Pregnancy and Swimming

I'm nearing the end of this pregnancy and I'm looking forward to getting this weight off!  It has been increasingly hard to get comfortable especially laying down at night.  Overall, it has been a fairly uneventful pregnancy.  The first trimester is always hardest for me... I don't like the nausea and fatigue.  However, as I gained energy and appetite back during my second trimester, I started to swim.  Swimming is the best exercise for pregnant moms!  

Here are some physical reasons why...

• low impact
• good cardiovascular benefits
• improves circulation
• builds muscle tone and strength
• builds endurance 
• supports weight
• decreases burden on limbs and spine

Here are some other reasons I love swimming while pregnant...

• burns calories
• feel less fatigued
• helps with sleep
• helps with emotional coping

When I'm in the water, I feel light and happy.  As I do my laps back and forth, I can clear my mind and relax and I literally feel myself de-stress.  Swimming was what kept me sane this summer.