Op. Dr. Oğur: "Swimming during pregnancy is safe, but may not be suitable for every expectant mother" - Last Minute

Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Op. points out that swimming is a safe and beneficial exercise for both mother and baby in normal pregnancies. Dr. Merih Oğur said that the sea and the pool are not recommended for some high-risk pregnancies.

Medical Park Seyhan Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Specialist Op. stated that it is generally safe to swim in the sea and the pool in normal, low-risk pregnancies. Op. Dr. Merih Oğur said, "Swimming is one of the most ideal exercises recommended during pregnancy. Thanks to the buoyancy of the water, the load on the joints is reduced, it becomes easier for the expectant mother to move and circulation is supported."

However, Op emphasizes that the same recommendation is not valid in every pregnancy. Dr. Oğur said, "Swimming may not be recommended in pregnant women with the threat of premature birth, placenta previa, active vaginal bleeding, opening of the water bladder, cervical insufficiency, uncontrolled hypertension, preeclampsia, serious heart and lung diseases and active vaginal infection. Pool and sea are definitely not recommended due to the risk of infection, especially in pregnant women whose water bladder has been opened."

"Swimming provides many benefits to the expectant mother"

Stating that swimming is one of the safest aerobic exercises that can be done during pregnancy, Op. Dr. Oğur said, "Swimming can reduce waist and back pain, relieve leg edema, support circulation and help prevent excessive weight gain. It also positively affects sleep quality and mood. In summer, it reduces heat stress by contributing to the balance of body temperature thanks to the cooling effect of water."

"Pay attention to complaints that occur after swimming in the pool"

Op says that vaginal itching, burning or discharge that develops after swimming in the pool or the sea should not be ignored. Dr. Oğur said, "These symptoms may be a sign of vaginal fungal infection, bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infection or chlorine-related irritation. If there are symptoms such as foul-smelling, yellow or green discharge, intense itching, burning during urination, fever and lower abdominal pain, a gynecologist and obstetrician should be consulted. It is not appropriate to self-medicate during pregnancy."

"Wet swimsuit may increase the risk of infection"

Stating that expectant mothers should pay attention to hygiene rules, Op. Dr. Oğur said, "Staying in a wet swimsuit for a long time may facilitate the development of fungal infection. A dry swimsuit should be worn after getting out of the water, a shower should be taken if possible, cotton underwear should be preferred, very tight swimsuits and bikinis should not be used, shared towels should not be used and vaginal shower should not be done. These simple measures are very effective in reducing the risk of infection."

"In high-risk pregnancies, the decision should be made individually"

Stating that no standard recommendation can be made in high-risk pregnancies, Op. Dr. Oğur said, "Swimming is not recommended for those with a significantly short cervix, those with a threat of premature birth, those with bleeding due to placenta previa, pregnant women with ruptured water sacs, and expectant mothers with active infections. In these patients, the decision must be made by the gynecologist who monitors the pregnancy."

"Do not go out in the sun during the hottest hours of the day"

Reminding that body temperature increases physiologically during pregnancy, Oğur said that hot weather can cause dehydration, low blood pressure, fainting, heat stress and an increase in uterine contractions. Op recommends expectant mothers not to go out in the sun between 11.00 and 16.00, which are the hottest hours of the day. Dr. Oğur said, "Plenty of water should be consumed, light-colored clothes should be preferred, a wide-brimmed hat should be used, and mineral filter sunscreens suitable for use during pregnancy should be preferred."

Emphasizing that some symptoms that may be seen after swimming should be evaluated urgently, Op. Dr. Oğur said, "Vaginal bleeding, water breaking or constant fluid leakage, regular uterine contractions, severe abdominal pain, significant decrease in the baby's movements, fever, severe headache, blurred vision, shortness of breath and foul-smelling vaginal discharge may be signs of premature birth, infection or serious pregnancy-related complications. When these symptoms are observed, a healthcare provider should be consulted without delay." - ADANA