Hello! I'm still here, just pregnant!

Hello everyone,

Apologies for the radio silence! Classes have been paused since March, and I have been quietly going through my pregnancy. I have had horrific pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain, as well as a whole host of other pregnancy-related conditions (see the NHS list for some ideas!).

Thank you very much to those of you who have reached out to wish me well and check in on how I am doing.

Pregnant and feeling good

With the help of my midwives, my physiotherapist, and prayers, I have become determined and pushed myself to keep moving and manage the pain. Each day brings me closer to meeting my little one, and I keep thinking that childbirth will be relatively easier this time since I am already in so much pain—what's a few more contractions? (Touching wood as I type this, as any mum will know, those contractions are on a different pain threshold!)

I have only a few weeks left of pregnancy; it’s been quite a journey. Compared to when I was pregnant with my daughter a few years ago, when I was swimming every day, doing Zumba each week, Pilates, and running, this time has had me horizontal in bed for weeks on end. As I draw closer to my due date (I am taking this date as an indication rather than a definite), I want to feel strong in both my body and mind, ready for labour and the new little one joining us very soon. I have been favouring slow and relaxing movements over more intense cardio and strength-based work. I feel unbelievably stiff when I wake in the mornings and use my stretching practice to bring myself back to a state of readiness for the day. I take deep breaths in through the back of my body (my ribs are already so stretched), move where it feels good, and stop when I feel pain. With pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain, I must be quite careful with adduction and abduction movements at my hips, so I take my time.

Throughout the day, I incorporate bite-sized movements—snapshots of lessons—5 minutes here, 10 minutes there. Whatever I can do to get myself moving and strong. I can no longer do a 30-minute workout, but I am now okay with that rather than beating myself up for not being able to do them. I will be able to do them in the future, and that’s fine; there is a time for everything.

I am also proud to say that I completed my pre- and postnatal Pilates certification in April, so stay tuned for some Mother and Baby Pilates sessions coming later; look out for them when they get scheduled. In the meantime, enjoy the sunshine, and let’s have an awesome time!

Here's some Prenatal Pilates matwork gentle stretches at 35 weeks pregnant that I enjoy doing first thing in the morning to get myself moving. The video is sped up, but I take my time, allowing my breath to guide each movement and enjoy the feeling movement brings.

Prenatal Pilates matwork gentle stretches at 35 weeks pregnant