Pregnancy endorphins.
Exercising pregnant.
Oh how I loved pregnancy. No for real, absolutely loved it. I loved the amazing changes happening to my body: sore boobs, bigger boobs (big win), multiple toilet breaks (especially during the night), broken sleeps, uncomfortable sleeps, first trimester and third trimester nausea, iron deficiency, swollen ankles, occasional back pain, pregnancy glow and everyone’s favourite the huge belly. I smile every time I think about it and can’t wait to be pregnant again.
I love challenges and that was a huge life-changing challenge, which made it so rewarding at the end. I am OBSESSED with exercise. I know, there’s not too many psychos out there like me. I loved having to constantly modify my exercise regime during pregnancy to make it work. And I loved seeing the effects it had on me during the different stages of pregnancy.
Everyone will have their own unique pregnancy story but most people will experience some kind of first trimester sickness. Mine consisted of constant nausea, stomach pain without throwing up. Nope, the advice of constantly snacking did not help the nausea, I felt sick before, during and after food. It lasted 16 weeks and was very frustrating, but the one thing that got me through it was exercise. It was a great distraction. For that 1 hour I was exercising I felt great, even for up to 1 hour after. Even though it was short lived at least I had some form of relief. So just like pre-pregnancy I kept up my daily exercise.
What exactly was my exercise regime you ask? Everything and anything. I just loved moving. Social sports (tennis, soccer, basketball), running, cycling, paddle boarding, hiking, swimming and weights. Having such variety meant I never get bored. But being pregnant meant there were restrictions:
Soccer and basketball stopped immediately
Running stopped at 17 weeks
Tennis stopped around 24 weeks
Hiking stopped at 30 weeks
Cycling stopped at 34 weeks
Paddle boarding stopped at 38 weeks
Weights and swimming all the way through
Exercising during pregnancy was great, it meant I fell asleep as soon as head went to pillow (yes it was still a very broken sleep due to toilet breaks but I fell asleep quickly every time), I didn’t gain unnecessary weight, I always had energy (apart from the small stint of my iron deficiency) and I felt happy all the time (my endorphins went through the roof). It still amazes me how the body changes so much during pregnancy, and to keep yourself fit and healthy through all is the best thing you can do for yourself and your unborn child.
Benefits of exercising during pregnancy:
Back/ pelvis pain
Endorphins
Weight gain
Gestational diabetes
Labour/ delivery easier – more stamina for pushing
Decreases constipation
Energy levels increased
Fit mum = fit baby up to 5 years old
Experience less leg swelling
Cope with nausea better
Recover quicker post birth
Sleep better
Pregnancy glow – more blood flow to the skin
Better immune system - less likely to get sick
