It’s summer, so it’s hot and it’s the perfect excuse for pregnant women to be in the pool! Swimming is great for pregnant women because you’ll feel light and bouyant. Try this simple exercise to tone your inner and outer thighs. Standing in the shallow end step or lightly jump your feet apart then bring your feet back together. Work up to 3 sets of 15-20 reps. In between sets walk from one side to the other.
A great postpartum exercise for weight loss is what I call the “football shuffle”. What you do is start at one side of a room squat down low and quickly bring your feet together then apart. Shuffle across the room or outside about 20 feet. Work up to two to three sets 10 repetitions. Make sure to walk in between sets until your heart rate comes back down. The ”football shuffle” is a great exercise because it tones your inner and outer thighs, and buttocks, plus it gets your hear rate up so you burn more calories.
Most pregnant women experience some kind of craving while they are pregnant. If you’re craving something it’s because your body is needing something…just chose wisely! So if you’re craving something sweet, listen to your body. Smoothies are really yummy and are a healthy treat for both you and your baby. Try this recipe:
Blend and serve–yummy!
3 Frozen strawberries
1/2 a frozen banana
1/4-1/2 cup of orange juice (folic acid is great for developing your baby!)
1/4-1/2 cup of vanilla soy milk
If you want to lose weight, pay atteniton to your cravings. Are you craving sugary foods? If so, you may need to add more fruit into your diet. Apples with peanut butter are great snack because the protien and fat will keep you satisfied and the sweetness of the apple will take care of your craving.
When you get pregnant the second time you may wonder, “How will I take care of two when one child is already challenging?” or “How will I be able to spend time with my first child?” or “Will I love this baby as much as the first?” As a mom of two I can tell you that I had these same fears. However, after having my second baby everything was soooooooooooo much easier! Because you have the experience of having a baby before, you’re more relaxed and thus enjoy each phase. Yes, even the sleepless nights went faster because I was more relaxed and I knew it was only temporary. The first child still gets plenty of attention and learns how to share and “take care of” another person he or she loves. And as far as loving your second child as much, not even question of who I love more, there’s plenty of room in a moms heart. From a mom who was unsure about making the step to have two, I have to say it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.