Pregnant? Save your energy for the things that matter
Pregnancy is exhausting so is postpartum recovery and parenting. Actually, being an adult is pretty exhausting in and of itself. Back to pregnancy. Pregnancy is exhausting. I often work with people struggling to justify relaxing during pregnancy, and I want to remind you all that your body is sustaining the life and growth of another human being right now! You need to rest and you need to choose your priorities wisely. This does not mean that you should stop moving, but that you should move in a smart way.
Early in my career, I was told by a pregnant person, “I do not exercise in pregnancy, I just never want to worry that I did something wrong for the baby”. Now, this statement takes things too far. Not exercising, not maintaining your own health, and not doing something you enjoy ARE NOT HELPING YOUR BABY! Exercise has been well proven to not only be safe in pregnancy, but beneficial by shortening labor, lowering baby’s birth weight, maintaining healthier blood pressure for baby, and increasing baby’s tolerance to contractions.
The better way to conserve your energy is to choose your priorities. If taking your kid to the park is a priority to you, then take your kid to the park. You can go to bed early, nap with your kiddo if they nap, or just be mindful of your other activities. I know that last suggestion seems complicated, but it is really not.
Ways to be mindful of your activities:
Reduce the number of times you go up and down the stairs
Pass off some of your household responsibilities by hiring someone, asking a friend, or sharing the load with your significant other
Be mindful of your movements throughout the day
During pregnancy, many people have a lower tolerance to activity. Being tired increases the likelihood that you get injured, so conserving your energy by being mindful of the way you move protects you from too much fatigue throughout your body. Furthermore, if you have a weak spot or two (gluts, pelvic floor, abdominals, back, knee, hip, etc), then being mindful of the way you move protects you from fatigue related injury too.
If you are very careful of your movements: getting in and out of the car, climbing stairs, getting in and out of bed, and transitioning sit to stand, then you will be conserving energy for other activities; then you will have more energy for the important stuff.
Thoughts? Comments? I would love to know what you think or if this brings up any questions for you.