Fit for Labour, how do I achieve this..........?

[ANGELMOTHER]

Am now nearly 23 weeks pg and feel the need to sign up for some ante-natal classes. I'm under no illusions that right from the beginning of this pregnancy I was no where near as fit as I was with dd, in fact I probably needed to diet first.
Strangely though I have recently developed what I can only describe as a pulled groin muscle on my right side and find walking more tiring than I think it should be just yet.
I am planning a natural (poss water birth) at home so feel strongly that as well as toning and stretching I think I should do some mental preparation also.
Sorry for the long winded message but really want to have a good home birth where I'm physically and mentally strong enough to stay in control.I feel that this strained muscle in my leg is a sign that I need to start actively doing something about achieving this.
Have all the books but now need recommendations for exercise or yoga classes etc.....
Oh yes I'm in Surrey (Redhill/Reigate) but am flexible.......well not enough

Angelmother, you need to talk to a physio. Specifically, a physio with an interest in pregnancy. I was like you, thought I should be exercising /stretching /getting up to speed, but in fact I needed to REST my complaining ligaments.

The pulled groin muscle could be just that, or the pain could be referred from your pubic symphysis. The obstetric physio taught me invaluable and simple ways to spare strain on those harrassed joints. Every time I got in and out of the car I was making it worse, until she taught me to do it safely.

I went to a brilliant aquanatal class in Dorking, by the way. It was only brilliant when the regular person was there, her stand-in was useless.

Active preparation is bound to help you even if you don't get the birth you want. You'll know that you did what you could.

Hi Angelmother.... what about AN yoga ? I hear there are good classes in your area.
If you suffer from your pubis - a proper teacher would know what you can and can't do.
If you want I can ask my last "birth" mum/client where she took her classes. She lives in Reigate.

Hi Eemie - I haven't "seen" you here in a while or did I just miss the threads you participated in?

Is it time for our next East Surrey meet up???

I have symphysis pubis dysfunction, and have been told to do very little exercise EXCEPT for antenatal pilates. If you can find a class I really recommend it. Good for the pelvic floor too.

Yoga too motherinferior

I went to a great aquanatal class to it was run by midwive's and they were on hand to help with any problem's it was a good laugh to.Good to mix with other pregnant women and the relxation bit at the end was really helpfull.

pupuce, hi, I have been around. Another meet-up sounds like an excellent idea.

Yes please Pupuce any recommendations are appreciated. Yoga or pilates I'd happily give either a go......AN Yoga I assume is Ante-natal yoga ?
Thanks for all advice, maybe I'll actually make the next East Surrey meet up

I agree with happycat (no relation with me) I still go to normal acquaerobic classes, and only have a couple of weeks to go.
The gym instructor normally tells me which exercises to avoid since I am pg.

According to my midwife the excercise has helped the baby to turn in the right position on time.

I find them good fun and easy as the water supports your weight and you don't sweat or feel tired afterwards.

Angelmother - would you go to Oxted? Have a look here
www.birthlight.com (check for local classes)
This is where I trained and so did Penny Roberts - it is an EXCELLENT training programme and I have heard loads of good stuff on Penny but never met her and I doubt she knows about me.
My Reigate client has not e-mailed me back yet...

Thanks Pupuce, looks perfect for what I need. Have e-mailed Penny and hope I'm in time for next round of classes.