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Cold-water swimming has surged in popularity in recent years, with both its risks and benefits becoming more widely recognized. Now, a groundbreaking study has focused specifically on the safety of cold-water swimming during pregnancy, aiming to fill gaps in existing research.
The study explored key concerns, including how water temperature might impact maternal health and fetal development, as well as whether water quality could pose any risks to the baby.
A multidisciplinary team—including cold-water and exercise physiologists, fertility and obstetrics specialists, neonatologists, midwives, water epidemiologists, and public health experts—conducted the research. Their goal was to evaluate existing studies and provide evidence-based guidance for expectant mothers who wish to continue swimming outdoors.
Limited Research and Knowledge Gaps
The team found only six published studies worldwide that addressed pregnancy and cold-water swimming. However, none involved a large enough sample size to provide significant insights, highlighting major gaps in knowledge.
The new research, published in the journal Lifestyle Medicine, compiles expert-led recommendations for pregnant individuals, based on the experience and expertise of the research team.
Carmel Lawless, a resident of Plymouth and an avid cold-water swimmer, welcomed the study. She had struggled with guilt when swimming during her 2022 pregnancy due to the lack of scientific guidance.
“There are so many physical and mental health benefits to sea swimming that I didn’t want to stop, but I felt guilty and irresponsible every time I entered the water,” Lawless said. “It was reassuring yet frustrating that I—along with others seeking to swim outdoors during pregnancy—were all being told to abstain, not necessarily because it was too dangerous but because there wasn’t enough evidence of what the risks might be.”
She emphasized the importance of further research to allow pregnant individuals to have informed discussions with healthcare providers and make safer choices.
Expert Recommendations
Dr. Heather Massey, from the University of Portsmouth’s School of Psychology, Sport, and Health Science, has researched outdoor swimming for several years. She explained, “As outdoor swimming continues to rise in popularity, we’ve received numerous inquiries about pregnancy and cold-water swimming. This paper provides an overview of the available evidence and offers practical guidance for those who are pregnant or considering cold-water swimming during pregnancy.”
The recommendations include the following:
- Only swim in cold water if you were a regular cold-water swimmer before pregnancy.
- Never swim alone.
- Avoid cold-water swimming if blood pressure is either too high or too low.
The researchers stress that these recommendations are based on expert consensus rather than direct studies and emphasize the need for further research in the field.
Dr. Malika Felton, Senior Lecturer in Health and Exercise Physiology at Bournemouth University, noted, “Living and working by the coast in Bournemouth, we can see the popularity of cold-water swimming increasing year by year, so it is unsurprising that pregnant individuals have many questions about whether it is safe to continue this activity.”
She added, “At this stage, we do not recommend that pregnant women start cold-water swimming if they have no prior experience. However, for those who already participate, our research outlines additional precautions to consider.”
Future Research Efforts
Professor Mike Tipton MBE, co-founder of the University of Portsmouth’s Extreme Environments Lab (EEL), described the study as “an important first step in establishing what is known and what advice can be given to those wanting to continue their open cold-water swimming pastime during pregnancy.”
To advance this area of research and improve the quality of available advice, the team has formed SWIMHER, a dedicated research group focused on studying the effects of cold-water swimming on pregnancy.
Conclusion and Disclaimer
The study provides valuable preliminary insights for pregnant individuals interested in cold-water swimming. However, the researchers emphasize that their recommendations are based on existing expert knowledge rather than large-scale clinical studies. Expectant mothers should consult their healthcare providers before engaging in cold-water swimming to ensure their safety and well-being.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Pregnant individuals should always seek guidance from qualified healthcare professionals before engaging in any form of physical activity, including cold-water swimming.
