Pool Paranoia?

irer

DS and I go swimming a few times a week at our gym's chlorinated, very clean pool.  We love it, and I know swimming is suggested for pregnant women...so last night, I read an article that said to stop swimming in the last month or so (36 weeks plus) b/c as your cervix is opening in preparation for labor and to avoid public pools due to the bacteria risk which could lead to an infection.  Do you think this is overkill or something to take seriously?  It surprised me and never would have occurred to me to stop... anyway, has anyone else heard this?  

heatherjesse

I've never heard this.  I lifeguarded for a long time and there were pregnant women at the end of pregnancy in there all the time.  My mother swam until the day before she delivered both me and my brother, and we turned out fine.  FWIW, I plan to do the same thing.

sdlaura

Our hypnobirthing instructor said that it's fine to go into pools throughout pregnancy (and into a bath even after your water breaks) because water will not be absorbed far enough up to get to the baby.

She did say to limit pool time throughout pregnancy to 30 minutes because chlorine can be absorbed through your skin.

Salamander87

It's funny this was posted, because MIL is taking me to the beach next weekend while my DH will be outta town.  But she said to ask my midwife if it was safe to get in the pool because of the chlorine.  Said that when she was carrying hubby, it was a big no-no.  I had never heard that before!  I plan on being in the water the entire time.

andyandrachel

If I was dilated, I would stop swimming. With DS1 I never dilated before labor. I intend to swim unless my OB says no. Ask your OB.