Guest Blogger Brittany Noonan - Exercise during pregnancy
Guest Blogger Brittany Noonan Shares Her Pregnancy Exercising Tips
PREGNANCY TRAINING BASICS AND GUIDELINES.
By Brittany Noonan
Congratulations you are pregnant! Pregnancy is a very exciting time for all women but it can also be very daunting, tiring and overwhelming.
There is so much mixed information on EVERYTHING to do with pregnancy and it doesn't stop one you have your bundle of joy.
In this article I want to outline some basic guidelines for exercising and training while pregnant. These guidelines are for the average person - not an elite athlete, seasoned gym junkie or someone who has a special/restricting condition. I also want to stress you MUST gain medical clearance from your doctors or OB before commencing or continuing any exercise program while pregnant.
The most important thing to remember when training while pregnant is to listen to your body and if something does not feel right, hurts or is uncomfortable - stop immediately. You don't need to be super woman - pregnancy is like a 24/7 workout in itself.
Another point I'd like to make is that you don't need to be like some of the "fitness role models" you may have seen in the media or online. You are good enough the way you are and you are also doing the right thing by toning it back and taking it easier during this time. The long term benefits of practicing safe pregnancy exercise will out weigh any short term benefit of staying "fit" or "bouncing" straight back. I'm in no way saying what they are doing is wrong for them but every woman is different and the majority of women out there are not elite athletes or professional fitness trainers.
Ans remember comparison is the thief of joy so don’t compare your body or your abilities to any other pregnant woman focus on you and what you can manage and how incredible your body truly is for growing a human!
These tips may seem overly cautious but I'm ok with that - I tend to give overly cautious advice as there is nothing more important than the health & safety of Mum & bub when pregnant.
PREGNANCY TRAINING GUIDELINES TRIMESTER 1:
- Gain medical clearance from GP or OB.
- Have a check up with a women's health physio to structure a plan for you through out your pregnancy.
- Avoid overheating during exercise by keeping it at a moderate intensity (6/10). This is very important as there is major organ development occurring during first trimester and the baby is unable to cool itself it the womb so what ever temp your body is so is your babies.
- Take time to rest especially if you are suffering from morning sickness and or nausea.
- Start working on your pelvic floor strengthening exercises - KEGELS!!
- Start working on strengthening your back muscles to help your posture.
- STOP focusing on abdominal workouts - no crunching, double leg lifts, vsits or sit ups.
- Avoid heavy lifting.
- Avoid any movement or exercise that causes bearing down, dragging or heavy feeling in the lower abdomen.
PREGNANCY TRAINING GUIDELINES TRIMESTER 2:
- All pregnancy guidelines for trimester 1 to be included
- Gain medical clearance from GP or OB
- Remove all high impact movements (jumping, skipping, running ect.)
- Remove all heavy lifting to protect pelvic floor.
- Remove pull ups & full push ups.
- Use a swiss ball or wall for movements as an alternate.
- Have feet in a narrow stance for ( no more than shoulder width) when performing squats & deadlifts if you are experiencing pelvic pain.
- Perform squats and deadlifts shallow - no deeper than a 90 degree angle ( thighs parrallel to floor) , this will protect your pelvic floor and pelvic joints.
- Avoid supine (laying on your back) exercises from 16 weeks.
- Avoid prolonged stationary standing to perform weight training - perform seated on bench or swiss ball.
- Work on strengthening your posture.
- If you are experiencing pelvic pain avoid one legged movements such as lunges or any movement where your weight is on one side of your body.
- No walking lunges if you are experiencing pelvic pain.
- If you are experiencing pelvic paid one legged movements where your weight is not evenly distributed may cause extra stress to the pelvic joints and worsen your pain. If this is the case for you avoid these movements.
- Remove abdominal workouts and focus on your core and pelvic floor instead
- Continue with your pelvic floor exercises.
- Light weights, resistance bands and body weight for resistance training.
- 30 mins max of moderate cardio.
- Listen to your body and if you are not comfortable or something does not feel right stop immediately.
PREGNANCY TRAINING GUIDELINES TRIMESTER 3:
- Obtain medical clearance from GP or OB
- All pregnancy guidelines for trimester 1 & 2 to be included
- Tone it right down and work at a low to moderate intensity
- Concentrate on strengthening your core, posture and pelvic floor
- Use a swiss ball instead of standing for most movements.
- Low to no impact movements only.
- Take stress off your back and pelvis by performing movements on all fours
- Relaxation, yoga and stretching is very important to help you feel less stressed, tired and sore.
- 15-20 mins max of moderate cardio.
- Very light weights or body weight for resistance.
- Listen to your body and if you are not comfortable or something does not feel right stop immediately.
- Staying active is great but if it is causing more tiredness, aches , pains or is uncomfortable maybe short walks are enough and its time to put your feet up and rest
The above are basic guidelines for the average person and may not suit you or your specific needs. You MUST gain medical clearance before doing any exercise whilst pregnant even if you were fit or active before. Please contact me via my website or DM me on Instagram for any specific help.
Remember to listen to your body during this time and do not compare your self to others - we are all on our own journey and what suits one Mum to be may not suit another.
For more articles on health and fitness please visit my website www.bybrittanynoonan.comand if you have any questions please feel free to contact me via Instagram @bybrittanynoon or via my website/