Question 1

What is Aquanatal?

Accepted Answer

Aquanatal is water-based aerobics/ toning/ stretching & relaxation which supports fitness / health and mental well-being during pregnancy.
 
These classes are specifically designed for expecting mums during pregnancy and take place in swimming pools in and around East Devon.
 
Our classes include warm up / cardio/ strength / core / balance and pelvic floor exercises and end with a lovely relaxation and birth preperation section.
 
Aquanatal is a fun / sociable and safe way for you to exercise / prepare your body and mind as you progress through your pregnancy and prepare for the birth of your baby.

Question 2

What do I need to do before attending my first class?

Accepted Answer

The first thing you will need to do is fill out a ‘water fitness screening & informed consent questionnaire’ which will be emailed to you (or can be completed before you start your first class) to determine if you are fit & well to be able to attend our water based exercise & relaxation classes.

Before your first class please be sure to arrive a minimum of 10 minutes earlier than what you were intending so that you can meet Rebecca, & have a chat to discuss how you have been feeling / if there is any news/ updates regarding your pregnancy or if you would like to share anything else ahead of getting into the pool.
 
If you have any questions before booking please get in touch via WhatsApp or sending me an email at hello@rebeccarees.co.uk

Question 3

At what stage of pregnancy can I start aquanatal classes?

Accepted Answer

It is advised to wait until 14 weeks pregnant (providing all contraindications have been checked and cleared) for you to attend my class during this stage of your pregnancy.
 
As my classes get regularly  booked up, it is advised that you plan ahead and save your spot as soon as possible so that you can reap the benefits as soon as you can. 
 
If you have any questions please have a look at the bookings section for more information or you can directly email me by clicking here.

Question 4

How late into my pregnancy can I attend aquanatal classes?

Accepted Answer

As long as there are no contraindications or reasons that you should not be able to participate then you can keep coming right up to your due date and beyond.

Question 5

What should I bring?

Accepted Answer

You will be sent further information at the time of booking, however we advise that you wear your swimming costume under your clothes to be able to be ready and start the class on time.
 
Your normal swimming costume is fine but we do advise that as your pregnancy progresses that you wear a sports bra for added support as well.
You might also want to invest in a maternity swimsuit - keep your eyes peeled for a blog about this coming soon.
 
You will need your towel / flip-flops (or non-slip poolside shoes) and a  plastic water bottle (no glass poolside please).
 
Any other pool equipment required will be provided.

Question 6

What do I wear?

Accepted Answer

(Please see the above answer - What Should I Bring?)
 
Your usual swimming costume is fine if you feel comfortable in it, however as your pregnancy progresses you might need to purchase a maternity swimsuit.
We also strongly recommend that you wear a sports bra to give added support as this is an exercise class.
If you have any questions please message me.

Question 7

How long is each class?

Accepted Answer

Our sessions will be 45 minutes in the pool. 
 
You will receive more details once you have booked your place regarding changing before and after sessions and also if there is a social planned at the beginning or end of the class.

Question 8

How deep is the pool?

Accepted Answer

This varies depending on which location you choose, however for all our classes ideally you will be standing in water up to your chest.
If you are unable to swim or don't feel very confident please see the information below.

Question 9

I am not confident in the water / I can’t swim - Can I still attend?

Accepted Answer

Lifeguards will be present at most of our pools to ensure that the usual supervision and safety precautions are in place as usual.
Exmouth LED have a great and very competent team of lifeguards who will be present during classes there as we have a dedicated space in the pool with other members of the public still able to attend other sessions that may be taking place before/ during & after us.
 
During our classes nearly all of the exercises will be performed in chest-height water so even if you are a non-swimmer or don't feel very confident in a pool you will be able to participate.
 
Please mention this to Rebecca ahead of booking so that we can have a chat and ensure that you are happy to make a start.

Question 10

What is the water temperature?

Accepted Answer

Again this varies depending on which pool you will be in.
However as Rebecca's classes are an exercise based workout, she will ensure you have a good warm up and stay warm throughout the class.

Question 11

What are the changing facilities like?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the pool location.
All details will be sent to you before your class starts.
Please feel free to message me if you would like more information ahead of booking.

Question 12

Can I bring someone with me?

Accepted Answer

If you are booked onto our evening couples class then please do attend with your partner 
(this can be a relative/ friend/ doula or someone who will be your support partner throughout your pregnancy - we do ask that you choose one person who will attend the whole block course with you).
 
During this unique session you will be supported & nurtured with your partner in the water with you, by your side to enjoy an incredible experience during our exclusive time in the pool.
Please see booking page for more information regarding this class. 
 
If you are booked onto a ‘Mums Only’ session we ask that you please attend on your own.
 
Please get in touch if you have any questions regarding this.

Question 13

There is a wait list, how long will it be before I can start?"

Accepted Answer

Our classes are extremely popular and therefore at times you may need to be placed on our waiting list.
 
If this is the case please email hello@rebeccarees.co.uk for more information regarding waiting times / updates and availability at other locations.

Question 14

After the class

Accepted Answer

Our sessions are 45 minutes pool time and around 15 minutes changing time. 
Please let Rebecca know if you need any help regarding getting out of the pool or in the changing room.
 
It is very important to hydrate after our class and therefore we encourage you to stay for a little bit to enjoy our social get-togethers ( Currently these are for the ‘Mums Only’ classes).

Question 15

Can I get a snack after the session?

Accepted Answer

It is very important to Rebecca to continue her work in supporting pregnant & mums with new babies in building their support network during this special time in your life.
 
At our ‘Mums Only’ daytime sessions we encourage you to join us either before or after the class ( please refer to the information that has been emailed to you) for a cuppa and treat at the on-site cafe to get to know each other better, ask any questions and generally just enjoy a bit of ‘you time’.
 
There will be refreshments available for you to purchase at Exmouth LED's Coastline Cafe (on-site).

Question 16

I don’t have time to stay after each class

Accepted Answer

That’s fine, our classes are friendly & flexible and if there are occasions when you are unable to stay on afterwards there is our Whatsapp & Facebook Groups for you to be part of which is a great way to build your network with other local expecting mums during this very special time.

Question 17

How much do the aquanatal classes cost?

Accepted Answer

2026 Classes

Exeter
Monday nights (mums)

Aquanatal weekly class ~ PAYG or block book 4 
PAYG = £14 per class
4 week block = £50 ( Please message me via WhatsApp or email if you are interested in this option)

Sunday afternoon birth partner sessions ~ please check the website for dates
£24 for two

Exmouth LED
Tuesday evenings 
 PAYG = £9.55
4 week block = £34.20

Question 18

What do most mums say is of benefit to them?

Accepted Answer

Devon Aquanatal classes are a great way to meet other local mums-to-be without having to commit too much time. 
With PAYG options, you can try out a session and see if you want to do more.
Mums feedback shows how much they enjoy being in the water, having fun and a better night's sleep afterwards.

Question 19

Is there anything else that I can do during this time?

Accepted Answer

Our WiseHippo hypnobirthing courses are the perfect compliment to your aquanatal classes especially as Rebecca will educate & share lots of insights & practice from her hypnobirthing sessions each week whilst you are in the pool, therefore you will already be an expert in relaxation without even realising it.
 
You will be invited to attend a free taster for yourself & birth partner to discover what hypnobirthing is and the wonderful benefits it can bring during this special time in your lives. 
This is also another great way to build your friendships with other local expecting parents.

2023 private & group hypnobirthing sessions can now be booked, please contact Rebecca to discuss your requirements. 
 
Please be sure to review our packages which offer you the best value during your pregnancy and beyond.

Question 20

What happens if I have booked a class but am unable to attend?

Accepted Answer

We understand that things happen (especially at the moment) so do ask you to familiarise yourself with the following:

LED classes - please contact LED ahead of time to observe their policies. 
 
'Mums Only Classes' 
 
* If you cancel a booking with less than 24 hours' notice, it will be a missed class.
 
* Where possible, I will try to offer you a make-up session. However please understand that this may not be viable during our busy block sessions.
 
* Please contact me for availability and we can try and arrange a make-up class - these must be taken in the same term as the class that you missed.
 
* Make-up classes will not be available for no-shows.
 
* If you have to stop your Aquanatal classes because you have had your baby early, please let me know and I can credit you with one of our postnatal courses.
 
* We do not offer refunds for any pre-paid classes that are not taken.
 
* We are unable to refund or make alternative make-up classes for the evening couples sessions.
 
*Please message me if you would like to discuss any of the above.

Question 21

What about when I have had baby?

Accepted Answer

The Postnatal Pod is 'the must do group for mums with new babies' (whether that is your first or fourth) held on Tuesday lunchtimes at the Baby Room in Exeter.
Come along with your baby to this 6 week course hosted by the most incredible team of 'in-the-baby-business' experts to gain invaluable information/ guidance and tips.
Ask all the questions you need to know whilst being supported and building friendships with the other mums.

Question 22

LED Membership

Accepted Answer

As a single/ solo - small business owner I pay to hire the space at Exmouth LED swimming pool independently outside of LED membership, therefore if you are a member of LED this is separate and outside of your arrangement with that company.

Please message me or send me an email hello@rebeccarees.co.uk for any further information in regards to this.

(May 2026)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS