Learn how Aquatics Therapy Ease Pregnancy Pain

Water seems to carry numerous beneficial superpowers that help people with a wide range of ailments or those who are in a particular physical condition. Aquatics therapy is a low-impact type of exercise that helps people heal, relax, rehabilitate, and get in better shape. From the elderly and obese to pregnant women, aquatics therapy truly carries many great benefits. An occupational, physical, or recreational therapy, which takes place in heated pools, aquatics therapy can assist with the following:

• Motor planning
• Improving flexibility and strength
• Helping focus on bodily awareness
• Learning how to move your muscles in new and beneficial ways
• Improving senses

When it comes to women who are pregnant, water exercise can be extremely useful. It is no secret that the female body endures many different changes during pregnancy, the effects of which can cause a wide range of physical ailments and even injuries. Typical pregnancy symptoms, such as fatigue and body aches, can be easily treated with aquatics therapy, as well as more serious symptoms like pain from shifting pelvic muscles. While it is dangerous for pregnant women to maintain a body temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, there is nothing harmful about enjoying slightly warm water. In fact, many pregnant women find increased comfort simply by relaxing in water.

Top Benefits of Aquatic Therapy for Pregnant Women

Studies indicate that women who participate in aquatics therapy or water aerobics will have better control of weight gain, less edema, and reduced back pain. Furthermore, research also shows that women are far less likely to suffer from postpartum depression, which is a huge benefit. Pregnant women who turn to aquatics therapy also note that they experience mental and emotional benefits – in addition to the physical relief. Maintaining physical activity during pregnancy through low-impact aquatics therapy is also a huge help in getting back into shape once the baby comes. One study reports that prenatal aquatics therapy participants were nearly 60 percent less likely to need pain medication during labor than non-exercisers. Now, let’s look at a few of the additional benefits of aquatics therapy for pregnant women:

• Floating is fun and makes you feel lighter. Aquatics therapy is an almost weightless form of exercise that is extremely relaxing. Women who are further along in their pregnancy truly appreciate the buoyancy that is experienced when floating. This buoyancy also works to reduce compression on your spine and joints, while helping the muscles to strengthen, without the normal pain that is associated with other types of exercise.

• Helps reduce common side effects of pregnancy. Some of the most common side effects of pregnancy are swollen legs, ankles, and feet. The hydrostatic pressure of water naturally increases circulation and decreases swelling in the lower extremities.

• Water exercise is beneficial for the baby, too. Studies have shown that aquatics therapy can aid in less fetal heart rate changes during exertion than many common land exercises.

• It is safer than other forms of exercise. The laxity of the ligaments during pregnancy is increased, leading to a higher risk of injury during exercise. However, water creates a safe place to exercise where falling is not a risk.

To find out more about how pregnant women may benefit from aquatics therapy, please contact us today. Classic Rehab offers a wide range of aquatics therapy options, all of which are designed to benefit you individually.