Swimming for Two: My Journey of Staying Active During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an incredible journey, but maintaining athletic performance and staying adequately fueled brings unique challenges. As a Masters swimmer, I was determined to keep swimming throughout my pregnancy, not only to stay physically active but also to mentally prepare for the marathon that is labor.

Swimming has always been part of my life, I competed for years and continued swimming into adulthood. It naturally became my chosen form of exercise during pregnancy. Early in my pregnancy, questions flooded my mind: Would my changing body affect my swimming? Could I keep up? Would certain strokes or flip turns become uncomfortable? The uncertainty initially felt overwhelming, especially with minimal information available online, but I chose to keep swimming and adapt along the way.

In the first trimester, managing morning nausea was particularly challenging, and I found relief by turning to easily digestible carbohydrates like apple sauce, toast, and crackers when feeling nauseous, which helped me sustain throughout my swim sessions.

The second trimester brought its own surprises, notably increased comfort in the pool as I adjusted to my changing body. Compared to the first trimester, I experienced very little nausea, leaving me feeling significantly better and more energized. Adapting my workouts became essential, especially as strokes like butterfly started to feel different. As my pregnancy progressed, my energy needs naturally increased to support my baby's development, so I was especially mindful of incorporating an additional nutrient-dense snack after workouts to effectively refuel my body. Toward the end of this trimester, I had to stop running due to increased pelvic floor pressure. Listening closely to my body became my guiding principle.

By the third trimester, the physical changes became undeniable. My endurance dipped, and fatigue set in quicker, reminding me to prioritize rest and hydration. I adjusted expectations; no personal bests, just mindful swimming to maintain strength and endurance. I learned to appreciate the weightlessness of the water and the strength of each stroke, embracing the growing bump.

Throughout this journey, fuelling my body was critical. Nutrient-rich meals with extra protein, carbohydrates, and proper hydration were key to sustaining my energy levels. Swimming was a welcome relief during pregnancy, and staying consistent with stretching and warm-up/cool-down helped support that ease.

Swimming during pregnancy taught me invaluable lessons: adapt when needed, fuel thoughtfully, and, most importantly, be gentle with yourself. Embracing these adjustments not only kept me physically active but also mentally strong, prepared for the greatest reward of all: welcoming my beautiful son into the world.