8 Reasons Why I Trained During My Pregnancy
When I found out I was expecting, many people questioned why I wanted to continue training. But let me tell you, my decision to stay active during my pregnancy was one of the best choices I ever made. Here are eight reasons why:
8 Reasons Why I Trained During My Pregnancy
1. Maintain my physical fitness (I have been training and coaching CF for more than 10 years now, this was a part of my daily routine)
Maintaining my physical fitness during pregnancy was of utmost importance to me. As a CrossFit trainer with over a decade of experience, I had incorporated fitness into my daily routine for years. Pregnancy was no exception. Knowing the countless benefits that exercise can bring during this transformative period, I was determined to continue nurturing my body and staying active. Of course, there were adjustments to be made and precautions to take, but my commitment to fitness remained unwavering. Not only did staying active help me manage my weight and improve my overall mood, but it also provided a foundation of strength and endurance that I knew would benefit me during labor and postpartum recovery. Through tailored workouts, I was able to maintain my physical fitness throughout my pregnancy journey, ensuring the health and well-being of both myself and my growing baby.
2. My mental and emotional health (hello happy hormones!)
Working out during pregnancy was an incredible boost for my mental and emotional health. Not only did it help me stay physically fit, but it also released those wonderful happy hormones that lifted my spirits. Engaging in regular exercise helped alleviate pregnancy-related stress and anxiety, leaving me feeling more relaxed and balanced. The endorphins released during my workouts gave me a natural mood boost, providing a sense of euphoria and overall well-being. Additionally, being proactive about my fitness empowered me with a sense of control over my changing body, fostering a positive body image and boosting my self-confidence. Overall, working out during pregnancy was a key component in maintaining my mental and emotional well-being, allowing me to fully enjoy the magical journey of pregnancy.
3. Reduce my “morning” sickness
As many, I experienced debilitating morning sickness that made it challenging to go about my daily activities. However, I discovered that incorporating regular workouts into my routine played a crucial role in alleviating my symptoms. Initially, I was skeptical about exercising while dealing with morning sickness, but I started with gentle activities like diaphragmatic breathing. Not only did these workouts provide me with a sense of relaxation and peacefulness, but they also helped to reduce my nausea. Through consistent workouts and listening to my body's needs, I was able to overcome the morning sickness hurdle.
4. Support a healthy weight management
One of my top priorities was to support a healthy weight management. I understood the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle for both myself and my baby. Engaging in regular workouts became an integral part of my routine as it significantly contributed to achieving this goal. Exercising helped me control excess weight gain. Additionally, staying active during pregnancy aided in strengthening my muscles, which was vital for carrying the extra weight and preparing my body for labor and delivery. By incorporating safe and appropriate exercises into my prenatal fitness regimen, I found confidence in knowing that I was taking proactive steps towards maintaining a healthy weight during this remarkable journey of motherhood.
5. Maintain strong core and minimise ab separation
I wanted to prioritize maintaining a strong core and minimizing abdominal separation (diastasis recti). Strengthening the core muscles became crucial in order to support my growing belly and maintain overall stability. I focused on exercises that targeted my deep abdominal muscles. These exercises helped me develop a strong foundation and improve my posture. Additionally, I incorporated exercises like planks and modified midline exercises to engage the superficial muscles of my core. By consistently incorporating these exercises into my fitness routine, I was able to minimize ab separation and promote overall core strength and stability throughout my pregnancy journey.
6. Maintaining the proper posture and alignment with the growing belly
I found myself wanting to actively take steps to maintain proper posture and alignment, especially as my belly continued to grow. I knew that exercise would play a crucial role in achieving this goal. Engaging in regular workouts not only helped me to strengthen my muscles and maintain flexibility, but it also improved my overall posture. Certain exercises specifically targeted my core and back muscles, which are essential for maintaining proper alignment. Additionally, incorporating stretching and intra-abdominal breathing into my routine helped to relieve any discomfort and tension that often accompany pregnancy. By making a conscious effort to prioritize exercise and focus on my posture, I not only supported my growing belly but also promoted a healthier and more comfortable pregnancy experience.
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7. Minimise the chance of dysfunctions like incontinence or prolapse
During my pregnancy and postpartum journey, I was determined to minimize the chance of experiencing dysfunctions like incontinence or prolapse. Understanding the importance of maintaining strong core muscles, I dedicated myself to a consistent and targeted regimen. I focused on exercises that specifically targeted my core muscles, such as pelvic tilts and deep abdominal exercises. I also incorporated activities that promoted overall strength and stability. By strengthening my core muscles, I aimed to provide additional support to my pelvic organs, reducing the risk of functional challenges and promoting optimal health throughout this transformative chapter of my life.
8. Support my healing process after pregnancy
I made the conscious decision to support my healing process postpartum by staying active and engaging in regular exercise. Understanding the physical changes my body was going through and the importance of maintaining my overall health, I sought out safe and suitable workout routines that were specifically designed for pregnant women. Exercise during pregnancy has been shown to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, improve circulation, and even aid in a smoother labor. By prioritizing my physical well-being during this transformative time, I was able to support my healing process postpartum and ease the transition into motherhood.
Conclusion
These are my 8 reasons. Choosing to stay active while pregnant was one of the best decisions I've ever made. After 2 pregnancies I can tell you, exercise during pregnancy is safe and beneficial for every healthy woman unless specifically restricted by your Oby/Gyn or other obstetric care provider. Please bear in mind though that some exercises need modifications depending on which trimester you are in because of normal anatomic and physiologic changes your body is going through.
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