‘I WENT INTO LABOUR DURING A YOGA CLASS!’
KEEPING FIT LED MUM-OF-ONE EMMA HUNT, 33, FROM HARPENDEN, TO A NEW CAREER
Crossing the finishing line, I felt a buzz of adrenaline. At three months’ pregnant, I’d completed a 10km race with my baby bump and I felt fantastic.
People think that pregnant women should put their feet up and wrap themselves in cotton wool, but exercise has always been a part of my life. Before I became pregnant in April 2017, I was into circuit training, boxing, Spin classes and running.
I exercised three times a week and I wanted to stay active during my pregnancy, too. I wasn’t aware of any risks, but I knew my own body and if exercise made me too tired or caused me to overheat, then I’d just stop doing it.
A few people gave me funny looks at the gym, but I didn’t care. I did some light weights, classes and cardio on the treadmill. I used my common sense and I realised early on that it’s impossible to exercise at your usual pace with a baby bump. You’re breathing a lot harder and the extra weight affects your balance.
I still managed a Spin class at 28 weeks but afterwards I decided to slow things down. I felt uncomfortable and heavy, so I switched to gentle, prenatal yoga. A week before my due date, I was in a class when I felt a dull ache in my back and lower abdomen.
“I think I’m in labour!” I said, surprised.
My husband, Tom, 32, a project manager, took me to hospital and our little girl, Zoey, was born the next day. I was in active labour for less than two hours and I credit that to being fit and strong. Giving birth and having the energy to push is like running a marathon.
Three months after Zoey was born, I was back in the park exercising with other mums. We’d rock our babies in their prams while doing squats and jogging on the spot. I learnt some pelvic floor exercises online and I loved taking the lead and teaching others. I’d gained around a stone during my pregnancy, but by the summer, I felt fitter and healthier than ever before. I was on maternity leave from my job at a magazine but I decided personal training was my passion. So I retrained as a pre and postnatal personal trainer and started my own business.
Working out while you’re pregnant is seen as a vanity thing, but it’s about being healthy and strong enough, both mentally and physically, to give birth to a baby and run around with them afterwards! Now that I’m qualified, I realise I should’ve spoken to my GP about my exercise routine and educated myself about the safest way to exercise. It’s hard to go it alone and understand what you’re doing, but there are loads of prenatal trainers and specialised classes available. Zoey is 18 months old now and I love my new lifestyle. My pregnancy made me fall in love with fitness all over again. For an easier birth and postpartum recovery, the best thing is to keep moving. I’ve built my fitness back up slowly and safely, and I’m inspiring other women to do the same.