We have furthered our studies and skills to enable us to work with pregnant women and those who have recently given birth.

There is a massive anatomical change during pregnancy and as a baby grows it places additional structural demands on the female body. We will teach you about these structural changes and the amazing way in which the body adapts.

Pregnancy also affects the female body’s cardiovascular and respiratory systems in a significant way and this plays a major factor in planning a safe fitness regime for a pregnant woman. In addition to physical changes pregnancy has a number of psychological effects which need to be considered.

How does pregnancy affect a woman’s ability to exercise? What changes need to be made to an existing programme, what exercises need to be adapted? Were you inactive or active before you became pregnant? How will this effect things? We can answer these questions as we work together.

We will also be able to provide you with critical abdominal training recommendations and show you how to adapt this essential component of training for the ante natal client through each trimester.

Did you Know?

Diastasis Recti is the separation of abdominal muscles during pregnancy and occurs in around 66% of pregnant women. It is a 1 finger gap above and below belly button pre delivery and 2 – 3 finger gap post delivery. Women who experience this should await 6 -8 week check before resuming abdominal exercises post pregnancy as this could further the gap between muscles.

Relaxin  is a hormone released from the placenta during the second trimester (13 – 25 weeks). This makes the ligaments looser and effects all the joints including the lower back. The effects can last for up to 6 months after the birth so post pregnant active ladies must be careful doing impact exercise and be wary not to overstretch.

Progrestrone is another hormone released during second trimester that’s effects relaxes gums and can lead to teeth loss in pregnant mothers!