I exercised while pregnant with my 2nd Son and I got asked a million times over “Are you sure you should be doing this?”
This was just over 10 years ago, and we have evolved quite a bit since then. For instance, you can get work out gear to suit your pregnant belly without looking for crazy online specialty brands (Not that I am knocking these brands, I just couldn’t afford them).
I was a Personal Trainer who was very pregnant working right through to birth and got told many times that it was dangerous, that I shouldn’t be on my feet so long, that I shouldn’t be putting stress on my body and that by exercising I put my baby at risk. In some way, this is a little true but also far from true. Am I confusing you yet?
People are quick to judge, and this is a pet hate of mine. Smoking, drinking, driving a car and going on a rollercoaster are risks also but people take them.
What they didn’t know is that I had done my courses in pre- and post-natal exercise, that I knew my body better than anyone else, and that strength training along with mobility and stretching are fantastic for a pregnant woman - if done with support and guidance.
I have spent years learning and educating myself to know all things for women's health and exercise because I was a woman who exercised through the stages of pregnancy.
Now I am making it my mission to educate and guide other women and mama's to be to do the same.
Each trimester has its different considerations whether it’s the first 1-13 weeks, the second 14-26 weeks or the third 27-42 weeks. Most importantly, listen to what your body s telling you. No one will understand it better then you.
When exercising through pregnancy, keep these things in mind:
It's hard work growing a human!
Exercise is important = decreases the risk of gestational diabetes, good for mental health + keeping weight gain in check.
Stay hydrated.
Relaxing softens the joints and ligaments in the pelvis.
Good Posture is Important.
Breathing exercises and breathing through your exercises
Do your Pelvic Floor exercises, cliche I know.
Not the time for hitting Personal Bests and
SQUATS ARE SAFE so long as you feel no pressure or pulling. (This is a whole other blog post in the making)
Most of all, enjoy your exercise through pregnancy.
This is a special time for you and your bubs. Safe exercise is as much good for your physical health as it is your mental health. Your bodies are fricking amazing, so embrace the experience and feel how truly empowered you will feel!
Sarah x