It wasn't that long ago that pregnant women were closeted from public view and most definitely never seen wearing a bathing suit! Thankfully, times have changed and while their bodies are undergoing some important changes, many female athletes still manage to train up until labor. I asked three Top Ten USMS swimmers in Potomac Valley to talk about working out during pregnancy.

Sean, Nicholas and Jane West

Jane West Jane West, who made Top Ten in 2001, All-American in '95, '97, and '99, and won the female division of the 1998 Bay Swim, gave birth to a 9 lb. 6 oz. baby boy (Nicholas) on October 10.

Q: How did being pregnant affect your swimming?
A: Your blood volume increases during pregnancy. This causes your heart rate to be elevated and you can't sprint as well. My doctor recommended that I limit my maximum heart rate to 150.

Q: What type of workouts did you do?
A: I did strictly aerobic workouts for six months. I found my body sort of 'shut down' and I couldn't sprint. It was harder to move through the water because of the increased drag of a larger belly. After giving birth, I had no problem sprinting again.

Q: Were you tired?
A: I was especially tired at the end of the day during the first four months. I found swimming didn't affect the feeling of tiredness much, so I continued to work out which made me feel better. I only gained 20 pounds and I think the exercise helped me control my weight.

Q: Did you dive off the blocks and do flip turns?
A: I did a meet at three and a half months but didn't dive after that because I didn't think it was a good idea. I always did flip turns. They were never a problem.

Q: How soon were you back in the water after giving birth?
A: I got back in the water, with my doctor's approval, three weeks after giving birth. I had a Caesarian Section, so I have to be careful not to do any vigorous leg movements or twisting. It's great to be back in the water.

Holly Donnelly Holly Donnelly swam varsity fly and distance free at Bryn Mawr. She was Top Ten in 2002 and is eighteen weeks pregnant.

Q: How are you feeling?
A: I'm still swimming and feeling good although I'm a little more tired in the evenings. I'm short of breath when swimming or going up stairs because of the increased blood volume. My heart is working harder. I've decreased my yardage significantly to compensate.

Q: Are you doing meets?
A: I'm going to forgo meets for now. I'm not supposed to dive off the blocks.

Q: How about open water swimming?
A: I'm not worried about doing open water swims (although it's getting too cold). People worry too much about germs. I grew up on a dairy farm around lots of animals and have always been healthy.

CJ Lockman Hall CJ was Top Ten in 2001 in three events, and is a frequent contributor to the PV Newsletter. She's also a tri-athlete and does the PV Multi-Sport Calendar. CJ is due in January.

Q: Are you still working out?
A: I like to get at least 45 minutes of aerobic exercise every day doing whatever appeals to me at the moment - riding a bike, running, walking, or swimming.

Q: Have you had to make changes in your training?
A: Things change from week to week and month to month. Some activities (and strokes) need to be modified or stopped. But it doesn't mean you can't start again after the baby is born. I enjoy whatever activity I am doing at a level that is comfortable.