Discovery Home & Health

From 20 weeks pregnant, I attended my local sports centre for Aqua Natal classes. The exercise and advice I got from the Midwife to help me through labour was great. I was induced at term +10 days, and was told it could be three days before baby was born!!! How wrong they were. From start to finish, 11 hours! I used a birthing/exercise ball, I was belly dancing, both eased the pressure from back and underneath. I was told to keep as active as I could. Walking, stretching, anything but "laying on the bed" and just to listen to what your midwife tells you. With no pain relief I gave birth to a 10lb 8oz girl. (Yes I had tears in my eyes aswell) When she was 2 weeks old, I weighed one stone lighter than I did when I got pregnant. The Aqua Natal classes are really hard work but was worth every effort.

Good luck to all you mums to be.

Debbie x

hi debbie,
i am planning on taking up aqua natal classes,at how many weeks can you start classes? im having an elective section but would like to do it anyway to keep fit and as something positive to do for myself,taking time out from being a mum and a wife!!
rachael x

Hiya Rachael.
I am not sure if there is a set rule. I am still attending the classes now (but not for much longer as I am going back to work) and there are ladies at 11 weeks, 15 weeks, 39 weeks!!! Classes are taken by a midwife. I would say find your local class and just ask. Sometimes I could'nt get myself up on a Monday morning, but as you say, you do feel so much better once you have been. Even now, legs, tummy and dinner ladies arms are getting toned. (no offence to dinner ladies) It can be hard work but well worth.

If you do go, let me know what you think.

Debbie x

Hiya Debbie,
i went to my local sports centre yesterday and start aqua natal classes in two weeks time. apparently you can start at any time in your pregnancy and i will be three months then so as good a time as any!
its handy as they run it on a tues morning so my youngest will be at playschool then so will be nice to have an hour to myself!!
will let you know how i get on,actually looking forward to it.
take care,
rachael
xx

Hi Rachael

Well done,you have made the first step! Let me know when you have been. It will be my last time on Monday as I'm going back to work the following week. Some people don't agree with taking "time out" from being a mum. It is so nice to give yourself that hour or so. Afterwards, I'm in the shower for about half an hour because a relaxing soak in the bath is just not heard of in our house, and a shower lasts five minutes at the best of times. I would say, kids, who'd 'ave 'em? but I wouldn't change them for the world, how about you?

Keep in touch and take care
Debbie x