Pregnancy brings discomfort at any age, but its toll on the body certainly increases with age. As I finish up my third pregnancy at the age of 40, I’ve found several effective services that have helped me achieve and maintain a healthy pregnancy, while keeping me comfortable during these final weeks.
1. ACUPUNCTURE
Despite my initial aversion to needles, acupuncture has become a cherished part of my routine. Each session is customized to address my specific needs. I began regular sessions during preconception to stabilize my hormones and ensure optimal reproductive health. Now, my treatments focus on maintaining the pregnancy and optimizing my organs’ functionality to work their best. The experience is incredibly relaxing: after the needles are placed, a red heat lamp warms my feet, I lie on a temperature-controlled table, soft music plays, and I often fall asleep for 45 minutes.
2. PHYSICAL THERAPY
Pelvic floor physical therapy has been a game-changer for me. I initially sought it out due to severe low back pain, reminiscent of childbirth. It turns out, a tight pelvic floor can be as problematic as a loose one. While we often hear about Kegel exercises, an experienced pelvic floor therapist can provide tailored advice (newsflash: Kegels aren’t beneficial for everyone and can even be harmful for some). My therapist performed internal pelvic floor work and taught me exercises to do between sessions, resolving my pain entirely. During pregnancy, my therapy sessions focus on ensuring the muscles around my pelvis function well and keeping my previous C-section scar soft, preventing unnecessary pressure and pain as my belly grows.
3. CHIROPRACTIC CARE
Chiropractic adjustments have been a part of my life since childhood, and being married to a chiropractor ensures they remain a staple of my health regimen. During pregnancy, chiropractic care can alleviate specific issues like sciatic pain, help the baby move into an optimal birth position, ease round ligament pain, improve sleep, and reduce muscle tightness from a growing belly. Chiropractors often have pregnancy pillows to accommodate a growing belly and special training to adjust pregnant patients safely.
4. BARRE CLASS
I’ve been attending barre classes for about four years, finding it to be the best full-body, low-impact yet high-intensity workout. Barre has been the perfect exercise for me before and during pregnancy, allowing me to avoid high-impact activities like running or jumping as I deal with diastasis recti. The ability to modify moves to suit my body’s needs on any given day makes it incredibly versatile. Each 45-minute session targets all major muscle groups, and the positive energy of a room full of women taking care of themselves is incredibly motivating, making the time fly by.
These services have been invaluable in helping me maintain my health and comfort during this pregnancy. I hope my experiences can provide some guidance and relief to other women navigating the challenges of pregnancy at any age.
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