#1 Pregnancy Tips

Since I have all the time in the world (bosses are away for client's meeting and I'm not joining) hence the second post of the day. And since I am a super excited ibu-to-be, I'll be posting over pregnancy tips for moms-to-be. Haven't you notice? I've been posting over pregnancy related stuff lately. I am a proud ibu-to-be, don't blame the excitement. I am poyo this way, I know!

So here it goes:

Four exercises to ease aches and help with labor

1) Kegel

Kegel exercises are small internal contractions of the pelvic floor muscles that support your urethra, bladder, uterus, and rectum. Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles improves circulation to your rectal and vaginal area, helping to keep hemorrhoids at bay and speeding healing after an episiotomy or tear, if you have one during childbirth. There's even some evidence suggesting that strong pelvic floor muscles may shorten the pushing stage of labor.

You can do Kegels anywhere — sitting at your computer, watching TV, even standing in line at the supermarket. Here's how:

• Tighten the muscles around your vagina as if trying to interrupt the flow of urine when going to the bathroom.
• Hold for a count of four, then release. Repeat ten times. Try to work up to three or four sets about three times a day.

2) Pelvic Tilt or Angry Cat

This variation of the pelvic tilt, done on all fours, strengthens the abdominal muscles and eases back pain during pregnancy and labor.

• Get down on your hands and knees, arms shoulder-width apart and knees hip-width apart, keeping your arms straight but not locking the elbows.
• As you breathe in, tighten your abdominal muscles and tuck your buttocks under and round your back.
• Relax your back into a neutral position as you breathe out.
• Repeat at your own pace, following the rhythm of your breath.

3) Squat

It may not be the most elegant position, but squatting is a time-honored way of preparing for and giving birth. This exercise strengthens your thighs and helps open your pelvis.

• Stand facing the back of a chair with your feet slightly more than hip-width apart, toes pointed outward. Hold the back of the chair for support.
• Contract your abdominal muscles, lift your chest, and relax your shoulders. Then lower your tailbone toward the floor as though you were sitting down on a chair. Find your balance — most of your weight should be toward your heels.
• Take a deep breath in and then exhale, pushing into your legs to rise to a standing position.

4) Tailor or Cobbler Pose

This position can help open your pelvis and loosen your hip joints in preparation for birth. It can also improve your posture and ease tension in your lower back.

• Sit up straight against a wall with the soles of your feet touching each other (sit on a folded towel if that's more comfortable for you).
• Gently press your knees down and away from each other, but don't force them.
• Stay in this position for as long as you're comfortable.

Remember to start slowly and work at your own level for each exercise.

Source: Baby Center

So there you go. I did most of the exercises during the weekends. At least I tried too lah! But I did a lot of walking as part of my daily exercise. I make sure that I walk either inside the office building or during lunch hour. Tapi jangan lah sampai tercungap-cungap. And please make sure that you wear comfortable shoes with you. No heels please! Look at what happen to Victoria Beckham for wearing killer heels during pregnancy and you don't want to be like her don't you?

Selamat mencuba!