Can I swim in cold sea water (minimum 15 oC - max 18 oC in Aug) uk summer while 27 weeks pregnant?

[Florencehill]

Hello All,

I am 27 weeks pregnant - IVF pregnancy with no hiccups so far touch wood. (I am 43 so considered in a risk category but no causes for concern so far)

I am going to Cornwall on Friday for my Summer holiday and usully enjoy a swim in the sea there in the little bay, not miles from shore, in my wet suit. The water is cold even in Summer but not freezing obviously.

My question is - can I still swim this year or will the cold water harm baby? I dont stay in for extended periods and have been swimming in my local baths througout my pregnancy so Im used to swimming with bump.

All the research on internet says its fine unless its extended time in frigid cold waters like in the winter as I risk my body going into shock.

My midwife is on holiday or I'd ask her too.

Any thoughts please?

[Mcra]

Do you have a general number for midwife support to ask for advice? I have one in my notes. In absence of your midwife you still should be able to call somewhere to ask for advice. Good luck and have a nice holiday!

[SRA8]

Use a bit of common sense. If you feel it's too cold get out. Good luck getting g your wet suit on. A struggle at the best of times.

[Flora631]

I swam in the sea last summer and baby stopped kicking until the evening which really freaked me out. I googled it and found nothing to say I shouldn’t but I only went in up to mid thigh after that just in case 😄

[Florencehill in reply to Flora631]

Glad you were both ok! X

[SWBK]

I've just got back from Cornwall where I splashed about in the water but didn't swim. I've also been swimming in pools during the pregnancy (29 weeks currently) and had planned on sea swimming in my wetsuit. Unfortunately there was no way I was getting the wetsuit on so stuck to playing around in shallows rather than a proper swimming session. I also only got in the water on warm sunny days so my body temp didn't drop too much with the wind chill after I got out. Baby has been totally fine and no change in movements.

I would just use common sense and don't let yourself get too cold. Enjoy your holiday

[Florencehill in reply to SWBK]

Many thanks for your advice. I suspect I might be ffooling myself thinking my wet suit still fits too! Haha! Glad you enjoyed your holiday

[Hidden]

I’ve been swimming in the sea and rivers since May. I had been wearing a wetsuit until mid June just as a precaution as I’ve been through IVF to get pregnant. I’m currently 27 weeks pregnant and have been swimming at least once a week in a costume. I don’t stay in as long as I used to and if I feel myself getting cold I get out of the water. Sometimes I just have a 5 or 10 minute dip depending on how I’m feeling. I also get into the water really slowly so it’s not a sudden shock to the body or the baby. I’ve not had any issues yet and my midwife told me it was okay to carry on.

Speak to your midwife if you can because each case is different. I expect they will say swimming is fine as long as you don’t get to cold. Enjoy your holiday.

[Florencehill in reply to Hidden]

Thats good to hear. I also have IVF to thank for my pregnancy and I think my family are over cautious knowing the struggle and heartache I had to get to this point. Im going to wade in ever so slowly. Thanks for sharing.