On today’s episode, Julie is joined by Dr. Christina Prevett to discuss resistance training in pregnancy. Christina is a physical therapist and leading researcher and educator in the pelvic health space, specifically working to help athletes and professionals better understand the relationship between exercise and the pregnant and postpartum periods of a woman’s life. She’s an educator for the Institute of Clinical Excellence and the founder of the Barbell Mamas, a community designed to help pregnant and postpartum mommas continue doing what they love. As a female athlete and momma of 2 who’s competed in weight lifting, powerlifting and CrossFit, Christina is on a mission to help women remain active and fit throughout the entire lifespan. In this episode, you’ll learn about what the research says about resistance training in pregnancy, physiological changes to expect during this time period, how to reduce fear amongst our pregnant momma’s and so much more. This episode is super informative and empowering, and it’s by far one of my favorites in the history of this podcast.
Shownotes:
03:20- How did you become interested in the pelvic health space?
09:40- Strength is protective: “Nobody ever goes into something and says I wish that I was weaker.”
14:45- What does the research say about weightlifting during pregnancy?
20:40- Christina’s Research on heavy lifting during pregnancy, labor & delivery outcomes & postpartum return
27:02- “This is where we really change practice- If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far go together.”
30:30- Considerations for 1st Trimester: Nausea Management & Rebound Fatigue
32:25- 2nd & 3rd Trimester: Increased MSK Load on Spine & Pelvic Floor
37:45- “It’s MORE justification to load the pelvic floor so that the body can better withstand the stress placed on it.”
40:50- “Individuals who have Diastasis Recti Postpartum are weaker than those who don’t.”
43:00- Navigating your “Sense of Self” as a Pregnant/Postpartum Athlete
46:48- Top strategies to reduce fear surrounding resistance training during pregnancy?
47:30- Signs that a pregnant athlete may have pushed too hard during exercise?
49:10- Biggest piece of advice for somebody who wants to educate in pelvic health?
Follow Christina:
https://www.instagram.com/dr.christina_prevett/
https://www.instagram.com/thebarbellmamas/
https://www.instagram.com/icephysio/
Christina’s Research: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36331580/
