Water Breaking During Pregnancy: Safety & Exercise

Question
i teach a prenatal water exercise class.  The Moms in my class have expressed concern about possible dangers of their water breaking while they are in the pool.  Is there any danger to being submerged when ones water breaks?  Is it o.k. to be in the water after you loose your mucus plug?  What about exercise in general if these have occured?

Answer
Dear Carolyn,

As a general rule, I do not recommend any activity that would be considered "exercise" for women who have experienced ruptured membranes or any leakage of fluid from the vagina - especially in the 3rd trimester. However, for women who have not had any leakage and who are not otherwise at high risk for any complications, it is important to realize that the possibility of the membranes rupturing during that small window of time when they are in the pool is very small. I would recommend they talk to their OB doctor at about 34-35 weeks and make sure there is not any issue with bulging membranes or a fear of leaking amniotic fluid. If not, they should be fine. Plus - it all goes back to osmosis and tonicity of fluids that we learned about ages ago. The tonicity of amniotic fluid is different than that of the pool water. Typically this will prohibit that water from entering the uterine environment.

As for the loss of the mucous plug, although it does serve to help protect the uterine environment from infection, typically the chances of infection don't really increase significantly until the membranes rupture. However, the loss of the plug usually signifies the beginning of cervical dilation. Once the cervix begins to dilate, women should confirm any exercise regimen with their doctor again.

Overall, women should check with their doctor if they experience any of these warning signs during ANY type of exercise:
- vaginal bleeding
- unusual pain
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- unusual shortness of breath
- racing heartbeat or chest pain
- fluid leaking from your vagina
- uterine contractions

I hope this has helped you and answered your questions. I wish you well.

Brenda