Exercises » 2nd Trimester Fitness » The journey continues
The journey continues
Overview
(weeks 14 - 26)
This next journey through your second trimester of pregnancy is often a releif as some of those pesky symptoms of early pregnancy begin to subside (though some women do feel pretty 'terrible' throughout their nine months). But hopefully you will be feeling more balanced and energetic as hormones level off and you begin to bloom!
However not every woman feels comfortable with the changes that are happening in her pregnant body. Some women feel 'out of control' and that is a perfectly natural fear. Exercise can be such a truly positive help to enjoy a healthy and balanced pregnancy. Also the bloomingfit strategies to de- stress and relax are incredibly beneficial to both you and your babies well being.
Posture & balance
The majority of the baby's organs are in place and now is the time for rapid growth. The hormone Oestrogen promotes the growth of your baby, and therefore your bump. As your uterus grows it rises out of the pelvic brim and begins to protrude forwards and you actually start to look pregnant and your jeans probably won't fit anymore.
This change alters your entire posture and balance so following our specific exercises for correct posture is essential. These will help keep your body safe and reduce injury, pelvic and back problems.
Joint instability
One of the major hormones for pregnancy and in relation to exercise is relaxin which is released from the placenta. It relaxes ligaments and fibrous tissue, especially around the pelvis to prepare for labour. Although a brilliant idea it does have some technical faults on your joints which become more 'bendy' and less stable. Add to this the extra weight and 'wonky 'posture' then it becomes apparent that specific pregnancy exercise is needed to keep safe and injury free. Thankfully you have the specialist BloomingFit!
Oestrogen is also responsible for growth in your breast tissue (in preparation for breast feeding and as store for fat) so wearing a supportive bra is essential.
A properly fitting sports bra is an important investment not only for comfort and support but also to help prevent stretch marks on the breast tissue.
Abdominal separation
As your bump gets bigger your main frontal abdominal muscles (technically called Rectus Abdominus) which run long ways either side of your tummy button begin to feel the strain. These abdominal muscles lengthen and weaken and eventually separate apart (a bit like a pair of curtains being drawn open). This puts pressure on your lower spine, core stability and pelvis
Therefore many 'popular' ab exercises are now really not suitable or safe for this stage of pregnancy. Therefore it is important that you follow our specific and detailed BloomingFit advice on how to exercise your abdominals.
Care & Caution
Stop and seek medical advice if :
- Any bleeding
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- Continued severe sickness
- Severe fatigue
- Dizziness and faintness
- Scan diagnosis of twins/triplets
- Scan diagnosis of placenta praevia
- Scan or Midwife diagnosis of poor fetal growth
- Diagnosis of Gestational diabetes
- Raised blood pressure
- Signs of infection or virus (Temperature and generally feeling unwell)
Stop and rest for 24- 48 hours if :
- Feeling tired and below par.
- Still feeling nauseas and lacking in energy.
- Finding it difficult to cope with work, exercise and being pregnant. Just do the stretches and relaxation exercise.