Preparing for Baby? Don’t Forget to Prepare Mum Too.

We spend so much time preparing for bub…

We get the nursery ready, wash the tiny clothes, pack the hospital bag and make sure bub has everything they could possibly need.

But there’s one person who often gets forgotten in all that preparation:

Mum.

Because while you're preparing for your baby to arrive, your body is also preparing for one of the biggest physical experiences it will go through.

Pregnancy, birth and those early months with a newborn all place different demands on your body. And while you certainly don't need to be "fit" or train hard to be a good mum, looking after your strength, movement and nutrition during pregnancy can be a really valuable way to support yourself through the changes ahead.

Your body is doing a lot of work

Pregnancy isn't just about your growing belly.

Your body is constantly adapting as your baby grows. Your posture and balance change, your joints and muscles are working differently, and everyday activities can start to feel more physically demanding.

Then comes birth, followed by the reality of caring for a newborn.

Think about all the things your body does in those early weeks:

• Carrying and feeding your baby

• Getting up and down from the floor

• Pushing a pram

• Lifting your baby in and out of the cot

• Carrying a car seat

• Spending time in positions you aren't used to

• Getting through the day while you're tired and recovering

It's a lot!

That's why pregnancy can be a great time to focus on maintaining strength and keeping your body moving, rather than thinking you need to stop everything or train harder than ever.

You don't need to train harder

One of the biggest misconceptions around pregnancy exercise is that you need to be doing more to "prepare" your body.

You don't.

Pregnancy isn't the time to chase personal bests or punish yourself with workouts.

Instead, it's about finding movement that feels appropriate for your body and your stage of pregnancy.

That might include:

Strength training – maintaining strength in your legs, hips, back, shoulders and core can help you feel more capable as your body changes.

Mobility and movement – keeping your body moving can help you maintain comfortable movement through everyday activities.

Pelvic floor and core awareness – learning how to work with your changing body rather than simply trying to "strengthen your core" can be an important part of pregnancy and postpartum preparation.

Walking and gentle cardiovascular exercise – staying active doesn't always mean a structured workout. Walking, swimming or other suitable activities can all contribute to keeping you moving.

And perhaps most importantly, learning to listen to your body.

Your training may need to change throughout pregnancy, and that's completely normal.

Fuel Mum too

We also spend a lot of time thinking about what bub needs, but Mum needs fuel too.

Your body is doing a huge amount of work during pregnancy, so regular meals, adequate fluids and a varied, nourishing diet are important parts of looking after yourself.

This isn't about eating perfectly or following a restrictive pregnancy diet.

It's about giving your body the energy and nutrients it needs while also recognising that pregnancy can come with changing appetite, cravings, nausea, tiredness and plenty of other challenges.

Sometimes looking after yourself simply means eating regularly, drinking enough water and making the easiest nourishing choice available.

Think beyond pregnancy

Preparing Mum isn't just about getting through pregnancy.

It's also about giving yourself a foundation for the months that follow.

Because once bub arrives, your body doesn't suddenly get a break!

You'll be lifting, carrying, feeding, walking, pushing, bending and getting up and down — often while you're sleep deprived and still recovering from birth.

And your body will continue to change during the postpartum period.

That's why I love the idea of building a relationship with your body rather than trying to "bounce back."

Your body has just done something incredible.

The goal isn't to get back to exactly where you were before pregnancy as quickly as possible.

It's to gradually rebuild strength, confidence and trust in your body as you move into this new stage of life.

Pregnancy exercise should be individual

Every pregnancy is different, and what feels appropriate for one mum won't necessarily be right for another.

Your exercise needs may also change depending on your stage of pregnancy, previous injuries, fitness level and how your pregnancy is progressing.

If you're unsure about what exercise is appropriate for you, it's always worth speaking with your doctor, midwife or an appropriately qualified pregnancy exercise professional.

And remember: modifying your exercise isn't failing.

Sometimes the strongest thing you can do is adapt.

So, while you're preparing everything for bub…

Don't forget to prepare you too.

You don't need to train harder.

You don't need to have the "perfect" pregnancy workout routine.

You simply need to give your body some care, movement, strength and nourishment along the way.

Because Mum matters too. 

And that's exactly why I love helping mums stay active through pregnancy and beyond — finding ways to move that work with your changing body, giving you confidence in what you're doing and helping you feel supported through every stage.