Midwife Pip Podcast Episode 89.
You get pregnant and all of a sudden society throws you every myth, old wives tale,
unwanted opinion and judgement you can imagine. Someone who knows this very
well is this weeks guest who I am very excited to chat too because I genuinely love
scrolling her Instagram account knowing she will make me laugh….
Listen HERE
Pregnancy Myths and Judgement
A simple scroll online and Wham Bam you are hit with a rabbit warren of myths, old
waives tales and misconceptions around pregnancy- the do’s and don’ts and
unhelpful opinions of others. At best, disempowering but at worst this can be
dangerous. One of the most frustrating things for me is the sea of inaccuracy and
scaremongering around exercise in pregnancy.
Does Exercise in Pregnancy cause Miscarriage?
I want to dispel the myth that exercise causes miscarriage. It does not, and there is
no evidence to support exercise as a cause for miscarriage.
Shouldn’t we ‘Take it Easy’ in Pregnancy?
It is strange to me that the idea of a pregnant woman needing to ‘take it easy’ in all
aspects of life still exists. Of course, if you’re having a tough day by all means put
your feet up with a cuppa but this same ideology also leads women to stay away for
high impact or resistance exercise in pregnancy. There are many, but three main
reasons, why I disagree with this…
Firstly, pregnancy is your preparation for birth, abit like the training period
before a marathon. Labour and birth are likely to be the biggest physical and
psychological challenges of your life so it makes sense you go into it feeling
your most strong, capable and powerful. Exercise helps you create this
mindset and feel this way. Whereas being told you should rest, must sit down,
not lift anything heavy does the complete opposite.
Secondly, at the end of your pregnancy journey comes motherhood. By
default this involves carrying, lifting and moving an ever growing weight along
with lugging car seats, prams, squatting to pick up toys, change nappies etc.
now I would argue that having rested for 9 months before the endurance
event that is motherhood, whilst conquering sleep deprivation and post birth
recovery is likely to lead us to injury and burn out instead of ensuring our
bodies are physically primed and prepared for this next stage.
And lastly, there are so many benefits for mothers and babies from exercising
in pregnancy from shorter labour, reduced complications in pregnancy and
birth, speedier postpartum recovery. It may even support your baby’s brain
development during pregnancy.
To learn more about the fascinating benefits and to help boost your motivation for movement check out this:
What Exercise should be Avoided in Pregnancy?
With all the positives of exercise during pregnancy, there are some exercises that
aren’t advisable. If you are in doubt, speak to your midwife or GP.
Contact Sports or Vigorous Racquet Sports during pregnancy- as these may
lead to abdominal trauma, falls or excessive joint stress
Exercise over 2500m above sea level in pregnancy - may lead to altitude
sickness
Scuba Diving in Pregnancy- A no no here… It can cause birth defects or fetal
compression
Hot Yoga- Avoid exercise in extreme heat
How much Exercise is recommended in Pregnancy?
The RCOG recommend a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical
activity in pregnancy per week including 2 muscle strengthening activities… yes
there is your green light to lift weights and strength train in pregnancy too!
Working with a prenatal specialist in Pregnancy will help give you the guidance and
confidence to know you are training in a way to support your health and wellbeing
whilst staying safe in pregnancy- check out my Pregnancy Exercise courses.
For more on ‘Pregnancy Myths and Judgement‘ listen to Midwife Pip Podcast Episode 88 HERE.
Available on all Podcast Platforms.
'On this weeks episode I am joined by Felicity Rosina, who is a Personal Trainer
specialising in Pre and Post Natal Training, currently pregnant with her first baby due
in October she’s all about empowering women and educating them on how they can
still train and feel fit and strong during their pregnancy.'
p.s. have you checked out Midwife Pips Courses
The Author: Midwife Pip
Pip is a Mum, Podcaster and practicing Midwife in the UK, currently working as a Delivery Suite Sister she has a wealth of experience supporting parents-to-be through all aspects of pregnancy, birth and the postpartum. Pip has trained and worked in some of the leading maternity units, has completed a master's programme and is passionate about all aspects of women's health and wellness.
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