The exertion of labor has sometimes been compared to running a marathon race. Your state of fitness and the steps you take to condition in preparation for your “event” will keep your energy levels high will playing a major role in how well you do during labor. Strength training strengthens and tones your muscles, building the stamina you will need during labor and delivery. In addition to weight training, many women find Pilates exercise to be an excellent form of exercise both during and after their pregnancy. Pilates and pregnancy go together so well because Pilates improves range of motion, flexibility, posture, and abdominal strength while decreasing back, neck and joint pain; creating a more comfortable pregnancy and delivery. Another great reason to do Pilates in pregnancy is that Pilates is very adaptable. Most Pilate’s exercises can be modified as your body and abilities change. The modifications help you keep the intent of the exercise, but adjust the form to work for your body. Following exercise and nutrition, massage is the next step in a happy, healthy pregnancy or “training” plan. Massage helps the expectant mother by easing the load on the heart and keeping the blood pressure in check, improving the lymphatic and circulatory systems to help decrease varicose veins, relieve depression, anxiety, and balance hormonal changes. Massage also remedies many of the normal discomforts experienced during pregnancy such as backaches, stiff neck, leg cramps, headaches, edema, round ligament pain, sciatica, and swelling of the ankles and feet. Benefits of massage during pregnancy go far beyond what you may expect. Even the uncomplicated pregnancy is physically demanding, taking the proper steps will allow you to remain strong and fit so you can enjoy this special time.
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