From the Guidelines
Swimming in properly maintained public pools and flying are generally safe during pregnancy, with some precautions, as long as women do not have any complications that may pose a risk to their health or the health of their fetus. For swimming, it is essential to ensure the pool is properly chlorinated and maintained to reduce infection risk, and while swimming, stay hydrated and avoid overheating 1. Regarding air travel, most airlines allow pregnant women to fly up to 36 weeks for domestic flights and 32-35 weeks for international flights, though policies vary by airline. During flights, stay hydrated, move around periodically to prevent blood clots (get up every hour when possible), wear compression stockings for longer flights, and choose an aisle seat for easier bathroom access. Some conditions that were previously considered contraindications to physical activity during pregnancy, such as chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, being overweight or obese, recurrent miscarriage, short cervix, twin and high-order pregnancies, epilepsy, anaemia, orthopaedic limitations, history of extremely sedentary lifestyle, and history of spontaneous preterm labour or fetal growth restriction, should no longer be considered barriers to physical activity, including swimming and flying, as long as there are no other complications present 1. However, women with pregnancy complications like preeclampsia, risk of preterm labor, or placental issues should consult their healthcare provider before swimming or flying. Always check with your doctor about your specific situation, especially if you have any pregnancy complications or concerns.
Key considerations for safe swimming and flying during pregnancy include:
- Proper pool maintenance and chlorination
- Staying hydrated and avoiding overheating while swimming
- Following airline guidelines for pregnancy and flight duration
- Moving around periodically during flights to prevent blood clots
- Wearing compression stockings for longer flights
- Choosing an aisle seat for easier bathroom access
- Consulting a healthcare provider if there are any pregnancy complications or concerns.
From the Research
Safety of Public Pools During Pregnancy
- According to a study published in 2013 2, there is no significant positive association between swimming pool use and birth defects, even after adjustment for potential confounders.
- Another study from 2010 3 found that swimming in pregnancy is not associated with adverse reproductive outcomes, including preterm and postterm birth, fetal growth measures, small-for-gestational-age, and congenital malformations.
- However, a more recent study from 2019 4 suggests that swimming pool exposure during pregnancy may impact the developing fetus, with an inverse relationship between swimming duration and head circumference.
Air Travel During Pregnancy
- A study from 2009 5 states that the second trimester is the safest time for traveling, and most airlines allow flying up to the 36th week of gestation for domestic flights and 35th week for international flights.
- The same study 5 notes that flying does not pose a risk of fetal hypoxia, unless the fetal oxygen supply is already impaired due to an underlying disease.
- It is recommended to discuss possible risks with an obstetrician before traveling and to take necessary precautions, such as avoiding high altitudes and exercising minimally.
Restrictions and Guidelines
- Scuba diving is contraindicated during pregnancy, as it poses a risk of decompression problems and gas embolism for the fetus 6.
- Snorkeling can still be practiced during pregnancy, but scuba diving should be discontinued until after the birth period 6.
- When traveling, it is essential to take personal protective measures, such as food and water precautions, protection from insect bites, and avoidance of crowds and unsafe sex 5.