For most of us mamas, natural childbirth is a marathon. And just as you wouldn’t show up to a 26.2 mile race without training, you don’t want to show up on your delivery date without getting your body in shape. Prenatal exercises can help open your pelvis and position your baby in a way that is optimal for childbirth (it’s called LOA or “left occiput anterior”). The best time to start pregnancy exercises is when you discover you’re pregnant. The second best time to start pregnancy exercises is NOW. Of course, get the green light from your midwife, OB-GYN, or doctor before beginning any pregnancy exercise routine. Yes, simple walking can help keep your body in balance as you approach your big day. Aim for at least 30 minutes a day, preferably outdoors for the fresh air, sunlight and natural surroundings. While some may argue that this isn’t exactly “exercise,” I would disagree. When you’re carrying around 20 pounds of extra weight, and practice proper sitting, you’ll be strengthening your core and stabilizing your pelvis.

The key is you want to avoid reclining in big couches, gliders and beds. As tempting as it is, it’s best to sit upright with your pelvis slightly forward. Sitting on an exercise ball is wonderful for pregnant mamas. Be sure your ball is firm enough and high enough so that your hips are higher than your knees. After 30 weeks, to keep pelvis aligned and baby in optimal position, try sitting on an exercise ball as much as you can instead of a reclining in big couches or chairs. If you work on a computer, use this instead of your office chair. Many employers will even purchase this “chair” as an alternative. Another great way to sit is cross legged. Sitting this way pushes the uterus forward, stretches the legs, and opens the pelvis more. The thing that’s great about this exercise is that you can do it in nearly any situation and people won’t even know you’re in training for a natural childbirth. Spend as much time as you can sitting this way, especially once you hit that 3rd trimester, rather than on a big recliner or couch.

Your body and baby will thank you come delivery time 🙂 Note that sitting in the squatting position is also an excellent pelvic floor strengthener. To counteract all the time we are leaning back each day, it’s important to lean forward as a pregnant mama. Lmoody chair where to buyeaning on counters, tables and people all work :). Abean bag chair kitsn old wives tale was to flip a posterior baby, you were to scrub all your floors on hands and knees. Gfolding chair for artistsravity would pull the baby’s back forward and get him/her in optimal position. cheap computer chair ikea Of course, an exercise ball can be a pregnant mamas best friend for this exercise not only pre-labor but during it. Dbutterfly chair frame buy

raping your arms and upper body over exercise ball and roll around while your pelvis moves in midair can prepare your lower body for the work of natural labor. These are a simple exercise that keeps the pelvis loose and the lower back limber. Ygarden recliner chairs cheap ukou can begin these from day one and continue through labor. 4 dining chairs manchester If after 30 weeks, you want to try to flip a posterior baby to anterior position, do the pelvic rocks when you feel your baby move . Sbuy dental chair ukhe/he may be trying to get into a better position for birth and you can facilitate that process by doing Pelvic Rocks. Isofa and chair covers australia

would recommend doing them 3 times a day for up to 20 minutes total time daily once you’re in third trimester. This simple exercise opens your pelvis and keeps your lower back limber. You can do these from the moment you’re pregnant till you deliver. Sit on bottom and put soles of feet together. Pulse your legs up and down till you feel the stretch. You can even have your partner add resistance for a deeper stretch. This powerful move helps to untwist lower uterine ligaments. Because of our poor posture and sedentary lifestyles, our uterus can be twisted and cramped, leaving less room for baby to settle into the optimal position. Additionally, if we’ve been in any type of accident or like to carry an older child on our hip, this exercise is essential. You want to kneel on the edge of a couch or bed. Slowly lower yourself to your hands on the floor and then to your forearms. Elbows out, hands close. Use a stool or a partner if you need help. Let your head hang freely. Y

our chin is tucked. Your bottom should be highest. Flatten your lower back. Hold for 30 seconds. Come back up on your hands. Then lift yourself up to a kneeling position again, using stool or helper. Do 1-3 times a day. Please note: If you’ve had any abdominal or uterine cramping, have high blood pressure, or feel excessive baby movement, do not attempt this exercise. Check with your doctor or midwife before doing this or any of the above-mentioned exercises. Once you hit 20 weeks, most doctors and midwives will dissuade you from sleeping on your back because it can cause problems with backaches, breathing, digestive system, hemorrhoids, low blood pressure and decrease circulation to your heart and your baby. Obviously, we want to avoid sleeping on our belly so side sleeping is our best bet. Sleeping on our left side is most optimal because it may in the amount of blood and nutrients that reach the placenta and your baby. It also works with gravity to get your baby in the most optimal position for birth, generally speaking, which is Left Occiput Anterior.