Important Exercises to Practice Before Labor

Congrats to all soon moms-to-be!

You've gotten this far in your pregnancy and awaiting the day you can hold your sweet child. You're staying active, eating healthy, and squeezing in naps... but are you missing anything that would help you in labor?

1) Are you walking? Keep it up!
Walking consistently will help you gain endurance - something you will definitely need in labor! Walking also gives cardiovascular benefits for both you and your baby, making it easier for the both of you during labor and delivery.

2) You're going to need to push for a long period - do isometric ab exercises!
You can't do crunches during pregnancy; however, you CAN do isometrics! Stand tall and pretend you are pulling your navel to the back of your spine. Hold for 10 and repeat throughout the day. Look for prenatal abdominal exercises on videos/online as well. Your abdominals are NEEDED to effectively push!

3) Continue strength training!
Just 20 minutes of strength training 3x a week can make you incredibly strong. You've got labor ahead as well as a baby to carry around! (On a regular trip out, you'll be carrying the baby in the car seat, a diaper bag, and your purse if you carry one - that's a lot to carry, especially if you aren't used to it!) Again, I would check out prenatal workout videos/online articles for great examples.

4) Keep up with the Kegels!
If you haven't been doing them already, NOW is the time to start! When the time comes when your body feels the need to start pushing, you'll need to keep your body from doing so until you are ready (dilated to 10cm) - this is where your pelvic floor muscles come in! These are the muscles that stop urine flow. Hold them for 10 and repeat throughout the day!