THE LAST STRETCH
Pregnancy seems like it can take forever sometimes, especially as you draw closer to your EDD. The wait seems so near yet so far and if you go past your date, well, one day has 35hours in it. It is necessary to keep yourself busy during your last month as this prepares your body for labour and birth and what better way to do it than by engaging in some relaxing exercises. The following stretches will relax your muscles, improve your flexibility, reduce leg and other muscle cramps, help you sleep (something you need to selfishly indulge in right now) as well as prepare your body for labour and make it easier. Warm your body up by taking a hot shower and do these stretches that will prepare your body and help you feel rejuvenated.
Angry cat stretch
Get on your fours on an exercise mat.
Facing forward, take a deep breath.
Arch your back upwards and count to 5.
Relax and resume the starting position, repeat 10-15 times
Muscles stretched- lower and upper back
Side lying thigh stretch
Lie on your right side supporting your head with your right hand.
Bend your left leg and hold it at your ankle.
Pull your leg back till your heel touches your butt and hold for 10seconds.
Do this 5times on each side, taking a deep breath between each
Muscles stretched- front of thigh and foot
Wall calf stretch
Stand in front of a window or wall with something to support your hands.
Hold the window seal/support and put your right foot against the wall.
Pull yourself towards the window/support to stretch your calf.
Do this 5 times on each leg.
Muscles stretches- back of lower leg
Roll down
Stand up straight with your legs shoulder width apart and hands on your side.
Take a deep breath and roll your body down arching your back.
Hold for 5 seconds and repeat 5times
Muscles stretched- upper and lower back
Oblique side stretch
Stand with your legs shoulder width apart with your hands on your side.
Extend your left hand to your right side and stretch for 5seconds.
Take a deep breath between each and change to your right.
Muscles stretched- side of upper torso (obliques)
