About Pregnancy PA
What led to the birth of Pregnancy PA?
When I found out I was pregnant with my first, I was beyond excited, but honestly felt totally overwhelmed. There was just so much information out there, I didn’t know where to begin!
I knew I wanted to enjoy my pregnancy – keep training, eat the right foods, and make sure I was fueling my body (and my baby) properly. I wanted to give my little one the best start possible.
I also didn’t want to gain too much weight during pregnancy, because I knew once the baby arrived, I’d want to get back to being fit and active – and, of course, fitting back into my clothes!
I trained during Pregnancy which helped my Postpartnum Recovery
I absolutely loved being pregnant – I felt great and was able to keep training right up until my "BIRTHday."
I created my own pelvic floor, core, nutritional and training programmes, which changed as my bump grew.
Don't get me wrong, I definitely had to change my athletic mindset from training to ' chase personal bests' to instead, ' train for childbirth and Postpartnum'.'
I started to refer to labour and childbirth as if it was a sporting event, a Marathon. This really helped in the third trimester to unwind and relax/prepare my body for the ' BIRTHday'
Despite doing everything I could, my birth experience didn’t go how I had imagined or even written out in my birth plan!
My induction didn't go as expected, I ended up needing an Emergency C-section.
What really took me by surprise was the lack of postnatal care after the C-section. It's considered major abdominal surgery, yet I was sent home from the hospital without guidance on how to care for my incision or what to expect during my recovery.
6 Months Pregnant
30 Weeks Pregnant
My Reason Why
After being discharged from the hospital following my C-section, and with no information provided on what I should/ shouldn’t do after a C Section/ how to care for my scar/ when I can return to exercise etc.. I had to figure out postpartum recovery on my own!
I spent time educating myself, digging into evidence and clinical guidelines, and even attending courses with my fellow physiotherapists to upskill.
I truly feel it’s my duty to apply everything I’ve learnt and also experienced first hand, to support pregnant anda Postpartnum women throughout their entire journey.