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Edema of Pregnancy: A Comparison of Water Aerobics and Static Immersion

From the Sacred Heart Medical Center, Eugene, Oregon, and Providence Medical Center, Portland, Oregon.

Address reprint requests to: Vern L. Katz, MD, Center for Genetics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, 677 East 12th Avenue, Suite N-520, Eugene, OR 97401

Objective: To compare the edema-relieving effects of static immersion with water aerobics.

Methods: Eighteen healthy women between 20 and 33 weeks’ gestation were studied standing on land, immersed to the axilla, and participating in a water aerobics class, each for 30 minutes.

Results: Water aerobics and the static immersion led to a similar diuresis, 187 and 180 mL, respectively. Both were significantly greater than standing 30 minutes on land, 65 mL (P < .01). The dilutional effect as measured by a decline in urine specific gravity was also similar between static immersion and water aerobics and greater than standing on land (P < .01). Standing on land led to a small increase in leg volume compared with water aerobics or static immersion (P <.01).

Conclusion: Water aerobics had diuretic and edema-relieving effects similar to static immersion. When women develop edema of pregnancy, water aerobics classes may be used as a potential treatment.