How pregnancy and childbirth strengthen women
When most moms think of pregnancy, they have memories of
food cravings, weight gain, fatigue, maybe stretch marks and bloated ankles. As
much as I loved being pregnant and feeling my baby kick in my womb, there
were also moments toward the end when it became so uncomfortable that waiting
for birth felt like an eternity. (The 50-pound weight gain certainly didn't help.)
The experience, I think, makes us tougher in the end. Talking to other moms about pre- and post-pregnancy bodies, I’m becoming convinced that the challenges of pregnancy and childbirth actually make us stronger – not just emotionally and mentally, but also physically.
A recent article from the Times in the United Kingdom explored this theory and found that for some women who already exercise and play sports, “motherhood appears to leave the female body better able to cope with extreme physical demands than ever before.” Medical experts interviewed in this story pointed to several factors: a surplus of red blood cells that are rich in oxygen-carrying hemoglobin during the first three months of pregnancy; an increase in blood volume, which improves the body’s ability to carry oxygen; and also a surge in hormones – more testosterone could increase muscle strength while relaxin, which loosens the hip joints for birth, could also improve joint mobility.
The biggest benefit for some, however, is psychological. The article used the example of Norwegian marathon runner Ingrid Kristiansen, who said the experience of giving birth raised her tolerance for pain and therefore made her a better athlete.
Greg Whyte, professor of applied sport and exercise science at Liverpool John Moores University, said: “Women re-evaluate where they can anchor pain and many psychologists believe that woman’s pain threshold is effectively reset so that when she resumes or takes up training again, nothing ever seems as uncomfortable.”
Moms: What was your experience? Was it tough to get back to your pre-pregnancy weight or did pregnancy and childbirth make you physically stronger? I’m also curious about how breastfeeding might have affected or perhaps improved your performance during sports and exercise.