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When you are thinking about the journey to a second or subsequent pregnancy, it is natural to have questions about the best way for your body and your family. Kelly, a renowned physiotherapist, shares her expertise to guide you through this important step. Kelly isWomen and pelvic health physiotherapist based in Melbourne, Australia. She loves teaching and empowering women to walk better, be strong and confident in their bodies, and do what they love, exercise.Melbourne Pregnancy and Pelvic Disorders.
Time to wait for your next pregnancy
When considering the appropriate differences between pregnancies, remember that the decision is personal and depends on many factors about you and your family. Kelly recommends discussing this with your healthcare team, including your OB or GP, to determine the best time for you.
Support your body and pelvic floor
Before you start getting pregnant again, it is important to establish a habit of exercising and walking. Kelly emphasizes that this is beneficial not only for your overall health but also for your lower back. This practice can help you lose weight, reduce stress, and ensure that you and your baby are healthy during pregnancy. Having a regular exercise routine before pregnancy can make it easier to maintain this routine during pregnancy, as long as it’s not difficult.
For those planning a second or subsequent pregnancy, Kelly shares “If you are already managing the weight of an overweight child, Your body must have a high level of strength, power and endurance.”Kelly’s main message to all mothers who are thinking (or may already be expecting) another child is to work on physical activity and strength. Making sure you’re fit enough to handle the extra weight of carrying a toddler (and all the EXERCISE that goes with it!!) is a very important part of being a toddler parent. It’s also important to work on carrying different loads on each side and in different ways – after all, you may find yourself carrying a smaller baby on one side, carrying a capsule, pushing a pram, and/or carrying multiple bags in your arms or on your shoulders. Think of the possibilities!
In addition, “it is highly recommended that you see a medical professional to assess your body’s function and to deal with any abdominal diseases before pregnancy. Even if you do not experience any abdominal problems, testing your pelvic function can be very helpful in preparing your body and the bottom of the pregnancy for pregnancy and birth, and recovery after delivery.” explains Kelly.
Exercise goals
When it comes to exercise, the key is to find something that fits your lifestyle and interests. When you are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, the goal is to maintain regular exercise rather than trying something new, intense or trying to get better.Many exercises can be modified or replaced with similar ones that are suitable for you and your needs and depends on your activity level and fitness level. If you’re not sure what might be right for you, seeing a hip health physio or other professional is recommended to help you decide what to do.
Pelvic floor exercises should be tailored to your needs. “Most of the time, your pelvis needs to stabilize, relax and lengthen (especially during labor and birth!!), so don’t think that “kegals” are the best thing you can do. Some women need exercise to build strength or endurance, some need exercise to work together or run, others need control and relaxation. It’s always good to have personal information and guidance about which exercise is right for you,” Kelly explains.
Is it possible that the bottom of my pelvis is feeling more sensitive this time?
Every pregnancy and birth is unique, and different factors affect how your pelvis responds. This includes your birth history, any concerns about pelvic health, and factors such as age and body type. Educating yourself about addiction, treatment options, and birthing techniques, and discussing the risks you may face with your medical team, can help you make informed decisions about your upcoming birth.
Kellys top tips for preparing for another pregnancy
- Educate yourself: Understanding the risks, advantages, and disadvantages of services, interventions, and delivery methods. Knowing this will help you make informed decisions about your upcoming career and birth.
- Discuss personal risks: Talk to your medical team about possible risks based on your body type, waistline, ethnicity, etc., to plan your birth plan accordingly.
- Prepare birth descriptions: Review your past births to understand how they progressed, the choices they made, and the consequences. This can inform you how to start your next career and birth.
- Consult a pelvic floor specialist: Even if you’ve seen it before, a medical professional can help prepare your pelvic floor for birth, focusing on the ability to coordinate, relax, and push properly.
- Check the health of the pelvis: Existing conditions such as incontinence or pelvic floor stiffness, can affect your postpartum recovery.
- Be kind to yourself: Realize that every pregnancy and birth is different. Prioritize your health and well-being.
- Prioritize self-care: Take time for your health, making sure you are strong and ready to give birth. This includes monitoring any injuries or incidents.
- Establish a support network: Create a supportive “community”, including family, friends, and professionals like your GP, obstetrician, midwife, lactation consultant, doula, and pelvic floor orthopedist. These networks can provide invaluable support throughout your pregnancy and birth.
- Prepare for various events: Understand that your next birth may be different from the past. Having a birth wish list and knowing what to do with your risks is important.
- Get advice from fitness professionals: Consult medical professionals to find out the best way to exercise during pregnancy, according to your needs and health.
“Although incontinence, constipation, diarrhea, pelvic pain, pelvic pain and many other pelvic problems are common, these symptoms should not be swept under the rug or considered normal – regardless of whether they are a problem for a long time before giving birth or appear immediately after the first / first birth. to see how your pelvis is working and deal with any pelvic problems even if you do not experience pelvic problems, measuring the functioning of your pelvis can be of great help in preparing your body and pregnancy your pregnancy and birth, and postpartum recovery Kelly
Where can I find help and support for breastfeeding?
Australian and New Zealand Breastfeeding Consultants can help find a lactation consultant near you.
Ask your doctor, midwife, obstetrician, or health care provider to connect you with a local lactation consultant.
The Australian Breastfeeding Association they have many resources available including a 24-hour helpline for new mothers, face-to-face consultations, and online classes.
Click on the links below to read more on these topics:
Breastfeeding can be difficult
Anatomy of the Breast
How Lactamo can help with breastfeeding