A: Both the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and American College of Sports Medicine list a number of benefits for engaging in physical activity whilst pregnant compared to those doing no exercise. I am also a fully qualified pre and postnatal fitness specialist trained to know how to adapt exercises for you. I have the latest information and research to ensure your sessions are safe for you.
A: You can benefit from:
A: You can tell me whichever feels right and comfortable to you. If you tell me early on in your pregnancy be rest assured that this will stay completely confidential. The sooner you tell me you are expecting, the earlier I can look after you and give you options safe for each trimester.
A: Yes. You should always speak to your health professional about wanting to exercise. They have your detailed medical history and can advise you if there are any precautions you need to take.
A: Although the old wives tale says you are now eating for two.. unfortunately this isn’t true. In your third trimester you can eat 200 extra calories and 500 more if you breastfeed after birth. This will help you with a healthy maternal weight gain. You can find my leaflet for nutrition during pregnancy here
A: Yes! We will build this up in a gradual progression up to 30 minutes per day. I will give you extra breaks to ensure you build this up safely. Pregnancy is a time for maintaining fitness levels rather than improving them but if you have not exercised prior to pregnancy then these will improve for you. This can help you with stamina for labour, help keep your body supple and flexible as your progress in your pregnancy and help with postnatal recovery.
A: Minimum 6 weeks after a vaginal delivery. Minimum 12 weeks after a caesarean delivery. You should always get the go ahead from your health professional before restarting exercise too. They can check you have healed sufficiently prior to resuming exercising.
A: Yes! I will adapt exercises to help avoid soreness and pressure on your breasts. If baby is present during the workout, feed away! There are no judgements here and breastfeeding is always welcomed during the class.
A: Yes! This is one of the reasons I set up my postnatal classes. As a mum myself I found it hard to get to classes that allowed my baby to come with me, where feeding is normal and it’s understood that babies can be fussy sometimes! If your baby is a precrawler you are welcome to pop them on a mat/ blanket whilst you do the class. If they are a mover please pop them in a carrier or pram. This will help you get the most out of your session without running round after a little hurricane!
A: Yes. We will do a diastasis recti check at the start of the course and movements will be chosen to help knit back your abdominals after birth.