Washington DC Fitness For Pre/Post Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an incredible journey through one of the most exciting times in a woman’s life. It may also bring discomfort. Obviously, you want to move through it in the best condition possible, and MAT can help.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, maintaining your fitness is of utmost importance. The physical demands of pregnancy, labor, and postpartum mount one by one. Each stage has unique factors that need to be addressed. Pregnancy-related training can be divided into three distinct groups: Pre-conception, Pregnancy, and Postpartum.

Pre-conception

• Correct any previous muscular imbalances, such as core or gluteal dysfunction, using Muscle Activation Techniques so that your structure can best support pregnancy.
• Create a habit of strength training before conception that will remain intact for years to come.
• Refer to registered dietitian, if needed, for weight maintenance before conception.

Pregnancy

• Create safe and effective workouts that take into account the mechanical and hormonal changes of pregnancy.
  • If a woman has a marked ligamentous laxity, guided training is important to avoid stress on the sacroiliac joint.
• Perform MAT after major abdominal growth spurts to relieve the stretched/taught feeling of lengthening muscles and keep injuries at bay.
• Take a focused approach to training to help build the mental focus for labor and delivery.
• Create plan of exercise introduction for after birth that is gentle yet effective while the woman’s body heals.

Postpartum

• Perform MAT to correct muscular imbalances that have been created during labor, delivery, and postpartum. These issues may include:
  • Activation of the deep abdominal muscles that have been stretched so they can shorten back to a normal and functional resting length.
  • Treatment of muscular imbalances that contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction and pain during intercourse.
    • Referral to a pelvic floor specialist if needed.
  • Activation of muscles that are inhibited due to epidural usage or incision lines.
  • Correction of diastasis recti.
  • Begin the path of strengthening that will return your body to what you remember pre-baby – many times even better! The focus of training switches to structure and building a foundation of support.

   

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Learn more just by filling out the short form on the side of this page. If you're looking for Pre or Post Pregnancy guidance to your fitness and comfort, see what Elements Of Motion can do for you.