Pregnancy is one of the greatest challenges for the human body. The many physical demands and changes are too numerous to discuss here. However, several are obvious: weight gain/loss, nausea/vomiting, increased cardiovascular requirements, increased nutritional requirements, fatigue and sleep disturbances. In other words, pregnancy is a nine-month epic and amazing endurance race.
Gregory Miller, MD, FACOG, a board-certified OB-GYN with Beaufort Memorial Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists, offers a few simple rules to follow that can help ease the strain of your journey:
His first rule is the simplest and most important:
Listen to your body.
"Your body is pretty good at telling you what to do (and not do) by providing you positive and negative reinforcement," says Dr. Miller.
He stresses the need to pay attention to all of the clues – or symptoms. And explains that they come in many different forms such as contractions, back pain, nausea, shortness of breath, and fatigue. He says that "rarely will you get in trouble if you just pay attention to what your body is telling you."
The second rule:
Weight gain is a good and necessary outcome of pregnancy.
The recommended weight gain for most pregnancies is between 20 and 25 pounds. These pounds are vital. However, this is more of a guideline. Some patients need to gain less weight and other patients a little bit more weight. Ultimately, the critical measure of success is if the baby is gaining weight properly.
"As long as the baby is growing, the mother’s weight gain becomes secondary," says Dr. Miller. "Your physician will monitor your progress during each visit, and will let you know if you need to make any changes."
Rule number three:
Exercising during pregnancy is important.
Pregnancy is not the time to start an exercise program, increase your exercise program, or change your program.
Low impact, mild to moderate exercise for most patients is sufficient. Walking, light running, cycling, and time in a pool are all good.
"Exercise enables moms to maintain cardiovascular fitness, musculoskeletal flexibility, and physical strength – all important for a successful labor and delivery experience," explains Dr. Miller.
Patients who are very active and fit when pregnancy begins can continue at a higher level of activity, but they will also eventually need to cut back on the quantity and quality of their workouts as the pregnancy dictates. (However, whatever your exercise regimen, remember to pay attention to rule number one.)
Rule number four:
Get your sleep.
Americans, whether pregnant or not, should get seven to nine hours of sleep a night. Sleep during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester can be a real challenge, so you need to do your best. Sleep is vital time for maternal recuperation and pregnancy growth.
While pregnancy is one of the greatest physical and mental challenges, Dr. Miller encourages his patients to "embrace the wonderful journey as much as you can. And remember, there is no race that has a greater trophy at the finish line!"
Help Along the Way
Besides great prenatal care, Beaufort Memorial offers free classes to help prepare you for the birth experience and parenting. We also offer monthly tours of the Birthing Center so you can see the beautifully remodeled birthing suites, have your questions answered and meet some of the great nursing staff.
This article first appeared in the Bluffton Sun.