Movement during pregnancy

I’d consider my self a healthy & active person, but by no means a fitness junkie! BUT during pregnancy I found myself researching absolutely anything that was beneficial for pregnancy & natural birth. I believe that my consistency in these exercises played a significant role in preparing my body for birth! Take the time for YOU & your beautiful baby growing in your belly.

My Morning Ritual:

• Gratitude
• Breakfast & Prenatal Vitamins
• Read Affirmations, Journal
• Walk (goal: 1 – 2 miles)

Closer to Birth I added the following to my ritual:

• Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
• Additional Loose Leaf suggested by my midwife
• Eating Dates

Exercises to support birth: 

Here are the stretches & exercises I did to help prepare for labor with a focus on opening the pelvis & strengthening the

• Kegels
• Butterfly Stretch
• Deep Squats – holding 30+ seconds
• Pelvic Rocks (Cat Cow Stretching)
• Sitting in crossed leg position & upright!
• Walking as much as possible
  • Try to incorporate a peaceful walk to really reflect on pregnancy your upcoming birth and the simplicity of life

Find Examples of these exercises here on my favorite blog used to prepare for my home birth: Mama Natural Exercises

If I did workout it was gentle movements such a yoga & pilates. I absolutely recommend Melissa Wood Health for workouts. Here is her instagram handle as well.

Sleep: I was also extremely mindful of trying to sleep on my LEFT side! Sleeping on your left side is most optimal, because it may increase the amount of blood and nutrients that reach the placenta. This position helps allowing gravity to get your baby in the most optimal position for birth, generally speaking, know as the Left Occiput Anterior.

I did also purchase a pregnancy pillow – I didn’t feel this was necessary until closer to birth where the discomfort during sleep really kicked in!