Staying Active, Starting Again: Exercise in pregnancy and postpartum
Jan 18, 2024
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Megan Roche, researcher and trail runner, discusses easing back into postpartum activity, the undervalued women's health research, and the importance of carbohydrates. Tips include individualized exercise recommendations, self-care priorities, and the significance of pelvic floor physical therapy for well-being.
Returning to exercise postpartum requires listening to your body and embracing self-compassion and self-love.
Adequate carbohydrate intake is crucial for female athletes to optimize performance and overall well-being.
Deep dives
Maintaining a Movement Practice During and After Pregnancy
Many individuals, including pregnant and postpartum people, are interested in continuing their movement practice to maintain their sense of self and well-being. This is not solely for staying in shape or losing baby weight, but to feel like themselves. It is important to listen to your body, pace yourself, and consider your individual circumstances. Walking and pool exercises are gentle ways to stay active during pregnancy. Postpartum, gradually easing back into exercise and considering pelvic floor PT can help ensure a safe and effective return to activity.
The Importance of Fueling for Women Athletes
There is a growing understanding of the importance of fueling for optimal performance, particularly for female athletes. Fueling is crucial for unlocking athletic potential, mental health, and overall well-being. Adequate carbohydrate intake is especially important for female athletes, and research supports the performance benefits of consuming more than 90 grams of carbs per hour. Low carbohydrate diets may work for a small percentage of male athletes but are generally not recommended for female athletes due to the potential negative impacts on performance and overall health.
The Need for More Research on Women's Health in Sports
There is a significant lack of research focusing on women's health in sports, particularly in relation to pregnancy and female athletes. The exclusion of female athletes in studies, often due to the complexities of menstrual cycles and pregnancy, has resulted in a lack of evidence-based guidelines and recommendations. Efforts are being made to address this gap and increase awareness and understanding of the unique physiological and performance aspects of female athletes. It is important to have nuanced conversations and continue to advocate for more research and evidence-based support for women in sports.
Empowering Women Athletes to Embrace Their Journey
Returning to serious endurance exercise postpartum can be challenging, both physically and mentally. It is crucial to listen to your body, embrace the process, and not compare yourself to others. Every individual's journey is unique, and adjustments may need to be made based on personal circumstances and goals. Pelvic floor PT can be beneficial, and self-compassion and self-love are important throughout the postpartum journey. Embracing the changes and being proud of what your body can do is key to enjoying and progressing in your athletic pursuits.
Exercise. Whether you’re an athlete or just depend on activity for a little dose of sanity, the pregnancy and postpartum periods can knock you sideways and make you feel estranged from your own body.
Today on ParentData, Megan Roche — researcher, podcaster, and trail runner machine — joins to discuss how to ease back into activity postpartum, why women’s health is understudied, and the value of carbohydrates. But the conversation goes beyond just sports. It’s also about how to return to the things you love to do after becoming a parent — and feel a little more like yourself.
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