Being pregnant and giving birth was the most amazing thing my body has ever done. And it was also one of the most challenging, bringing about major changes in my body, as happens in every pregnant body. 

As your belly and breasts grow, your centre of gravity changes, throwing off your balance. Changing hormone levels allow your connective tissues to be more lax, which can sometimes lead to instability in joints. Your abdominals and pelvic floor are put under pressure from the growing baby. This leads to development of diastasis recti, or a gap between the two halves of the rectus abdominis (6- pack) muscles as well as possible reduced function of the pelvic floor. Feet spread. Back muscles feel strained and sore. Shoulders round forward due to increased belly and breast size. Your pelvis position changes and glute muscles (bottom muscles) can't work as well.

Properly programmed pregnancy exercise positively impacts all of these issues. How amazing is that?

Even more amazing is that EXERCISING DURING PREGNANCY POSITIVELY IMPACTS the HEALTH and WELLBEING of BOTH YOU AND YOUR BABY, not only while you are pregnant, but for YEARS after!

Exercise benefits include:
✔  decreased risk of pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia/pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes
✔  preparation for the specific physical demands of labour and childbirth
✔  better chance of fewer complications and interventions in delivery
✔  faster recuperation after labour
✔  prevention and management of urinary incontinence
✔  improved posture, reducing aches, pains and physical ailments
✔  improved circulation which can reduce or help prevent constipation, swelling, varicose veins, leg cramps, haemorrhoids
✔  weight gain control, when appropriate and indicated by your doctor or midwife, to reduce the incidence of maternal excessive weight gain which increases the risk of pregnancy-induced hypertension and gestational diabetes, as well as foetal distress
✔  women who exercise during pregnancy have a reduced incidence of delivering a baby identified as either large for gestational age or small for gestational age
✔  decreased risk of obesity later in life for the infant and mother
✔  healthier babies
✔  research has now shown that maternal aerobic exercise during pregnancy delivers health benefits to your child including reduced susceptibility to cardiovascular disease for their lifetime!
✔  increased energy
✔  better sense of wellbeing, self-esteem, body image
✔  improved cardiovascular fitness and strength
✔  reduced back and pelvic pain
✔  reduced likelihood of back injury

✔  stress reduction, increased feeling of well-being
✔  decreased risk of anxiety and depression, including post natal
✔  improved sleep
✔  increased physical and mental ability to cope with the demands of motherhood