Pregnancy Impact on your Body
Pregnancy is an amazing time for a woman. The fact that we have the ability (and privilege) to form and carry another human being in to existence is mind blowing! As amazing as that is, it does still have a significant impact on our bodies and how we function, both during and after pregnancy.
It is important to educate our selves on how the body is impacted so we can better prepare ourselves for the healthiest pregnancy, and postpartum period, possible. Knowledge of how our body changes will also be helpful in understanding our limitations and the reasons behind doing (or avoiding) certain activities or exercises.
The 3 Main Bodily Systems Impacted During Pregnancy
There are 3 main body systems that pregnancy impacts. Hormones are responsible for these changes.
You can learn more about these systems and how pregnancy impacts them here.
Diastasis Recti
Diastasis Recti is a very common condition that many women experience as a result of pregnancy and the expansion of their growing bellies. Women with shorter/smaller torsos tend to get it more than taller women. Basically, diastasis recti (DR) is the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles (think "the 6 pack" abs). You can test for this condition during and after pregnancy very easily (just ask one of us at class and we will help!)
At Fit MOM classes, we bring awareness about this condition to our moms since many have never heard of it and are effected by it. We are not medical professionals, so can't "officially" diagnose DR, but we can check and refer moms (if needed) to a physical therapist who specializes in women's health.
Learn all about Diastasis Recti here!
Muscle groups that become too tight as a result of pregnancy:
In our classes, we focus on helping moms loosen tight muscles and strengthen muscles that may have weakened due to pregnancy and childbirth. If you have ever have any specific concerns, please reach out and let us know! We're happy to help!
It is important to educate our selves on how the body is impacted so we can better prepare ourselves for the healthiest pregnancy, and postpartum period, possible. Knowledge of how our body changes will also be helpful in understanding our limitations and the reasons behind doing (or avoiding) certain activities or exercises.
The 3 Main Bodily Systems Impacted During Pregnancy
There are 3 main body systems that pregnancy impacts. Hormones are responsible for these changes.
- Metabolism
- Cardiovascular system
- Musculoskeletal system
You can learn more about these systems and how pregnancy impacts them here.
Diastasis Recti
Diastasis Recti is a very common condition that many women experience as a result of pregnancy and the expansion of their growing bellies. Women with shorter/smaller torsos tend to get it more than taller women. Basically, diastasis recti (DR) is the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles (think "the 6 pack" abs). You can test for this condition during and after pregnancy very easily (just ask one of us at class and we will help!)
At Fit MOM classes, we bring awareness about this condition to our moms since many have never heard of it and are effected by it. We are not medical professionals, so can't "officially" diagnose DR, but we can check and refer moms (if needed) to a physical therapist who specializes in women's health.
Learn all about Diastasis Recti here!
Muscle groups that become too tight as a result of pregnancy:
- Hip flexors
- Lower back
- Thighs
- Chest
- Shoulders, (particularly muscles that elevate the shoulder blades)
- Back of the Neck
- Pelvic floor
- Upper Back Muscles
- External rotators of the shoulder
- Buttocks
- Front of the neck
- Abdominal Wall- The abdominal wall is not just weak after pregnancy, it's also too long, a condition called laxity. This is why the abdomen feels mushy and droops directly after childbirth. This extreme lack of tone (remember it is temporary) often shocks many first time moms.
In our classes, we focus on helping moms loosen tight muscles and strengthen muscles that may have weakened due to pregnancy and childbirth. If you have ever have any specific concerns, please reach out and let us know! We're happy to help!
