Swimming in a Lake

brokensmyl · June 2011

I was going to ask my doctor about this at my 20 week appointment on Friday, but it is a busy appointment (anatomy scan) so I will probably forget. So just in case, I'll ask here. Every July we go on vacation to North Carolina. There is a lake that people swim in (it is the main purpose for going). I never really thought about it being bad until my friend said something about it. She said when she was pregnant her doctor told her she wasn't allowed to swim in lake water. At the same time though, my SIL swam in it when she was pregnant, and I've seen other people there pregnant too. Do you think it would be unsafe for me to swim in it? I don't have any idea what I would do the week we are there if I can't swim.

lvisser · June 2011

My MIL lives on a lake, and we swim each and every weekend during the summer... I even ride the jet ski (really really slowly!)... never worried about it!

acaver · June 2011

I can't imagne that it would be a problem, it doesn't sound like it is a dirty lake or anything if that many people are swimming in it. I think they post signs about not swimming or fishing if the water is bad. I would try to remember to ask the dr. or call now and ask on the nurse line, so you won't forget.

I have to say thought, being the indoor girl that I am...why would you want to swim in a lake? Gross Wink

brokensmyl · June 2011

I'm an indoor girl too. DH's entire family goes every year. His grandparents even went when they were teenagers. The lake is clean though. You can see the bottom of it for the most part. There IS a lot of seaweed though... and ducks and geese swim in it. I've seen little fish too (I'm sure there are bigger ones the deeper you go). If I couldn't see the bottom (at least getting into the water where it is shallow) I wouldn't go in it.

Summer0715 · June 2011

I was told lakes and ponds are fine as long as they haven't been closed for duck itch. So swim happy!!!!

wrenchma · June 2011

I asked my Doctor at my 20 week appt. Although I've haven't had any issues she advised against swimming in any non-treated or chlorinated water due to bacteria that could be in the water. I own a boat so I just put my feet in when we go out.

Temp574971250006741 · June 2011

I was told no to lakes/ponds as the water can have bacteria from bird droppings, water level changes, etc. A river or stream I was told was ok as it is constantly moving. Of course pools are good to go as they are chlorinated.

Jynx23 · June 2011

I just asked my doctor about this because I read to avoid swimming in freshwater lakes in a pregnancy book, but my doctor said that it should be perfectly fine. I plan on going to the beach (on a lake) most weekends this summer.

rockchalkbride · June 2011

I asked by OB at my last appointment and she said it was fine. I was worried because last year I got into some bacteria that made me ill and have a really bad oozing rash for a month. She said to be careful of not swimming in stagnant water and to rinse off well after you are done, but other than that, no special precautions were needed. Enjoy swimming at the lake! I will be at the lake every other weekend this summer camping and boating!