Hello, FitnessRx for Women readers! Thanks for stopping back in to read my blog.
This week, I’d like to talk about a couple things— 1) My birth plan and “mentally” preparing for baby, and 2) Reasons why it’s good to work out during your pregnancy!
Mental Preparation
I’ve had several women contact me via private message about how I plan to deliver my baby. Thank you for the e-mails! I mentioned in one of my first blog entries that Tim and I had done some reading and decided that we wanted to try the natural route, and there were a number of reasons for that. I have encountered some who are not so supportive to this idea, and others who think it’s great. As I mentioned before, there is no right and wrong; you have to do what works for you and your spouse, but mainly what works for you!
We have chosen the HypnoBirthing method. HypnoBirthing (I know, it sounds quite hokey and many people will laugh at it, but whatever) teaches you that pain and fear are really a mind thing. It’s mind over matter, so I’m trying to channel away all fears and let my body do what God and nature designed it to do. It’s quite interesting. I never thought I would go this route, but now it just seems to make sense… I know many women who have given birth naturally on more than one occasion, and if they can do it, I can, too. Women have been doing this since the dawn of man, whether you believe that happened with Adam and Eve, or evolution. Birth is nothing new… and it shouldn’t be feared. Of course, it is not a walk in the park, but I don’t want to go into it with predetermined pain or fear, so I’m leaving all that at the door.
In my HypnoBirthing book, which I borrowed from a friend (thanks Heather!) it teaches you to focus on anything but the pain, and to welcome the baby and the changes going on in your body… that the birth of your baby is something you are sharing with him, and it should be viewed as special. I’ve even been watching HypnoBirthing videos (yes, they are on YouTube, but don’t worry, most of them don’t show too much!) and the births are much more calm and quiet than the typical movie scene of moms screaming at the top of their lungs and verbally attacking the husband. ;)
Now this may be easier said than done— I definitely don’t want to come off as having all the answers, because I don’t! I know it’s also important to be willing to be flexible. While my midwife knows I do not want drugs or have them even offered during my delivery, I also know that things do not always go as planned. My birth plan and ideals might go right out the window, and I need to trust the experts if and when that time comes, too. Or who knows, maybe I will get dilated to seven and be screaming for pain meds! You just never know… ;)
There are certain breathing/calming phases associated with this method, and the book came with an instructional CD to help you relax and get in the right mental state. Well, every time I try to listen to the CD, I fall asleep! Maybe that is a little too relaxed?! But, I have found that with this part of mentally preparing for the baby, I am fearing my delivery less and less as it approaches.
Benefits of Working Out While Pregnant
Physically preparing for the baby is still happening. This past weekend I did several loads of baby laundry— all with special soaps of course, dye free… and no dryer sheets or fabric softener. Who knows what the little guy will be sensitive to? Anyway, he’s already got a closet full of stuff, washed and ready to go… it was time consuming, but I can’t say I didn’t enjoy it a bit. I’m definitely nesting!
The true physical part about preparing for baby is happening in the gym, though. As you guys know, I am still working out. I plan to work out until I am either told not to, or till I have the baby! My doc did not put me on any weight restrictions yet, nor has she instructed me to stop working out. If you have the energy to work out while pregnant, do it! I always find it strange when women stop working out the moment they find out they are pregnant. The key is not to overdo it, obviously, and some things may require change in your workout routines, but stopping cold turkey is rarely necessary. There are many benefits to continuing to work out while pregnant. Here are some key points to keep it up!
Becoming active and exercising at least 30 minutes on most, if not all, days of the week can benefit your health during pregnancy in the following ways:
• Helps reduce backaches, constipation, bloating and swelling
• Helps prevent or treat gestational diabetes
• Increases your energy
• Improves your mood
• Improves you posture
• Promotes muscle tone, strength and endurance
• Helps you sleep better
Regular activity also helps keep you fit during pregnancy and may improve your ability to cope with labor. This will make it easier for you to get back in shape after the baby is born.
Source: http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq119.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20130306T2115389367
Also, this article is a bit longer but worth the read. It highlights benefits for baby, too! If this isn’t enough to get you off the couch for your baby, I’m not sure what is :) http://www.fitpregnancy.com/workouts/prenatal-workouts/33-reasons-exercise-now
Until next time, friends!
Xo Becca
