I try not to spend too much time dwelling on the past, but today I thought I’d share a few of the things I’ve been thinking about when it comes to pregnancy. This is my second pregnancy, but I think this info might be helpful to first time and veteran moms alike.
Overall, this pregnancy has been fantastic, but my body feels much different this time around and there are 3 things that I *wish* I had worked on before getting pregnant again:
1. Healing the gap in my abs (diastasis recti)
I’ve talked to Julie from Mommy Fitness about this point extensively. My pregnancy with Eleanor left me with a very wide, very deep gap in my abs. I started working with Julie just a few weeks before getting pregnant again, and that’s when I found out the extent of the damage done to my core. The good news is that with the proper care and focus, it can be healed. The bad news is that it takes time – LOTS of time. And I wasn’t willing to wait.
Deciding not to focus on healing my diastasis recti has resulted in more back strain for this pregnancy. When one part of your body is compromised (in this case, my abs), another part has to compensate (my back). Had I taken the time to mend my abs, I truly believe I wouldn’t have the back pain I’ve been experiencing over most of this pregnancy.
I cannot wait to work with Julie and her AbMend program to heal postpartum! I don’t know if there will be a baby #3 in my future, but if there is, I want to be ready!
2. Strengthening my pelvic floor
This point is a little personal, but someone’s gotta talk about it, haha! There’s no way around it, pregnancy and child birth do a number on your pelvic floor. I remember going for my first run after having Eleanor and basically peeing my pants before I got around the block. My body healed naturally, but after getting pregnant again, it was obvious that I hadn’t put in the work to strengthen my pelvic floor enough.
By the beginning of my 2nd trimester bladder issues were already creeping in – no more jumping jacks for me! This is another point that I’m so happy Mommy Fitness addresses. Julie leads us in pelvic floor exercises at the end of every. single. class. That’s how important they are! Whether you are getting pregnant for the first time or the fifth, I STRONGLY recommend focusing on your pelvic floor before, during and after your pregnancy!
3. Regaining strength and flexibility
My postpartum goal after Eleanor was simple: get my pre-baby body back. I feel like I basically LOOKED like I did before, but my body wasn’t the same. I had lost strength in my upper body and overall my flexibility was terrible. Now add another pregnancy and a 2nd trimester baby bump, and sometimes I don’t feel like my body is my own.
I wish I would have set solid fitness goals for myself to achieve prior to pregnancy #2. Despite the fact that I am not where I wish I was physically, I am working hard to keep up a healthy fitness regimen. I push myself in each class, but now isn’t the time to recoup the abilities I lost over the past two years. Maintenance is the name of the game.
Pregnancy is an amazing adventure, and I’m continually learning more about my body and the entire process. I truly mean it when I say that I LOVE being pregnant – there are just a few things that I think would have made the experience even better :)
Your turn:
Been there done that moms, do you have anything to add?
If you’re thinking about getting pregnant, have you heard any advice?
*I have been provided a complimentary membership to Mommy Fitness
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