Pregnant women can swim for free at the 1Life Leisure Centres in Stamford, Bourne and the Deepings

Pregnant women can now swim for free at 1Life leisure centres in Stamford, Bourne and the Deepings.

1Life has announced a brand-new initiative to encourage more pregnant women to get active for free in its leisure centres.

From today (March 12), pregnant women will be able to have swim for free in all the 1Life swimming pools in the South Kesteven area, in a bid to promote healthy, active lifestyles amongst expectant mums.

Women are encouraged to exercise regularly throughout pregnancy, unless they have been advised otherwise by their GP or midwife.

Keeping active not only maintains your fitness levels but also helps your body to adapt to the changes that come with being pregnant.

Swimming is a great form of low-impact exercise which can be enjoyed throughout pregnancy.

In fact, the water helps to support extra weight which can provide relief from aches and pains, especially in the third trimester.

And what’s more, unlike some other forms of aerobic exercise, swimming helps people to feel cool and more comfortable.

The free-swimming initiative is being offered at 1Life pools at Grantham Leisure Centre, Bourne Leisure Centre, Stamford Pool and Deepings Leisure Centre.

Mark Braithwaite, managing director at 1Life, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer this initiative to local expectant mothers.

"We are keen to encourage active, healthy lifestyles and the benefits of exercising during pregnancy are vast, to both mother and baby.

"We look forward to welcoming mums to be into our pools.”

To register or for further information, visit a 1Life pool and show an NHS maternity exemption card to activate membership.

Membership will run until the due date specified on the maternity exception card.

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