Pregnancy during a Pandemic When I became pregnant, I knew I wanted to stay active during my pregnancy. I’ve been on a health journey most of my adult life, and prior to this pregnancy I was in a place where I felt strong and loved my body. Staying active is crucial not only for my and my growing baby’s physical health, it's also so important for my mental health. Becoming pregnant in the middle of the pandemic has brought its own unique challenges, and staying active has been a huge component of how I’ve managed my mental health through it all. Giving Grace One of the first things I learned while trying to stay active during pregnancy is to give myself grace. Especially in that first trimester, I got hit with both nausea and extreme fatigue. I had to learn to give myself grace and not beat myself up for the days when I couldn’t do anything active. I’ve talked to several other women who felt the same way in the beginning of pregnancy, and many felt bad that they weren’t able to maintain an exercise routine. I wish someone told me to give myself grace and know that this is temporary. Check In I also have learned to listen to my body and modify movements as needed. Some days I have a ton of energy and can power through a workout, while other days I need multiple breaks just to get through my normal routine. In the beginning of pregnancy this was so frustrating, but now I’ve learned to listen to my body and not push myself too hard. I’ve also modified movements as my baby bump has grown. For me, this means I’ve gradually removed jumping, and I modify movements that strain my abdomen or lower back. Each week looks a little different based on how body is changing, and being flexible to make modifications has played a huge role in keeping me safely active. Find Yours Another tip I want to share with other mamas-to-be is to find a workout routine that you genuinely enjoy (always consult your doctor before making any changes to your exercise habits). The goal of staying active during pregnancy is not to lose weight or make yourself miserable: it should be something you enjoy and a method of self-care! I personally was doing high intensity interval training before becoming pregnant, but started dreading those workouts in first trimester. I decided to change up my routine to strength-based workouts mixed with low intensity cardio and have been so happy I made the switch. I don’t dread staying active while pregnant and genuinely look forward to this time for myself. Active Wear for Active Moms The last tip I want to share that I’ve learned through this journey is the importance of investing in comfortable athletic clothes. Something I value more than ever is comfortable clothing. Your body undergoes so many changes during pregnancy, and the last thing you need is uncomfortable clothes! Thankfully, I have my Perspective Fitwear gear that has grown with my bump. The flexible, high quality material has been able to accommodate my growing bump, while also providing support, making my workouts much more comfortable. My personal favorite from PFW to accommodate my bump is anything high-waisted! If you’re reading this and are also an expecting mom, I hope this inspires you to stay active during your pregnancy as well. Remember every pregnancy is different, and it’s important to talk to your doctor before making any activity changes. Keep up with Jackie on her Instagram and her health and wellness blog! The information and content provided in this blog post are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment. GET JACKIE'S LOOK
