Fitness advice for moms to be

QueenOSpades

What advice would you give to first time moms about getting fit after pregnancy and giving birth?
What tips or tricks about motivation, exercise, healthy eating, etc. did you learn (the hard way) that you would have appreciated knowing earlier?

I don’t want to wake up one morning 2-10 years from now asking myself “What the heck happened?”.

tulips_and_tea

My advice is get fit BEFORE getting pregnant. Stay active and walk and stretch during pregnancy. Of course, always check with your OBGYN first to make sure you are cleared to walk or whatever, but walking a LOT during pregnancy helps with labor and delivery. It also helps with water retention.

However, no 2 pregnancies are the same, even for the same person, so see what works best for you and your future children.

Also, unless you are carrying multiples the old "eat for two" advice is outdated. Increase the quality of your food, not necessarily the quantity. Again, make sure you are getting enough nutrients to stay healthy though.

julie_broadhead

Start your post baby fitness routine slowly! When you feel up to it, start taking short walks. Do things to strengthen your pelvic floor. Here is a good article on things you can do to help your pelvic floor:
https://www.girlsgonestrong.com/blog/pregnancy/3-exercises-post-pregnancy/

At your post partem check up, ask them to check you for diastasis recti. Have them check the top, middle, and bottom of your abdominals. I have some friends who didn't ask and did not get checked. If you have it and start doing any conventional abdominal work, that will make the separation worse. I had it and used this video to help close my gap. I really wish I had known about post pregnancy physical therapy. If you feel the need, ask for a referral at you PP visit.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EXm5UcVXuEU

After my diastasis rehab, I did parts of Jamie Eason's Post Pregnancy Fitness Trainer. I really liked phase 2. It has circuit workouts that you can break up and do through out your day.
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/jamie-eason-post-pregnancy-trainer.html
Listen to what she says about how to make the program work for you. I spent 2 months on phase 2.

Giving birth...every birth story is different. Yours will be unique to you. Take all of the pre natal classes you can. Even if you are planning on getting an epidural, take the unmedicated birthing class.

Bluepegasus

Check out BodyFit by Amy on Youtube, she's just had a baby so she's got some prenatal and postnatal fitness videos to follow.