Why a membership at The Studio supports you during pregnancy
We've shared on the blog before about the benefits of exercise for fertility, pregnancy, and post-partum.
But how exactly are Studio classes different (and better) than general exercise in supporting you pre, during, and post pregnancy?
We have to first start with what is necessary for pregnancy to occur.
Conception is extremely complex. Most of the time it requires knowledge of your uterine cycle and awareness of ovulation. It requires the health of all involved parties: pelvic floor musculature, ovaries, uterus, cervix, semen, hormones, associated tubes, and more.
From The Studio's standpoint, we can contribute to the health of associated musculature and improved blood flow to ALL parts through our techniques implemented within classes.
A 2016 study found that "moderate PA was associated with improved fertility among all women." Exercise (within normal healthy ranges) can also promote a healthier and more balanced endocrine system that supports and controls the production of necessary hormones.
After conception, during pregnancy, a hormone named relaxin is produced and its levels rise throughout pregnancy to loosen ligaments and other connective tissue in preparation for delivery and a host of other things such as: allowing room for the developing fetus, allowing room for increased blood volume, softening cervix, and more.
Relaxin is extremely important during pregnancy but can be a culprit of a lot of pregnancy related pain. Your body never experiences levels of this hormone like it does during pregnancy and sometimes the body can struggle to support the loss of support through the "relaxing" of the body's ligaments and other support structures.
This is where The Studio comes in-when ligamentous support is impaired, muscular support can take over that force. HOWEVER, it is crucial that you are strengthening strategically and in every plane of motion to adequately reduce the load of force to your joints.
Our classes have been created to do exactly that, all while providing specialized pregnancy modifications and support by each of our instructors and on Studio Stream.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that:
Regular exercise during pregnancy benefits you and your fetus in these key ways:
Reduces back pain
Eases constipation
May decrease your risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and cesarean birth
Promotes healthy weight gain during pregnancy
Improves your overall fitness and strengthens your heart and blood vessels
Helps you to lose the baby weight after your baby is born
It also states that exercise does not increase your risk for adverse effects such as miscarriage, low birth weight, or preterm delivery.
The Studio begins to provide modifications for pregnant clients as soon as they request or need and at the latest 20 weeks of pregnancy. These modifications include positioning techniques to avoid pressure on abdomen and reduce the risk for diastasis recti.
We hope every pregnant person finds a form of exercise and physical activity that helps them to feel the most supported! And if you find it with The Studio, we can't wait to support you on your journey!