By Selina Looney from ActivateMoms 

There are many misconceptions when it comes to pre and post-natal health and fitness with many women often told that what they are experiencing is “common”.

This is something that we hear time and time again. However, common does not mean normal.

Even though we may be equipped with the knowledge that it’s not normal, it doesn't make the symptoms or conditions we may be experiencing all okay.

Don’t get me wrong, there is power in knowing it’s not, “just me”, but this first step of understanding is where resolution should begin - not end.

Pelvic pain during pregnancy is common.

You may experience:

Back pain
Poor posture
Heaviness
Painful intercourse
Pelvic girdle pain
Muscle cramps and more in pregnancy.

All of these can be deemed common.

Postpartum you may experience:

Incontinence
Pelvic floor pain
C-section scar pain
Painful breastfeeding
Constipation
Baby blues
Birth trauma,
Diastasis recti
Fatigue
Hair loss

All of these can also be deemed common.

It is also common for women to avoid seeking help because, “it’s just a part of becoming a mother”, and if that’s the case then we shouldn't be “complaining”.

But it is not normal for a healthy woman to live with prolonged pain or dysfunction as a result of the journey from womanhood to motherhood.

It is not normal for women’s bodies to “bounce back” on their own.

I’ve been guilty of this myself, suffering in silence because I tried to convince myself that it was normal to experience pain and discomfort and not feel happy in my own body. People had told me "ah motherhood will do that to you".

Allowing this to be my reality not only had an effect on me but my relationship and my role as a mother.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to seek help and guidance, this is it mama!

You and your body are going through something incredible and you deserve to be pain free however ‘small’ they are — and fully enjoy it.

So don’t be afraid to seek support from healthcare specialists who are there for you, from your midwives, Public Health Nurses, lactation consultants, Women’s Health Physiotherapists and pre and post-natal exercise professionals.

Activate Moms is a pre and post-natal strength and fitness class for moms and moms-to-be, at Activate on Tuesday and Thursday mornings in conjunction with Selina Looney of 'The Mama Movement' who is a certified pre and post-natal specialist.

More details can be found by emailing selina@activate.ie.