Does Aquatic Therapy Offer Any Benefits During Pregnancy?

Aquatic therapy is a popular form of exercise for people with various conditions. Although mostly used by the elderly, it's also a low-impact recreational therapy that women turn to for easing pregnancy pain.

While most people do aquatic therapy in heated pools, warm rather than hot water is preferable for pregnant women. Therapeutic pool water typically stays at a comfortable 90 to 92 degrees Fahrenheit. That's well below the dangerous temperature of 101, at which prolonged exposure is not safe for pregnant women.

Safer exercising for mothers and children

Ligaments have increased laxity during pregnancy. This condition can lead to considerable pain while performing traditional exercises. It can also make pregnant women prone to injury during regular workouts.

Aquatic therapy relieves some of the excess stress on the ligaments. It also provides a safer environment for exercising, as there's no risk of falling.

Interestingly, aquatic therapy also improves the baby's health. Traditional forms of exercise may put stress on an unborn baby's heart. Low-impact exercising can help reduce the amount of heart rate changes in the fetus.

May reduce some pregnancy side effects

The water's hydrostatic pressure has multiple benefits for blood circulation. One of the most common side effects women experience during pregnancy is swollen ankles, legs, and feet. The water pressure from aquatic therapy can help boost circulation and thus decrease some of the swelling. It allows pregnant women to experience less discomfort in their extremities.

It's very relaxing

Women struggle with weight gain during pregnancy, both physically and psychologically. Aquatic therapy offers a weightless sensation that can help temporarily alleviate such struggles. That feeling of weightlessness alone creates a relaxing experience, especially for women further along in their pregnancy. 

Pregnant women may feel reduced pressure on their spine and joints during aquatic therapy. When done consistently, this form of exercise can also strengthen the muscles without putting the body through pain.

Provides pain relief

By improving circulation, reducing swelling, and minimizing stress, aquatic therapy provides significant pain-relieving effects. Constant muscle strengthening and stretching, without the added bodyweight, prepares women for additional weight gain. Additionally, because of the hydrostatic pressure's efficiency, aquatic therapy provides benefits that last much longer than the effects of using traditional compression garments.

An alternative therapy that works

Aquatic therapy is uniquely ideal for pregnant women. However, that doesn't mean it's as easy as jumping in a pool and moving around. For it to work, it's always best to seek professional guidance and follow a dedicated program that caters specifically to a pregnant woman's needs.

If you are looking for occupational or physical therapy, vestibular rehab, wheelchair training, lea

rning to walk, unweighting aquatic therapy, or other services in the Phoenix area, please call Touchstone Rehabilitation at 602-277-1073.