregnant women under the guidance of an instructor.
It is better to choose a Russian bath, since the normal temperature is up to 85 degrees and high humidity (and dry steam in the sauna) contribute to better sweating, provided you feel good. The effect of a Russian steam room in a sauna can be obtained by lowering the temperature and dousing the stones with water.

When deciding for yourself the question: is it possible to visit a bathhouse or a sauna, remember the main rule of the expectant mother, which will always help out when making a decision - always and in everything be guided solely by your own well-being, because no one can feel your condition and condition better than you, but it means that decisions for the two of you are made exclusively for you.

Follow the above tips and enjoy your pregnancy!