Hello,
I was told that stretching while your hands are over head is bad because it has a tendency to tangle the embilical cord up.Any takers?
Your Brother in the Arts

I don't know about the tangle thing, it sounds unlikely, but I think you would be better to contact a doctor.

As for stretching generally in pregnancy it is advised to do so with some caution.

I cant remember the details but my Yoga instructor (who was pregnant at the time) was telling me that in pregnancy (I think in the last trimester) there are chemicals released in the body which promote flexibility - for obvious reasons, but these chemicals can also effect tendons etc. in regular stretching.

Please don't quote me on this I have no real knowledge on the subject but I thought it would be worth a mention.

I believe you are correct, the hormone is called "relaxin".

Regds

[QUOTE]Originally posted by MrVigerous:
I believe you are correct, the hormone is called "relaxin".

Regds[/QUOTE]

I thought you were joking, until I looked it up. [IMG]http://www.fightingarts.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif[/IMG]

lol, yes "relaxin" i was very suprised when i heard that at the antinatal classes with my wife.

Wish i could buy a very large bottle of it, my flexibility could do with a boost..lol

Hi Brewer, I researched this subject recently when a student of mine was pregnant.
I could find no info on the subject either from my governing body or the sports council so I did my own research.
First of all MrV mentioned relaxin. This hormone softens the ligaments so you should do no hamstring stretches. You must not do sit ups or leg raises with both feet on the floor because it is dangerous to lie flat on your back for long periods whilst pregnant. You can still do these if you place a cushion under one hip (alternating hips is best).
You should avoid high impact such as running on the spot, (marching is better, slowing down as pregnancy progresses) and you should avoid bagwork. Jumping kicks should be avoided for obvious reasons.
You should not be breathless for long periods as you may be depriving your baby of oxygen. You should not let your heart rate exceed 140 bpm, if your heart is racing, so is your baby's.
Lastly, drink plenty of water and listen to your body, pregnancy is not the time to push yourself to the absolute limit.
Do not think of giving up training though unless you have medical advice to the contrary. I excercised throughout all three of my pregnancies without problem and I have three very healthy children aged 14,13 and 8. And I got back into shape very quickly.
Good luck
Sharon

Hey,
I posted this subject for the females when I was moderating.I do appreciate the replies but do not visit this site very often anymore.
Thankyou,
Your Brother in the Arts

LOL So sorry Brewer, I thought YOU were pregnant! [IMG]http://www.fightingarts.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif[/IMG]
Sharon

Hi there Brewer what happened to you. You seemed to disapear off of the face of the earth. Hope you decide to stick around.

Regds
Mr V

Hey Mr V,
The replies were getting few and in between.I just started looking around for other things to do.Hope you've been good.
Your Brother in the Arts