Warm water aquatic yoga and therapy can be a welcome reprieve for pregnancy aches and pains. When you’re carrying upwards of 20 extra pounds, the last thing you may be in the mood for is exercise. But in our warm water therapy pools you weigh just a tenth of what you do on land. Which means bobbing weightlessly, feeling both lighter and more limber, can be a real treat. Relaxin is a chemical released during pregnancy to prepare the pelvis for movement during childbirth and helps to loosen ligaments. The warmth and buoyancy of the water offers relief from back pain by relaxing tired muscles and removing up to 95% of one’s body weight. Exercising can be difficult while pregnant and particularly uncomfortable. In the water, aquatic exercises can be done to strengthen the core and leg muscles to help mitigate and reduce back pain. Doing exercises in water are easier due to the reduced weight and reduced effects of gravity. Water creates a safe place to exercise where falling is not a risk. The safety that water provides is ideal to continue working out during pregnancy. Water is an ideal environment for relieving inflammation caused by pregnancy. The hydrostatic pressure of water naturally increases circulation and decreases swelling in the lower extremities. Hydrostatic pressure is defined as the weight of water on one’s body in all directions at the same time. This increased circulation drives the fluid upward in the body, resulting in decreased swelling. Things to note: consult a physician or physical therapist before using aquatic therapy when pregnant. Although it is safe and effective for most healthy pregnant women, your doctor will know what is best for you.
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