Wellness Wednesday

Happy Hump-day, Mama!

I was not one of those serene, glowing pregnant women gliding through the second trimester like a fertility goddess in a sundress.

I was swollen.

Like, “why do my ankles look like overstuffed pastry dough?” swollen.

My feet barely fit in my sandals. My rings stopped fitting somewhere around Week 24. And don’t even get me started on how I grunted every time I had to roll out of bed. 🤣

So when someone suggested swimming, I didn’t exactly sprint (let’s be real—I waddled with purpose) to the nearest pool.

But once I got in the water?

Oh, momma.

Game. Changer.

The Magic of the Weightless Belly Float

The first time I slipped into the pool during my pregnancy, I almost cried.

Not from emotion (though let’s be honest, I was already crying every time I saw a diaper commercial), but from the sheer relief.

For the first time in months, I didn’t feel heavy.

My belly was no longer pulling on my back. My hips weren’t aching. My joints weren’t screaming.

I just floated.

Supported. Light. Free.

And the swelling?

It went down.

Not permanently—because, well, pregnancy—but enough that I felt human again. My ankles looked slightly less like water balloons. My legs stopped throbbing. And I could finally move without feeling like I had a ten-pound bowling ball strapped to my core.

Swimming Isn’t About Exercise—It’s About Escape

Look, I wasn’t doing laps like I was training for the Olympics.

Sometimes I just floated in the deep end, arms stretched out, letting the water hold me.

Sometimes I’d do a slow backstroke or glide around like I was in a mermaid daydream.

It wasn’t about “working out.” It was about reclaiming a sense of peace in my body.

And it was quiet.

No phones. No noise. No belly touching strangers asking, “Are you sure you’re not having twins?”

Just me. Breathing.

Remembering that I was still me—not just a vessel growing another human, but a woman in her own right who needed care too.

Also… Can We Talk About Maternity Swimsuits?

Summer is the season of baring the bump—and this is one of the only times in life when you can wear a swimsuit that screams, “YES, I’m pregnant. Look at my belly!” and feel proud, not self-conscious.

I wore mine like a badge of honor.

No sucking in. No sarong required. Just me and my belly out there soaking up Vitamin D and living my best floaty life.

A Few Tips if You’re Ready to Take the Plunge

💧 Start slow. Just being in the water can help relieve swelling and improve circulation. You don’t need to swim laps—just move gently and enjoy.

💧 Wear whatever makes you feel good. Rock that maternity tankini, bikini, or one-piece. You are a literal goddess.

💧 Stay hydrated. Just because you’re in the water doesn’t mean your body doesn’t need fluids—bring your water bottle and sip often.

💧 Find your time. Early mornings or evenings are usually quieter, and the cooler water can help if you’re running hot like a human furnace.

If you’re dealing with swollen ankles, lower back pain, or just want 20 minutes where gravity can’t find you—get yourself to a pool.

Or a lake. Or a clean ocean cove. Or a baby pool in your backyard (seriously, no shame—I’ve done it).

You don’t need to earn rest, relief, or joy.

You deserve it just because you’re growing a whole human being.

And hey, if you happen to feel like a glowing goddess in the water? Even better.

Float on, mama.

You got this momma,
Naomi

P.S.

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