I went into this pregnancy thinking I would be able to keep my fitness routine the entire time like some of those amazingly fit women you see online. I was WRONG! But, to be honest, I am okay with that. I'm okay because I am unique, my body is unique, and I have kept our baby and myself healthy without having to maintain that grueling schedule!
A lot changes in a little time in the second half of pregnancy. I mean, look at this transformation picture of my bump at 21+ weeks versus today at 35+ weeks! That's a lot of growth!!!
1. Walk every day. Even if it is a turtle's pace of a 10 minute half mile. It will give you time to think, give you time to be thankful, and is one of the best things you can do for your baby and your body.
2. Do Yoga every day, too. Learn a few moves and do them before bed. If you can afford it, enroll in a prenatal yoga class. If you can't, find one for free on YouTube. Learning to breathe through pain is going to be invaluable when these babies make their grand entrances, ladies!
3. DON'T try to do it all. Some days I am all in and will do a DVD, lift weights, and be super active. Other days going for a walk exhausts me. When I am tired, I stop. You must learn to listen to your body!
4. Drink water. Yes, the bathroom trips every hour during the night suck BUT being well hydrated will help to ward off uterine discomfort and even premature contractions. Dehydration does all sorts of ugly things during pregnancy!
5. Eat your protein!! It will keep you from binging on bagels and other deliciously amazing carbohydrates by keeping you fuller longer. Your body needs protein to be highly functioning when you aren't growing another human - imagine what you need now!!!
6. Get an exercise ball and sit on it for a little bit every night. This allows your pelvic bones to start to loosen and spread as your body starts to release hormones that do the same thing!
7. It is OKAY to give in to cravings every once in a while. You've got to learn to forgive yourself and know that moderation is okay. You are only lucky enough to be pregnant so many times in your life - if your craving an ice cream cone, eat one every so often!!!
8. Don't neglect your arms. I learned this one by ERROR. I haven't been lifting and you can tell! I miss my toned arms. I'm not saying you need to go all out in Body Beast mode, but light weight dumbbells while watching TV can do a lot to keep you toned.
9. Get an pregnant accountability partner. I found this in the women I am in an October Babies Facebook group with and having people to go to with pregnant body questions is so important!
10. Find the balance between movement and rest. Until you are told otherwise, do not become sedentary. On the other side of the coin, don't keep yourself from the rest your body needs! It is all about BALANCE!
Bonus Tip: DON'T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHER PREGNANT LADIES!!! This is like torturing yourself. Every single person is so different. You don't know where the started or what struggles they are overcoming. It may look like they're having a picture perfect pregnancy with their cute bumps and cravings for veggies but you don't know what struggles they are hiding! Be supportive of other pregnant ladies, but do not compare yourself to them.
Just remember that it is about YOU and YOUR JOURNEY. You need to do what is best for you and your baby. Staying fit is going to keep you energized, lead to a smoother labor, and a speedier postpartum recovery. In the words of my friend and partner in home workout crime, Tony Horton, do your best and forget the rest, ladies!!
xoxoxo,
C
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