Perhaps one of the biggest pieces of advice I could tell you during your pregnancy is to stay active! It sounds a lot easier than it is but oh the rewards are great. I know what your thinking….it is hard enough to get out of bed in the morning or get yourself off the couch in the evening. However, I promise you that if you can make yourself exercise your chances of having a positive birth experience is much higher. Even going for evening walks is a great way to stay active and on top of that, fresh air is always therapeutic.
A personal experience. My second baby was breech, I stayed active during the beginning of this pregnancy but I have to admit by the third trimester I was not exercising at all. My third pregnancy I was determined to stay active mentally and physically. My third birth went a lot smoother and I attribute this to staying active. Not to mention in my experience in midwifery thus far, I have seen the benefits of women who stay active during their pregnancy. Did I mention how many muscles we use during labor when we are pushing our sweet babe through the birth canal?! Take my word, we use a lot! Some of my favorite exercises included attending yoga, swimming laps, walking, and cardio classes. Yoga did so much for my mind, muscles, and stress level. Swimming was also a favorite, it’s nice to feel weightless in the water. Give it a try and let me know if you have the same experience.
There are numerous other ways to stay active. Find what works for you and continue it throughout your pregnancy. You will be so grateful when it comes time to give birth. Staying active also reduces your chances of developing gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, and even preeclampsia. When we exercise our body releases endorphins a hormone that makes us happy. So here is to a happy pregnancy.
Don’t forget to drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise. Exercise can be continued during your entire pregnancy as long as no compilations arise and you aren’t having any discomforts. Talk to your midwife if you are having any concerns or need some good local recommendations.
Weight gain during pregnancy
Oh, the many joys of pregnancy, one of them being gaining weight. Just think, that weight is going to your
growing baby and the fluids around the baby. Try not to get to caught up in what the scale says…..just remember to stay active and eat healthy.
Your midwife will recommend gaining 25-35 lbs over the next 9 months. She might recommend more weight gain if your underweight during the start of your pregnancy (BMI less than 18.5). Or your midwife might recommend gaining less weight if your overweight (BMI above 25) [1].
The fact of the matter is that your midwife is here to help you during your entire pregnancy so just talk with her about what is the right amount for you. Remember there is never any judgment from your midwife just guidance to support you and your baby through your pregnancy.
Resources
- http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/store/10.1016/j.jmwh.2010.09.003/asset/j.jmwh.2010.09.003.pdf?v=1&t=iz91y269&s=78a2e197dfbff46fc5fe828d80dede673e7990a9
- http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/store/10.1016/j.jmwh.2009.08.019/asset/j.jmwh.2009.08.019.pdf?v=1&t=iz91zbpc&s=6c7ecc56689c319f98574cc20458ac1a62826844
