Are You a Mama on the Move when Pregnant?

postpartum exercise prenatal exercise

Are You a Mama on the Move when Pregnant

I want you to know that your health and fitness matters when pregnant. I also want you to know that you need to focus on what 'YOU' can do and not compare yourself to others. So my question to you is - 'Are you a mama on the move who is staying active during pregnancy or after pregnancy?'

Our motto is 'Be Active. Get PregActive!'

The main point I want you to take out of this post is that if working out at home, or at the gym is not for you; then you can still get fit by being active. This may involve walking, gardening or swimming. It's about being active. It's about getting up and moving.

Where Do You Get Your Advice From?

Endlessly searching online for answers to your most important questions is not a habit you want to form. There is just too much inaccurate information being circulated in videos, eBooks, blog posts or so-called expert interviews. Your best source will always be your treating health care professional.

Who Do I Listen To?

Many pregnant individuals struggle with finding safe and effective ways to stay active, often feeling overwhelmed by conflicting advice. One of the biggest misconceptions about exercising during pregnancy is that it's not safe, or that it'll somehow harm the baby.

But the truth is, staying active can have a multitude of benefits for both mom and baby. Not only can it help reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, but it can also boost your mood and energy levels.

Another common concern is that exercising during pregnancy will lead to premature labor or negatively impact the baby's growth.

However, numerous studies have shown that regular exercise during pregnancy has no adverse effects on the baby's development. In fact, exercising during pregnancy can even help improve the baby's overall health and development.

Is Your Trainer Qualified?

Please only participate in classes or exercises that are being taught by a qualified prenatal exercise instructor.

Some people may think that exercising during pregnancy means you need to be a fitness enthusiast or have a certain body type. But that's not true.

Exercise Safely

You don't have to be a marathon runner or have a gym membership to stay active during pregnancy. Simple activities like walking, stretching, or even just getting up from the couch can make a big difference.

Many healthcare providers may also have conflicting advice when it comes to exercising during pregnancy. Some may recommend complete bedrest, while others may encourage you to continue your regular workout routine.

Listen to Your Body

It's essential to listen to your body and consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best exercise plan for you.

We'll cover various types of exercises that are safe during pregnancy, including low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga, and provide tips on how to incorporate them into your daily routine.

Walk when Pregnant

Walking, for example, is a great way to get some fresh air and gentle exercise. You can start by taking short walks around your neighborhood or local park and gradually increase the duration and intensity as you get more comfortable.

Swim when Pregnant

Swimming is another fantastic exercise option during pregnancy. The buoyancy of the water takes pressure off your joints, making it an excellent low-impact activity.

Plus, it's a great way to relax and unwind. You can try taking prenatal swim classes or simply swimming laps at your local pool.

Prenatal Yoga

Prenatal yoga is also an excellent way to stay active and prepare your body for labor and delivery. It can help improve your flexibility, balance, and strength, while also reducing stress and anxiety. You can find prenatal yoga classes in your area or follow along with online tutorials.

Strength Training

In addition to these exercises, it's essential to incorporate strength training into your routine. You can do bodyweight exercises like squats when pregnant, lunges, and leg raises, or use light weights and resistance bands. Strength training can help improve your overall health and prepare your body for motherhood.

Stay Active

The key insight here is that maintaining an active lifestyle can enhance your energy levels, improve mood, and prepare your body for labor and delivery.

Exercise can also help reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy and after childbirth. By staying active, you can take control of your health and feel more confident and empowered throughout your pregnancy journey.

Exercise can also play a significant role in preparing your body for labor and delivery. By strengthening your core and pelvic muscles, you can reduce the risk of complications during childbirth.

Additionally, exercising during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of postpartum depression and anxiety.

You've learned that staying active during pregnancy is not only safe but also beneficial for you and your baby, and it’s important to listen to your body.

Are You Pregnant?

I want you to strengthen your core and do your pelvic floor workouts as this will help with your postpartum recovery. And I want you to be a mama on the move rather than a mama who is unnecessarily suffering from unwanted pregnancy injuries and ailments caused by being sedentary.

So Let's Move it Mama!

I want you to make sure you are committing to getting out and about by being active. By going for walks, swimming or doing prenatal aqua classes. It is about ensuring you are maintaining a healthy pregnancy weight and giving your body the opportunity to enjoy a speedier postpartum recovery.

We All Need Support!

There is no more life-changing time in our lives than being pregnant. We experience changes to our body that are quite extraordinary and directly impact how we move and live throughout each trimester.

There will be times you need support from a friend, family member or an online support network. Wherever it may be, please seek help when you need it.

This support is also needed when you want to be active and workout when pregnant. You need time for yourself and if you already have children or a busy work life then you may be finding it tough to make time for yourself.

Avoid being Sedentary by Becoming a Mama on the Move

If your doctor has told you to rest and to not exercise then you need to follow their advice. But if you are not exercising because you are lacking the motivation to get up and be active then I want you to change your mindset right now. Start with a short walk around the block and slowly increase the time and distance each walk.

For some motivation, here are just 5 benefits of exercising when pregnant:

1. You will be able to better maintain a healthy body weight.
2. Be better prepared for your postpartum recovery.
3. Enjoy a more empowering childbirth experience.
4. Exercise will help reduce injury.
5. Your baby's health depends on your good health!

Do You Need to Exercise When Pregnant?

Yes. The mode of exercise is up to you as long as it is safe for you and baby. ACOG recommends that you should exercise when pregnant as the benefits are well documented and proven to be beneficial to both mother and baby.

What else can you do?

1. Yoga

2. Pilates

3. Walking

4. Meditation

5. Postpartum fitness classes

Are You a Mama on the Move Post Pregnancy?

Participating in an appropriate postpartum recovery program will help you to heal your body and regain trust in your body to function how you want it to.

Immediately after childbirth, you need to rest and recover by following your doctor's advice. But when you have been given the all clear to start exercising, it is important you ONLY do workouts created by a postpartum fitness specialist.

There are certain exercises you must avoid if you have diastasis as they will only enhance your abdominal separation.

Watch this Video on Exercises to Avoid if You have Diastasis Recti

Get on the Move with Baby

I loved taking my baby for walks. It was a great way to ease back into some exercise while enjoying the fresh air. Even today, seven months postpartum, I still incorporate walking into my weekly fitness plan.