Top 3 tips on keeping active during the 3rd trimester
We all know the importance of keeping moving through pregnancy - but it can also be a pretty overwhelming time physically and things are certainly looking and feeling different as you approach the last few weeks before the baby arrives.
So here’s some top tips on how to keep active whilst you count down the final days…
Try some pregnancy pilates. The movements are based around maintaining core strength and careful movements of the spine - so it can be a really good way to try to combat that classic poor posture of the heavily pregnant woman with a pronounced curve through her lower back and a rounded shoulder position. Protecting your back throughout pregnancy will serve you well in the fragile postnatal period when you may find yourself very static due to the feeding demands of a newborn.
Feeling heavy through the tummy and experiencing pain in the groin? Your best bet is some slow and steady walking. Because sometimes the simplest solutions are the best. Whilst you’re walking, concentrate on maintaining good posture with your shoulders relaxed. You should be able to hold a conversation whilst exercising when heavily pregnant, so don’t try to make this into a cardio power house. Slow and steady wins the race.
If you want to introduce movement that aids relaxation and improves breath control (great in labour) then pregnancy yoga is the one for you. As with any exercises undertaken during pregnancy, it is best enjoyed with a fully trained and qualified pregnancy instructor. Overstretch is the main concern here – so go steady and pull back at the first sign of discomfort. Any upper body slow reaches and rotations will all feel great for you right now.