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Cold Water Swimming and Pregnancy: A Scoping Review and Consensus Recommendations.

Shawe, J., Felton, M., Harper, J. C., Harper, C. M., Stidson, R., Tipton, M., Blowers, S., Fraser, K., Hingley, S., McGrath, E., Bainbridge, G. and Heather, M., 2025. Cold Water Swimming and Pregnancy: A Scoping Review and Consensus Recommendations. Lifestyle Medicine, 6 (1), e70009.

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DOI: 10.1002/lim2.70009

Abstract

Introduction: Cold water swimming has increased in popularity and women wish to swim throughout pregnancy. There is a lack of evidenced-based guidance to make decisions about the safety of immersion in cold water during pregnancy. Methods: Closed social media groups were asked for specific questions in relation to cold water swimming and pregnancy. This highlighted concerns including water temperature, risks to the mother and fetus, and water quality. To find evidence-based answers, a series of meetings brought together clinicians and researchers with expertise in cold water physiology, exercise physiology, fertility, obstetrics, neonatology, midwifery, water epidemiology, public health and representatives from the Open Water Swimming Society and an Open Water swimming social enterprise. Results: Published data were examined via a scoping review process and four studies and eight reports were identified. Recommendations were made with evidence graded (mostly grade 4 expert opinion). Conclusion: Research gaps highlight the need for research to enable accurate advice to determine whether it is safe for pregnant women to swim outdoors in cold water. [Note: A correction has been issued to the abstract. Please see the Additional Information field for details.]

Item Type:Article
ISSN:2688-3740
Additional Information:This article is subject to a correction and is available in the repository as a separate record: In the abstract, the article mistakenly states that four studies were identified, however six were identified. The information in the rest of the article and PRISMA diagram are correct. The original article has not yet been updated.
Uncontrolled Keywords:cold/open water swimming; cold water immersion; pregnancy
Group:Faculty of Health & Social Sciences
ID Code:40712
Deposited By: Symplectic RT2
Deposited On:22 Jan 2025 11:23
Last Modified:26 Aug 2025 15:24

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