Swimming is great exercise at any time. It is a vigorous aerobic activity that burns an average of between 350 and 660 calories in an hour. Swimming uses more muscle groups than almost any other exercise. A major benefit to new moms is that swimming is relaxing. It's a great way to help reduce stress.

I see no problem with continuing to swim once your baby is born. Since you have found a physical activity that you enjoy, I would stick with it.

If you find that you are losing weight too quickly while nursing your baby, look at how much physical activity you are getting each day. It is reasonable to be getting around an hour a day of exercise. If you are within this range, rather than cutting back on your swimming, I would advise adding a nutritious snack (or snacks) during the day to your current diet.

Nurse your baby before you exercise. This should help her to sleep, or at least be calm and happy, while you are exercising.

Since chlorine is very drying to the skin, take a shower following your swim. If you find your nipples are becoming dry and irritated from the chlorine, you could apply a coat of purified lanolin (such as Lansinoh) to your nipples following your baby's feeds.

Though there have been two studies with very small samples (a total of 33 women) regarding exercise affecting the taste of a mother's milk, I have rarely seen this happening. Best wishes to you and your baby-to-be.