Aquanatal Classes

These are a safe form of exercise in water that most pregnant women can undertake from around 15 weeks onwards. They may be run by a local midwife or by an exercise teacher who has undergone a specific course on teaching pregnant women.

A typical class might consist of a gentle warm-up followed by a specially designed aerobic workout in the water. This may involve swimming a few lengths or doing isolated exercises standing in the pool. A spell of exercises to help with muscular strength and endurance follows, with stretches and movements to improve flexibility.
The water will help support your weight, while gentle stretching exercises make you feel good and can help keep you fit and supple for the birth.
Finally, a lovely cool-down ends each session. Classes are often accompanied by music.

Benefits to mums

Joining an aquanatal class can help you physically and emotionally during your pregnancy. Physically, it increases your levels of stamina and fitness which might then help you achieve a shorter, more active labour with less chances of medical intervention.

Mentally, exercise releases fantastic feel-good endorphins that can help alleviate antenatal and postnatal depression. Many women who are having trouble sleeping find that they always have a brilliant night after a class.

Benefits to babies

Studies have shown that the babies of mothers who exercised moderately during pregnancy had less incidence of foetal distress and coped with labour contractions better. Aquanatal exercise can give you the confidence to believe in yourself and your body’s ability,and is a form of exercise that is fast becoming a favourite with mums around the UK.