Is there anything I can do NOW to help get my body back afterwards?

[KatieWatie]

I am a first-timer and, along with everything else I am worrying about, I am also panicking about getting my body back after pregnancy (specifically my stomach).

Does anyone have any tips on what I can be doing right NOW to help this? I am currently 26 weeks and feel like I am just vegetating. I injured my back in early pregnancy which is making it difficult to walk without pain. My physiotherapist also recommended I don't swim breaststroke. I have a pool and would be swimming daily if it wasn't for this. What else can I do in the water? Shamefully I don't know any other strokes.

Other than that I have a pregnancy yoga DVD and just ordered Davina's prenatal workout but I'm not sure if these are actually any good or just designed to make me 'feel' better and like I am doing something.

I'd really appreciate any advice from anyone! Thanks in advance :)

[MotherPanda]

I would let go... light exercise is fine but dont do it to try and keep your bump small - babies need energy to grow!

You can think about getting back into shape six weeks after the babies born, but remember it takes nine months to grow a baby, so give your body at least that much time to get back to normal.

Try to enjoy the one time in your life when you dont have to worry about your body shape.

[NorthLondonDoulas]

Sadly theres not alot you can do before you have your baby but the obvious ones are to eat healthily and stay as fit as you can - although easier said than done if you cant walk without pain and have been told not to do specific forms of exercise. If you want to swim just take it gently, put a float under your head (lie on your back) and just paddle gently with your arms and legs, it will use your muscles still but will be gentle for you. Pregnancy yoga can be really beneficial for when your in labour and it is great after you have had the baby. In my first pregnancy i had a dog and i found that just going for slow walks kept me fit and after i had given birth the walking got me back to shape quickly. Breastfeeding is also fab, not only is it beneficial for baby but it helps contract your uterus back into shape so your tummy goes down much faster than if you were bottle feeding. Good luck and i hope you feel better soon.x

[MrsVidic]

A second timer here - bfeeding is fab for weight loss
Gentle excersize - i still go to the gym and keep active throughout and snap back quickly despite putting on 2,5 stone when preg (usually a size 10 5ft6)
Cook and freeze nice healthy food for when the baby comes
Look for nice walks for when the baby is here - preferably with somewhere to sit and feed if needed
Your body will put on the weight it needs to for the baby- I wouldn't try to affect this by limiting food / pushing too hard on workouts (the last thing you want to do is injure yourself so you can't excersize after preg)
The best thing you can do is focus on growing the baby for now then have a plan for when the babys here
Personally I also use slimming world to get back in shape and will sign up the week I deliver. You're doing something amazing, give yourself credit

[Cattleprod]

Three words - Pelvic Floor Exercises!

[allthefires]

I'm no role model but swimming, walking, and healthy eating have helped friends.

And yes Definately pelvic floor!

[MummyTigger]

Pelvic floor, pelvic floor, pelvic floor! Pelvic floor, pelvic floor, pelvic flooooooor!

Seriously though... it is the best thing you can do. I've been doing them religiously for months now, and have really felt a difference in day-to-day life, not to mention the bedroom. And I haven't even popped the baby out yet! You'll be peeing A LOT during pregnancy. This is fact unfortunately! So what I do is every time I go to pee, I pee for three seconds, stop myself, hold it to the count of ten, then release. Pee for three seconds, stop myself, hold it to the count of ten, then release. Repeat ad nauseum. It really will help :)

[PhyllisDiller]

I'd be in the pool with a float, 1 length with the float under your arms and kick your legs for a length. Another length swimming using just your arms (if you can).

Could you try a pregnancy water-robics class too, nick ideas from the class and come back and do them in your pool.

[Beesok]

MummyTigger totally with you on importance of pelvic floor exercises but I thought it wasn't recommended to do them when you're actually, errm, peeing? I read it may casue a UTI?

[KatieWatie]

Thanks for the suggestions ladies - use a float, great idea!

I must admit I'm confused about the pelvic floors too. I've read conflicting leaflets/books some recommend to do when peeing some don't mention it? Personally like Tigger I prefer to do when peeing as this is the only time I remember

Also do pelvic floors help tone stomach muscles?? Again !

[cookie9]

You should do short and long pelvic floor exercises where you hold for 10 seconds.
My hospital gave me a booklet with some exercises in it and tips on how to move when you are big and how to lift things safely. Perhaps your hospital has a physiotherapy depart which has similar leaflets? They also gave me a list of pregnancy exercises classes in the area. found a pregnancy yoga one literally around the corner.

[MummyTigger]

I'm the same as KatieWatie to be honest - if I didn't do them when peeing I'd forget! But it's like habit now, don't even realise I'm doing it anymore half the time :D