Twin Pregnancy- Third Trimester Exercise and Wellness

We have followed Gemma since April 2013 during her twin pregnancy! Now at 37 weeks the babies will be here very soon.

Throughout the majority of her pregnancy Gemma has been so lucky in that she has felt absolutely fine and had no sickness or fatigue. In fact it was only on her last personal training session with me just before the 34 week mark that she felt quite tired and was starting to feel a little uncomfortable, especially after 2 very busy weeks at work. This is amazing for a multiple pregnancy!

The following day she went into premature labour which took 48 hours to stop with medication.

Since then Gemma has made it to her C section date which is scheduled for tomorrow Tues 17th September 2013 and she will be just over 37 weeks!

SLOW DOWN 
It took the scare for Gemma to slow down and stop working as hard. I know just how hard it is to slow down especially when you are feeling so good during your pregnancy.  Many of my clients also feel this way especially if self employed you just don't stop, you can't and the downside is that you can't really switch off either. You must listen to your body you need to rest.

Exercise:
Gemma's exercise over the last 4- 6 weeks has reduced in both intensity and duration. She has managed 2-3 easy to moderate strength sessions each week.

Our focus during her training sessions has continued to be on preventing lower back and pelvis pain. 
We addressed changes in her posture as the weight of the babies pulled Gemma's pelvis into excessive lumbar extension and continuing to prevent pregnancy abdominal muscle separation- diastsis recti.

Here are 3 video's:
Third Trimester exercises- exercises to help you prepare for birth, prevent diastasis recti and lower back pain.

28 weeks

31-32 Weeks

33 Weeks 

34 Weeks- Easy Exercise

I met with Gemma just last week to catch up and see how she was feeling, if she was managing to relax and how she has coped with not doing anything. She had been sneaking in some bicep curls, tricep dips and side leg lifts, well done.

These exercises can help you recover post a section and would help maintain the glute strength we had been working on over the past 8 months.

Gemma looked fantastic and still couldn't believe that the twins would be here within the week. 

Having really slowed down the past 2-3 weeks she was now rushing around to finish things off and sure enough had had a few braxton hicks. The plan for the next few days was to completely rest and enjoy putting her feet up on the last weekend before her scheduled section. It was especially important that the babies didn't make an early entrance as her obstetrician was not on the weekend roster. Gemma did not want to risk the babies being delivered by a different Doctor.

Still NO diastasis recti either! So if you want to prevent diastasis during your pregnancy follow the exercises in the Twin Pregnancy Series and purchase your Fit2BirthMum program from my website: http://pregnancyexercise.co.nz/services/alias

Gemma will unfortunately have a diastasis post a section as the abdominal muscles need to be separated during the operation! But she had been gifted by http://abdomend.com.au a C section recovery belt to aid recovery and healing, thanks Abdomend.

 I am going to write a blog on Gemma's recovery and how the belt and the Birth2FitMum program help her recovery post the birth of her babies. I will also post baby photo's! 

I will finish this blog by wishing Gemma and her babies all the best for a safe delivery. Can't wait to see them and find out what they are!

The Twins Safe Arrival: http://positivelypregnant-mummytrainer.blogspot.co.nz/2013/09/the-twins-have-arrived.html

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Reduce Leg Fatigue, Varicose Veins and Restless Leg Syndrome during Pregnancy!

Do you stand up on your feet frequently during the day?

A Mum-to-be who just doesn't get the chance to sit down, sound familiar?!

If you are suffering with leg fatigue, muscle cramps, restless leg syndrome and varicose veins?
Wearing compression tights can actually help alleviate these frustrating pregnancy symptoms and it may be time to invest in a pair! 

It was during my second pregnancy that I started to notice my left calf muscle was sore. I wasn't exercising as much as I had been during my first pregnancy and I was on my feet ALL DAY.
I personal train clients 20-24 hours a week standing up around 90% of the time and this second pregnancy I had an 18 month old to look after who didn't sleep, like mother like daughter!
I don't know about you but second time around I couldn't just go home after work and put my feet up to relax and rest like I had managed first time!

 I was quite surprised at 20 weeks when I noticed veins which were very apparent and often sore in my left leg.  I was worried that they would be varicose veins and stick around forever!. They were uncomfortable and I certainly didn't want them to get any more painful. 

Varicose veins can increase with each pregnancy. It is not unusual for you to suffer with them in subsequent pregnancies even though you may not have had them during your first. Your veins are prone to this due to the pregnancy hormones relaxin and progesterone along with increased blood volume. 

Poor circulation is also a factor contributing to varicose veins and work and lifestyle changes in my second pregnancy decreased optimal blood circulation:

• During my first pregnancy I only ever did 2 hours of clients in a row, now I was doing 4 or more clients back to back.
• First Pregnancy I was exercising 1-2 times a day
• I lived in my compression tights as this is what triathletes did.
• I rested and put my feet up often.

I started wearing my compression tights again during the day and would wear lite compression tights in the evening and for a couple of hours at night.

The tights immediately stopped the soreness and if I wore them during the evening the veins would have disappeared by morning.
I also reduced the time on my feet by consciously sitting down more regularly when I was with my clients, making sure I had enough time to cool down properly after exercise and would stretch most evenings.
You also need to make sure that you are adequately hydrated to reduce these pregnancy symptoms.

I am sure that the compression clothing played a huge part in stopping the veins from becoming permanent varicose veins.

During my 3rd pregnancy the veins came back with a vengeance and looked much worse but again I managed to stop them aching and turning in to varicose veins by wearing the compression clothing, sitting down frequently and stretching during the evening. Stretching in the evening and light exercise can help reduce restless leg syndrome.

The veins in my legs had completely disappeared 2-3 weeks after giving birth.

Robyn at 32 weeks pregnant has worn compression tights every day, she has continued to work full time standing up all day and has only just stopped running. 

You can even wear whilst exercising: Robyn training with me at the gym 34 weeks

Compression tights help increase blood flow by improving venous return this can help prevent varicose veins, calf muscle cramps and reduce restless leg syndrome.

Compression clothing may also reduce fluid retention both pre and post pregnancy as studies have found that the fabric reduces muscle fatigue, swelling and muscle soreness.

Post birth they can also be worn to help recovery as they will help to reduce extra pregnancy fluid retention.

2XU are the market leaders in compression clothing and I would strongly recommend you invest in a pair during your pregnancy. Tights can be worn under clothing so are perfect for hairdressers or for women who work with small children and teachers.

If you are suffering with any of the above pregnancy symptoms then I would definitely recommend that you trial a pair of compression tights. You may have to go up just one size from your normal pre pregnancy size so that they last your entire pregnancy.

2XU Websites:
Auckland NZ http://www.2xu.co.nz/Stores/2XU-Performance-Centre-Newmarket
Global:http://www.2xu.com/landing/?r=/product-landing/2/Women 

Research on compression tights: http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/diet-and-fitness/compress-yourself-20121227-2bwwg.html

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If you feel any pain or discomfort whilst exercising, stop. If pain continues consult you L.M.C or G.P. The information included in this article has been written by Lorraine Scapens: She is not able to provide you with medical advice, information is used as guide. You cannot hold Lorraine liable in any way for any injuries that may occur whilst training.

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New Pregnancy Book Challenges the old Rules!

During Pregnancy we are bombarded with information telling us how we should, eat, drink, sleep and exercise to keep ourselves and our babies in the best possible health.

It can be extremely hard to work out what's right as with most topics one person says one thing and another can completely disagree.

Take for instance my profession Pre and Post Pregnancy Exercise.
I advise all women not to do Full push ups, crunches, frontal planks and pilates 100's after 15 weeks pregnant as it increases diastasis recti-abdominal muscle separation BUT there are still so many other professionals promoting these 'wreck your belly' type of exercises!

So when one woman Emily Oster has come out and stood up against many controversial issues surrounding pregnancy it is bound to create a stir especially when she suggests that drinking wine is ok! Her new book is called 'Expecting Better'!

There are many topics discussed in the book but a couple discussed below in the news piece are: sushi, alcohol and bedrest.

New Book Challenges No Drinking During Pregnancy 

Here is the latest news report, comment with your thoughts!

New Pregnancy Book: 'Expecting Better' 

Watch on Fox News

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Horse Riding during Pregnancy: Should Zara Philips continue to ride, is it safe?

Should Pregnant Athletes take the risk if their chosen sport is deemed unsafe? 

Zara Philips is in the headlines yet again after riding at Gatcombe horse trials taking part in the Dressage section at approx 4-5 months pregnant. This is just a few weeks after she competed at the Barbury Horse Trials where she took a fall and yes a Polo Event at 4 months pregnant. 

Zara Philips 4 months pregnant at a Polo Event

Now just what is Zara Philips doing you might ask, is she trying to prove a point, what statement is she trying to make or is she just out to prove something to herself?

As an ex age group triathlete I can understand how professional athletes feel when they are pregnant and how they may wonder if they can continue their chosen sport which is often their job, safely during their pregnancy.
Some outsiders may say that they should not be pregnant if this is their focus?!

I say, why take that risk? It is not worth it and there are alternative sports and exercises that women can do during their pregnant months.

Safe Sports:
There are many sports that are safe to continue to do during pregnancy running, cycling and swimming for instance. There are also many sports that can be continued with modifications golf, tennis and weightlifting are just a few examples.

Sports that carry a Risk:
Sports not to do after the first trimester would be contact sports and sports that have an increased risk of injury. 

 Pregnancy is not a time to challenge yourself or prove a point!

Zara Philips Riding at Barbery

Horse Riding During Pregnancy
Now I am also an ex 3 day event rider! Women who have rode for years and have a deep understanding with their horses can continue riding safely at theirs and their babies risk, but this is not galloping around fields, jumping cross country fences or taking on polo which all increase the risk of a fall and abdominal trauma. It could just be a casual hack around the farm but again this could still cause a risk if the horse got spooked!

As a triathlete even though it is safe to continue I gave up road cycling almost immediately as I myself didn't want to take the risk of getting hit by a car, the roads here in NZ are terrible and many of my friends have been knocked off their bikes. I chose the alternative-indoor cycling.

Why are some sports more of a risk?
Once your uterus becomes an abdominal organ, it has grown in size and moved upwards out of the safety of the pelvis which normally happens around 14-16 weeks then blunt abdominal trauma can damage the pregnancy.

So it would seem like common sense for a women to modify or eliminate performing exercise that carries a high risk of abdominal trauma horse riding, water skiing, serious rock climbing, or the like. 

So no I don't think that Zara Philips should be jumping fences and putting herself and her baby at risk I can only think that as a first time mom she has no conception of just how lucky she is to be pregnant?

Instead of trying to continue to compete and take risks I think that she should be training for her pregnancy in the same way she would train for a riding event, with serious planning!
Focus on commitment, flexibility and compromise which in the end equate to success. Preparing specifically but safely for pregnancy, labour, birth and baby if she does that then she will truly cherish the Gold Medal award that awaits her.

Purchase a Pre or Post Natal Exercise & Health From: http://pregnancyexercise.co.nz

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If you feel any pain or discomfort whilst exercising, stop. If pain continues consult you L.M.C or G.P. The information included in this article has been written by Lorraine Scapens: She is not able to provide you with medical advice, information is used as guide. You cannot hold Lorraine liable in any way for any injuries that may occur whilst training.

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Be Specific- Prepare Your Body for Labour and Train For the Birth You Want

Exercise For Labour Part 2

In the first article I explained why you need to train specifically for birth and showed you 3 must do exercises to prepare for labour and birth: Specificity is the Key

In this blog I am going to show you the BEST exercises to  prepare you for labour and the natural birth you want!

Watch the video to see how using suspension trainers can prepare you 100% specifically for labour and birth. These fantastic exercising tools allow you to practice better suited labour positions before the onset of labour so you are much better prepared when the day arrives.

Don't worry if you don't have a suspension trainer you can use a bar at the local park or gym a cable machine with the full weight stack on or even a large towel wrapped around a post will all work.

Allow Gravity to Assist for a Faster Birth

Any position that you can hold during labour that allows gravity to assist will naturally reduce the time of your labour and by up to 90 minutes!
The only challenge for you is that to hold these positions and then give birth you really do need to be physically fit and strong as they are not easy! 

Yes it may be easier for your Dr./Health Care Provider if you lie on your back but its not natural and is of no real benefit. If you try to birth on your back your pelvis opening is much smaller and you stand a much higher chance of requiring interventions and having stitches.

A little bit of exercise for just 30 minutes, 3 times a week is all that is needed to help you prepare better for labour. Another couple of benefits that lead on from this type of training is that you will end up with strong toned legs and a great looking butt, sounds good?

You will also recover much quicker from a natural birth than from one with  interventions and that  I do know!
So there are many benefits of exercising specifically during the last 10 weeks of your pregnancy!

If you are fit and strong you will recover faster post birth.

Exercises

Side Lunge

This exercise helps to position baby deeper in to your pelvis and strengthens both upper and lower body muscles if performed on a suspension trainer.

You should not do this exercises if you are suffering from lower back pain.

Think about your breathing during the exercise and take your time. Good technique is essential. Perform 12-20 reps depending on your fitness level, rest as and when you need to. This exercise works well when performed in a circuit with Tricep dips. Do 2-3 sets

Support Squat

I love this exercise and my clients do too.  When you are in labour to cope with contractions you can hold this position and hang on a couch, chairs or a bench which is what I did at the beach with number 2. Oh and definitely don't forget your partners neck which is how we both endured labour for hours with number 1! This photo was taken when I was having a contraction just 1 hour before my 3rd baby was born! See how the exercise relates.

The Support Squat is a challenging exercise which you need to do slowly, concentrate again on your breathing. Maintain good upright posture and push your knees out over your toes, avoid rolling your knees in. Try to relax your pelvic floor muscle at the end range of the squat, close your eyes and focus on baby descending down deeper in to your pelvis. Place your body weight in your heels, contract your glute (butt) and abdominal muscles and push upwards using your leg muscles, exhaling out. Do 6-10 reps and 2-3 sets
Do not Squat past 90 degrees from 30 weeks if your baby is not in optimal fetal position.

You can circuit this exercise with a hip flexor (psoas) stretch holding for 30 seconds to 1 minute

Incline Hold

This position mirrors exactly how I gave birth to two of my babies so it is a very specific exercise to prepare for birth. As you can see in the photo below I would grab and hold the top of the hospital bed whilst I pushed. I was trying to use gas in this photo before I could push!

I would suggest you hold the position on the' trainer' for 4-5 deep breaths in and out and then relax back in to a lower back stretch position repeating 2-4 times. When you try this exercise you will realize just how physical this position is to give birth in.


Include the above exercises in your current exercise program from 30+ weeks. Have a look at the pre and post pregnancy exercise and health programs that are available to you on my website http://pregnancyexercise.co.nz.

Remember be Specific and  Prepare for your Births just as you would any other event.  Please comment if you would like any further information or assistance with your pregnancy exercise program. 

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How to Avoid Abdominal Separation During Pregnancy

Diastasis recti-Abdominal Separation
How can I reduce and minimize this pregnancy condition?
Diastasis recti-
Diastasis recti is a condition where the two right and left sides of the rectus abdominis (your "six-pack" muscle) spreads apart at the body's mid-line (the linea alba). Separation occurs in response to your uterus pushing against the abdominal wall and pregnancy hormones which soften connective tissue. Separation can occur at any time in the last half of pregnancy but is most problematic after pregnancy when the abdominal wall is weak, when there is no longer a baby inside to aid support. Premature separation can also be seen as early as 20 weeks.

There are varying degrees of this condition during pregnancy
Factors during pregnancy that can cause premature separation:
Poor Posture
Daily Activities
Incorrect Exercise
Multiple Pregnancies
Subsequent pregnancies (pregnancies too close together-) when the muscles have not returned back to their pre pregnancy strength or closure

What to do
If you want to reduce your diastasis then you 1st need to address the things you do daily. Poor posture is held over numerous hours and days and daily activities can also be done for many hours. Anything you do over a long period of time will increase this condition very quickly.

Incorrect Exercise during Pregnancy
Exercise in the gym is completed in minutes and we can easily avoid exercises that increase separation if we know what they are. All frontal Planks on the swiss ball or on the floor, full or kneeling press ups should be avoided during second and third Tri-mesters and more suitable core strength exercises should be done.

This photo was taken for this article: FRONT PLANK: As you can see there is increased pressure downwards regardless of how strong the abdominal muscles were prior to pregnancy
More information on the correct exercise to do during your pregnancy check out my website: http://pregnancyexercise.co.nz

Poor Pre & Post Pregnancy Posture
Poor Posture can be harder to correct. Some of us may have had poor posture for many years.
Sway back posture is the main culprit of premature separation. Prior to pregnancy in a sway back posture the core and gluteus muscles along with the mid trapezius in the middle back are long and weak. This incorrect posture pushes the hips and tummy forward, weakening the abdominal muscles further pre & post pregnancy.

Sway Back Posture: Post pregnancy-long and weak abdominal muscles, hips and tummy pushing forward

If poor posture is not addressed and continues during pregnancy lower back pain is inevitable and increased separation will be caused due to the abdominal weakness and continued pushing forward of the uterus. Specific pregnancy strength and postural correction exercise are what is needed.
You need to check your own posture, as you can make the changes you need to today. Link: Pregnancy Posture

Daily Activity:
Possibly one of the worse daily activities that will increase separation is pushing a buggy incorrectly. Many of us will push a buggy several hours during the week!
Decrease weight if possible especially if walking up hill, I would always ask the oldest child to get out and walk if and when possible.
In this photograph this position you are leaning too far forward and rely on the buggy for support not your own muscles-your core strength, there is also alot of upper body tension through the neck and shoulders. In this incorrect pushing position you are pushing down from your tummy increasing separation.

In the correct position your hips are tucked under and you are supporting yourself as opposed to the other way round. You can use your glutes and leg muscles instead of your lower back muscles.There is no upper body tension.

Multiple and Subsequent Pregnancies
Subsequent pregnancies that are close together should not mean that you cannot prevent premature or an increased diastasis recti and just because you are carrying a multiple pregnancy doesn’t mean you will have increased separation. It is paramount that you close the separation after each pregnancy.

By addressing the factors I have mentioned and following a pre or post pregnancy program before commencing a pregnancy diastasis recti is reduced to a minimum therefore increasing your recovery and helping you get rid of your baby tummy quickly post birth.

Choose an exercise program during your pregnancy that will prevent diastasis! : Join our Fit2BirthMum Program today! Many more posts on diastasis on our main website http://pregnancyexercise.co.nz 

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