Relaxation & Exercise While Pregnant

Congrats on the pregnancy. The exercise and diet is probably what did it--I think that's how I was able to have my little one. Totally unexpected for us too-but the best kind of surprise. I used the elliptical until I was 6 months and just did not feel comfortable getting on and off. Then I walked as much as I could. A friend did yoga when she was pregnant but it was in a class. You can preview videos as collagevideo.com They have tons and previews are available for most if not all. That is where I get any videos I use. Good Luck

This is unrelated to exercise while pregnant but I would check out hypnobabies.com. It is a "pain management" through hypnosis curriculum that involves several self-hypnosis lessons and practic leading up to birth. While I used an epidural anyway, I felt that it really helped me relax and helped birth go smoothly and even may have helped my daughter's temperament (she's been such an easy baby). I really enjoyed it. While with a young son, you may not have tons of time for meditating, but I listened to many of the lessons as I was falling asleep and it's supposed to be just as effective that way. Good luck!

everything I've seen says not to start anything NEW while preg, but you can and should continue what you were doing before. I would keep weights to a minimum - go for high reps, low weight. Eliptical is great. Running is fine until you feel uncomfrotable doing it. Swimming is great too, and wonderful once you're bigger. I have a prenatal yoga DVD - can't remember which one but it's quite good and you can easily do parts of it, rather than the whole thing. Finally, think about your birth for next time around. Will you try a VBAC? Have you thought about it at all? Visit www.ican.org and http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ck=10214#... for some information that can help you weigh the benefits and risks of repeat c-section vs. VBAC. Have you thought about what you'd like to do differently aside from your overall health? Do you want to be with the same care provider? Same hospital? Natural birth or epidural again, if you're planning a VBAC? Just throwing some ideas out. Congrats on your pregnancy! I wish you a healthy and happy one!

Hi,
While not a fitness program, hypnosis really helped me relax while pregnant and during the delivery. My goal with the hypnosis was a drug-free VBAC birth with as little pain as possible and that's what I got. Even if your goal is different, it really does help you relax and avoid any interventions you may not want. I know it sounds weird and kind of like quackery, but it might be worth a try just for the relaxation skills. I used the hypnobabies home study course. http://hypnobabies.com/index.php Congrats and good luck!

First, congrats on your news! How very exciting! I have used the Crunch Mama Yoga DVD and found it to be really great. It's good for beginners and really helps you bond with your baby. Here is a link so you know which DVD I'm referring to...I'm sure they sell them at Amazon and other sites too: http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?PID=6706324&amp...

Enjoy and congrats again!!