Pregnancy is an exciting and transformative time, but it can also bring about physical challenges. As an experienced pelvic health physiotherapist, I know firsthand how important it is for expecting mamas to stay active during pregnancy—not just for maintaining physical & mental health, but also for preparing for labor and delivery.
If you’re in West Ottawa and looking for a way to stay strong, flexible, and prepared, my 6-week prenatal class series could be the perfect solution!
In this blog post, I’ll explain why exercise is essential during pregnancy, how it can benefit you physically and mentally, and how the prenatal strength class series that I teach at Bloom Integrative Health can help you prepare for delivery.
Why Exercise During Pregnancy is SO Important
Exercise during pregnancy isn’t just about staying fit—it’s about helping your body adjust to the changes pregnancy brings while also preparing it for labor and delivery. Here are some key benefits of staying active during pregnancy:
1. Strengthens Muscles for Labor and Delivery
Labor is physically demanding, and strengthening the muscles involved in childbirth can help you feel more prepared. Focusing on strengthening your core, pelvic floor, and lower body during pregnancy will improve your endurance and stamina, which are crucial for labor. A well-prepared body can help reduce fatigue during delivery and contribute to a smoother birth experience.
2. Improves Posture and Prevents Pain
As your pregnancy progresses, your center of gravity shifts and additional weight is added to your body. This can lead to poor posture, back pain, and even sciatica. Exercise during pregnancy, especially strength training and flexibility work, helps improve posture, strengthen the muscles that support your spine, and reduce pregnancy-related pain. It also helps prevent injuries by keeping your joints and muscles balanced and mobile.
3. Increases Flexibility and Mobility
Pregnancy can lead to tightness and stiffness in certain areas of your body, especially the hips, lower back, and pelvic region. Staying active through exercises that target flexibility and mobility can help alleviate discomfort and reduce the risk of developing issues like pelvic girdle pain or stiffness in the hips. Flexibility and mobility also contribute to improved circulation and better overall physical function.
4. Enhances Pelvic Floor Health
The pelvic floor muscles play a critical role in supporting your growing uterus, controlling bladder function, and assisting during childbirth. Prenatal exercise is a fantastic way to strengthen and learn how to relax the pelvic floor muscles. Learning how to relax the pelvic floor muscles is essential for delivery! A strong, well-functioning pelvic floor will help with bladder control, recovery post-birth, and overall pelvic health.
5. Promotes Mental Health
Exercise is not only beneficial for your body—it’s great for your mind too. Pregnancy can come with emotional ups and downs, and physical activity is known to boost mood, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep. Regular exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” hormones, which help combat stress and improve overall emotional well-being.
6. Prepares Your Body for Postpartum Recovery
Staying active during pregnancy will also help you recover after childbirth. Maintaining strength and flexibility allows your body to bounce back more effectively, reducing the risk of post-delivery discomfort or complications. By building strength in your muscles, particularly your core and pelvic floor, you’ll find it easier to recover and return to normal activities after birth.
How Our Prenatal Strength Class Series in West Ottawa Can Help
At Bloom Integrative Health in Stittsville, I offer a 6-week Prenatal Strength Class Series designed to address all of the areas mentioned above. These classes focus on building strength, enhancing mobility, and preparing your body for labor and delivery in a safe, supportive environment. These classes can be covered under physiotherapy benefits!
Why Choose Prenatal Strength Classes :
If you’re looking for a prenatal exercise program in Ottawa West, Stittsville or Kanata that’s tailored to your unique needs as an expecting mother, our prenatal strength classes are the perfect option. With personalized instruction from a pelvic health physiotherapist, these classes offer a level of expertise and safety that can’t be found in a general fitness class.
Here’s why you should join:
Expertise in Pelvic Health: As a trained pelvic health physiotherapist, I have a deep understanding of the specific needs of pregnant women. I teach exercises that protect and strengthen the pelvic floor, which is critical for both labor and postpartum recovery.
Safe and Effective Exercises: The exercises in our class series are specifically chosen to be safe for pregnancy, helping you avoid injury while getting the maximum benefit from each session.
Community Support: Pregnancy can sometimes feel isolating, but in our classes, you’ll be surrounded by other expecting mothers who share your experiences. The community support provides encouragement and motivation throughout your pregnancy.
Convenient Location in Stittsville: My classes are conveniently held at Bloom Integrative Stittsville / Kanata, so you can easily make time for your prenatal fitness needs without having to travel far.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're ready to improve your strength, flexibility, and overall well-being during pregnancy, my Prenatal Strength Class Series at Bloom Integrative Health is here for you. You’ll benefit from expert guidance, personalized attention, and a supportive community—everything you need to prepare your body for labor and delivery. I look forward to helping you stay strong, healthy, and prepared throughout your pregnancy journey.
Click HERE to book your class series now at Bloom Integrative Health in Stittsville, taught by Camille Poulin, Women's & Pelvic Health Physiotherapist.
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