Am only 15 weeks so far so not had any problems yet (well apart from evening sickness interfering with rehearsals but that's gone now), but was just wondering if there are any pregnant ladies out there who sing in a chorus or choir or whatever.
I sing in an a cappella chorus and we rehearse for 3 hours one night a week, plus performances around once a month. Just wondering if there's anything I should be expecting over the next few months, particularly re breathing etc. i.e. I assume it will eventually get more difficult as there is less room for proper breathing.
Have already felt ridiculously exhausted after a 3 hour rehearsal (standing on risers) rather than just exhausted the regular amount. I don't think I can sustain a note for as long due to air but not sure if it's just cos I've also been away and not practising as much.
Anyway, any peeps who've done this, thoughts and experiences welcome!
D
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Pregnancy
Any pregnant singers out there?
Deliaskis · 01/09/2010 14:53
I don't want to take months off, was hoping to get away with singing until Christmas (7 months) but 5 months is really soon (sob). The DH coming home to find me asleep at 6.30 is very familiar already though!
I know I am already tired and I think this has contributed to me missing the odd rehearsal cos I have had to work late and so didn't feel like rehearsal after, or when I've just been a bit under the weather rather than actually sick.
Maybe I'll just see how I get on - perhaps I can just sit down for as much as possible - can't be all of it as it's barbershop so there is 'choreo' to go with the singing.
Our chorus is also quite new so I am the first person to have this situ so there's no 'precedent' IYSWIM, in terms of sitting down to rehearse, just coming for 2 hours instead of 3, etc. Everybody is lovely and very supportive but I do feel a bit like they might not get that it's hard.
D
This reply has been deleted
Message withdrawn
Ah yes hadn't thought about pelvic floor! Good tip 
.
D
The main problem I've found is that I can't use my my diaphragm properly, so I don't have the same vocal power, can't sustain notes and lose the lower part of my range.
I'm a singing teacher, and it's very frustrating.
However, it all came back last time (once I started getting some sleep and was able to practice again), so I'm sure it will again.
My suggestion would be (assuming this is your first pregnancy) don't get too hung up on the competition. You may be able to do it, or you may not.
You may also find that you don't care as much once your baby is here!
Congratulations, btw. 
There is hope Deliaskis... I worked as a singer/guitarist 3-4 nights per week up until 8.5 months
Admittedly, bouncing about playing the guitar and singing was exhausting and the acid reflux was intense! DD used to move alot during my gigs and my diaphragm had no room whatsoever by the end!
I bet your baby is loving listening to your voice 
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It's a very personal thing.
I'm 21 weeks and am having to breath a bit more often but am fine. I was a full-time member of the London Symphony Chorus a couple of years ago and my good friend A stood next to me in the proms and sang her heart out at eight months pregnant. She was fine and it was only at her DP's insistence that that was her last concert before the baby was born.
She had to breath more often but that was about it.
(Oh and the Royal Albert Hall staff insisted she be on the end of a row nearest the Fire Exit just in case!)
Just to post a positive message, I found my voice returned much richer with a better tone than before I was pregnant. No idea whether it was pregnancy related or not, but my voice certainly improved for the better
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