Exercising for Two

by Ariana Moore founder and president of Pregnancy Fit Kit.

Most pregnant women are mindful of taking their prenatal vitamins everyday; they consciously avoid unpasteurized cheese, alcohol and caffeine. But who knew that exercise should also be on the forefront of expectant mothers’ minds?

While fitness was never a word I had associated with pregnancy, I soon learned that it could be vital to a healthy mom and baby. Research has proven that exercise during pregnancy promotes an easier, quicker and safer labor, delivery and recovery. Still need more motivation? Regular exercise during and after pregnancy decreases the mother’s stress levels, the chances of having a c-section, developing prenatal and postpartum depression, gestational diabetes, sciatica and preeclampsia. Tired of being tired? Prenatal exercise increases energy levels and makes it easier to sleep. Even your baby’s heart will thank you!

While pregnant with my first child, I was unexpectedly put on bed rest. By the third trimester I was taken off bed rest, but I was so out of shape that a simple trip to the grocery store felt like a marathon. Postpartum recovery was worse; I could barely get the mail without being out of breath! Fast-forward fourteen months to find me pregnant again only this time chasing around the child who kept me off my feet for so many weeks. Exercising was just a means to keeping up with my toddler! In fact, during those first weeks working out was the only time of day I could count on being less nauseous; it also became a time to revive my energy for the rest of the day. But as my belly grew bigger, I quickly had to modify my methods to keep my workouts safe for both my growing baby and me.

While every pregnancy publication endorsed prenatal exercise, I was unable to find a comprehensive package geared for expectant moms. After much research, the Pregnancy Fit Kit was born! Each kit includes three prenatal and postnatal pilates DVDs, an exercise mat, two weighted toning balls, a yoga block and a pregnancy wedge pillow to make exercise (and even sleeping!) more comfortable. My hope is that the Pregnancy Fit Kit will enable pregnant women to exercise safely and affordably in the comfort and convenience of their own home.

If you get the okay from your doctor to exercise during your pregnancy, the effort will pay off! Labor and delivery with my daughter was a mere six hours and when I got home from the hospital, I bundled her up and circled the neighborhood with my son while he pushed his truck. The Pregnancy FIt Kit could be a great workout option for you.

If you are interested learning more about the health benefits of exercising during pregnancy, check out this article in the Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation written by our very own Brooke Kalisiak PT, DPT.

Kalisiak & Spitznagle, 2009

Legacy Physical Therapy
Welcomes Uchenna Ossai

Uchenna Ossai, PT, DPT is a new addition to the physical therapy team at Legacy Physical Therapy, LLC. Uchenna received her Bachelor’s of Science in Rehabilitation and Human Services at Boston University and completed her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Uchenna is currently the Women’s Health Clinical Resident at Washington University Program in Physical Therapy.

As a student at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Uchenna received the following awards: Albert Schweitzer Chicago Fellowship, College of Applied Health Sciences Urban Allied Health Fellowship, UIC Outstanding Clinical Performance Award

Uchenna has received specialty clinical training in men's and women’s health issues through the Hermann and Wallace Institute, the APTA, and the Klose Training and Consulting Group (Lymphedema Certification). Uchenna’s clinical and research interests include population studies in pelvic disorders, pelvic pain in both men and women, antepartum and postpartum health, LGBT health issues, homelessness, and incontinence treatment and management.

We are happy to have Uchenna at Legacy Physical Therapy. She will be at the clinic on Tuesdays for the duration of her Women's Health Clinical Residency. Please help us to welcome her.