Open Water Swim Race
drae86
member
Has anyone participated in an open water race while pregnant? I am only 13 weeks now and have swam my entire life. I am signed up for a mile open water race in May which i'll be 23 weeks at time of race. From what I've read at 23 weeks I should be feeling good enough to do this. I've maintained being active since getting BFP and swim at least twice a week now which will increase as the race gets closer.
My concern was mainly the beginning of the race when everyone darts towards the water at once and limbs are flying everywhere and there's the possibility of being kicked. But I already figured I'm not trying to win the race (this year 
) so I can just hang back at the start. Other than that I don't see any other risk, as long as I'm not sprinting it will be like most other workouts with the exception of the colder ocean water. Which last year was a quite pleasant temperature suprisingly. Thoughts? Oh and I'm in process of switching from OB to midwife and will most certainly pose question to her prior to participating.
Re: Open Water Swim Race
I think hanging back at the start is important. I got kicked really hard in a swim I did a few years ago (when I wasn't pregnant), and you will want to be careful about that.
FWIW, I swam up until the end of my first pregnancy in a pool. I was slower, and I had to stop doing flip turns around 8 months, but other than that, I was able to handle it physically, and it felt great to swim. I think physically you should be able to handle it if you train and don't sprint.