In a move to promote regular physical activity during pregnancy, registered charity BH Live is piloting a new, free swimming initiative – SWIM FREE IN PREGNANCY – from April 2025.

A recent survey by the Active Pregnancy Foundation found common barriers to taking part in physical activity during pregnancy included a lack of time, knowledge, access to facilities, confidence and funds. This is despite 71% of respondents admitting that being active helped to improve both their physical and mental health.

To take part in BH Live’s pilot, participants will self-refer via BH Live’s exercise referral team (details below). If eligible, they will be able to enjoy free admission to public swimming sessions in participating centres from their twelfth week of pregnancy up until two weeks after their due date.

Swimming sessions will be available at selected BH Live Active leisure centres including Littledown, Pelhams, Stokewood, and BH Live Active, Corfe Mullen.

On behalf of BH Live, Viv Galpin, Health & Wellbeing Manager in Bournemouth;

“Swimming is hugely beneficial during pregnancy. As a low-impact activity supported by the water, it enables greater freedom of movement, can reduce pain intensity, swelling, and actively lowers blood pressure thanks to its fantastic cardiovascular benefits. We’re so excited to introduce this new initiative so that more people can enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of staying active throughout their pregnancy.”

BH Live also provides ante-natal and post-natal exercise classes on a pay-as-you-go-basis and as part of a BH Live Active membership. Pricing concessions are available for people on low income via BH Live Active’s Access Scheme.

Katie Davies, Health and Physical Activity Officer and This Mum Moves Ambassador at Active Dorset said:

“Regular movement during pregnancy has many benefits, supporting both physical and mental health, and helping to improve sleep and connection with others. However, we know that many people fall out of the habit of being active during this stage of their lives.

“At a time when access to swimming is becoming more difficult for a lot of people, this new initiative is hugely significant. Thanks to expanding their pre and post-natal offering, BH Live is providing an opportunity for more pregnant and postnatal people to be welcomed and supported into physical activity.”

BH Live is a registered charity and social enterprise. BH Live operates Littledown, Pelhams, and Stokewood in partnership with BCP Council.

More information, details on eligibility, and how to self-refer can be found at
bhliveactive.org.uk/health-and-wellbeing-activities/pre-post-natal-activities.

*Press Release from BHLive Active March 2025.