Water aerobics consists of a variety of rhythmic body movements performed in water. These aerobics are performed both in chest-deep water and in deep water. Water aerobics improve cardiovascular conditioning and also improve the strength and flexibility of the muscles. Water aerobics during pregnancy ease childbirth pain and speed up the whole process of delivery.

Exercise during pregnancy, is a subject of debate. Women are scared that it might hamper the fetal growth, or increase the risk of miscarriage. But research has proved that water aerobics during pregnancy has no harmful effect. It is not detrimental to the health of the mother and child. In fact it can get the women into better psycho/physical condition.

Some benefits of water aerobics during pregnancy:

•    Studies have proved that women who do water aerobics throughout their pregnancy need less pain killing medication during childbirth.
•    You will feel very light in water. It will ease the weight of the baby on your body, and ease backaches and pain.
•    Your bones and joints don’t get strained like other exercises.
•    It keeps your stomach muscles strong.
•    It prevents spider veins on your legs.
•    Water aerobics also helps you to relax, relieve anxiety, remain calm during pregnancy and also helps you to get good sleep.
•    Women who did water aerobics are found to have easier delivery, and recover much faster after delivery.

Some guidelines when exercising in the pool:

•    See that you don’t strain and exhaust yourself. It can be a little tiring, so begin slowly and increase gradually.
•    You might have to wear a bathing suit with abdominal support, as movement through the water might not be very comfortable. You will also have to wear a cap and apply a sunscreen lotion because during pregnancy your skin is more prone to become sun sensitive.
•    Even if you are in water, you can become dehydrated, so drink plenty of water.

Pregnant women are finding out about the benefits of water aerobics and its ability to reduce pregnancy symptoms and increase strength. Water aerobics is also fun. The instructor conducts the exercises with music, and you can also meet other moms-to-be and enjoy the aspects of a class activity.