Growing, Glowing, and Going: Slacker
So I was going to write a series of posts sharing my adventures exercising through this pregnancy. Ha. Oops. My only excuse is that I got too busy researching and posting about other topics like preventing postpartum hemorrhage, the perils of cervical scar tissue, the bed rest myth, and preventing preterm labor. So I’m not a total slacker-blogger, right? ;-)
The latest on my pregnant runner exploits is… well… I’m a slacker. I did really well going running 2-3 times a week (and listening to LOTS of podcasts) up until the last few weeks. I started noticing some discomfort in my lower abdomen and found myself walking a lot more than running on those last several runs. So I decided it was time to transition into the walking stage of my prenatal exercise regimen. We have taken several walks since then, but not nearly as many as I should be taking. And I’m feeling more and more of the effects of my lack of exercise… more aches and pains, general lack of energy, etc.
Consider this my public declaration that I WILL get back on the ball and get this pregnant body not only growing and glowing but GOING as well. Especially since I just read an interview with Annie Murphy Paul, author of the new book, Origins: How the Nine Months Before Birth Shape the Rest of Our Lives, and was reminded again how beneficial exercise is for a developing fetus. Here’s an excerpt of the interview:
Moderate exercise is very beneficial. When a woman works out, her fetus is getting a workout, too. Research suggests that women who exercise while expecting have larger babies who grow up to be smarter adults, perhaps because their brains are bigger. (Source)
Other good news… have your chocolate and eat it too! Annie Murphy Paul says: “Frequent chocolate consumption during pregnancy has been tied to a happier, less fussy baby. Pregnant women who eat five or more servings of chocolate each week have a 40 percent lower risk of developing preeclampsia” (Source). I’ve been craving (and eating lots of) my favorite 60% cacao dark chocolate chips lately. So glad to know they’re doing some good!
Don’t let me be a slacker, friends!
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I loved this post! I am a prenatal yoga teacher and as soon as I read it, I printed it out and read the part about exercise being good for mom and baby and the chocolate part! The students got a kick out of it!
Thanks for posting this. I look forward to reading the interview with Annie Murphy Paul
Thanks for the tips on losing weight after a pregnancy. Incorporating simple exercises targeting the abdominal area may aid in strengthening the lower back muscles as well. Good post.
Okay, now I feel like a slacker…I’m not pregnant and I have no excuse other than the Oregon weather. Time to get out the kid’s wagon and go for a walk, rain or shine!
As usual, Busca, excellent post. You motivate me!
Hello,
I just wanted to say that I am really enjoying your blog it is full of so much fantastic information that few others seem to be discussing.
I see above that you are a fellow running whilst listening to podcast enthusiast like myself, I just wondered what type of podcasts to you listen to? Are they on running and/or birth? Can you recommend any good pregnancy, birth, baby podcasts?
Best wishes for you upcoming birth.