Ante Natal Yoga

I have started going to ante natal yoga on Monday nights and have found it very relaxing. The first week we practiced breathing exercises which are supposed to help us during labor, one can hope this true. We were told that the average contraction lasts for 60 - 90 seconds and usually a contraction reaches it's peak at around 60 seconds. To practice our breathing we had to hold an ice cube in our hands for 60 seconds whilst breathing in through our noses and out through our mouths. The first time I did this I wanted to let go of the ice cube after about 18 seconds, but with a little practice I was able to hold the ice cubes for the whole 60 second experiment.

I was very eager to get home after the ice cube session as I wanted Steve to have a go, and the instructor told us to get our partners to hold an ice cube in each hand for 60 seconds so they can get a sense of how long the contraction is for. Of course, holding an ice cube is not quite the same as labor pains, but it's a good learning exercise to practice breathing techniques. We were also encouraged to practice our pelvic floor exercises and relaxation sessions daily at home. I'm trying, really I am.

I go for a walk at lunch times around the Quay and if it's too cold I go swimming and swim 20 lengths. This all sounds so good until I start on the frazzles and chocolate. I have put on 13lbs since my 12 week scan so I need to watch what I am eating. I do eat all my vegetables and fruit which is great but I have to cut down on the goodies.

It's alright people saying to eat what I like because I'm pregnant, but really I know I will regret it once I have to shift the extra pounds when the baby arrives. So I'll just eat my couple of chocolate biscuits and then I'll start this new ritual tomorrow! No really, I will try. I will make a comscious effort to remember the old saying "a moment on the lips, a life time on the hips”.