15/02/2024
In light of pregnancy awareness week, let’s shed some light on a few factors.
1. Regular exercise during pregnancy has great benefits such as the reduction of gestational diabetes, hypertensive disorders, urinary incontinence, lumbopelvic pain, anxiety and prenatal depression. Exercise is not related to increased risk of negative outcomes for mom and baby.
https://doi.org/10.1515/jpm-2021-0315
Some women require individualised exercise prescription and it is always a good idea to first check in with your gynae, but other than that the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, such as as walking, or continuing your pre pregnancy workouts with your gynae’s approval.
2. Birth preparation is such an important part of going into labour and birth feeling confident and empowered. Studies show that women who receive ante natal education had lower pain perception, better communication with health providers, and improved birth satisfaction.
DOI 10.1007/s00404-017-4345-5
3. Our “core” (comprised of our diaphragm, abdominals and pelvic floor) are under additional stress and can take strain during pregnancy. Symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction such as urinary incontinence are very high and can also impact one’s participation in exercise. Guided pelvic floor muscle training with a women’s health or pelvic floor physio during pregnancy can improve, or prevent urinary incontinence during pregnancy and following birth.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2012-091758
So there you have it. Exercise, prepare for your birth, and incorporate pelvic floor muscle training with your pelvic floor physio into your pregnancy to improve your health outcomes ❤️
Like and follow for more helpful info 🤟🏼
You’ve got this 💪🏼
Love
Kalli