Hi Sis Noe
IS it okay to run when you are pregnant? — Worried.
Reply
To determine what level of physical activity is right for you, it’s a good idea to consult your health care provider first before proceeding. You will be advised on what modifications to add to your typical activities.
If you did not run pre-pregnancy, you may still benefit from moderate physical activity during pregnancy.
No matter what level of activity prior to being pregnant, following a few recommendations, considerations, and check-ins with your doctor can help getting a sweat on safely for both you and the baby.
Being active during pregnancy helps to increase endurance, muscle strength, blood flow, and energy levels. It also helps to soothe and prevent back pain and cramping and helps to deliver oxygen to the foetus.
For these reasons, medical professionals usually advise those who are healthy and not experiencing a complicated pregnancy to engage in at least 150 minutes of physical activity every week.
Getting active or staying active during pregnancy may require a bit of creativity for effective and safe ways to satisfy your desire for movement.
That is another way your doctor can be of assistance; you may be advised that you temporarily pass on some of your athletic pursuits. Walking, dancing, yoga, and swimming are particularly popular low-impact exercises for pregnant women. Stretching and breathing exercises are also beneficial in increasing stamina and flexibility.
Another beneficial activity to take on during pregnancy is Kegel exercises, which can strengthen the pelvic floor, and in turn, lower the rate of stress urinary incontinence (leaky bladder). Staying active through pregnancy and after the baby is born also has its benefits.
Hi Sis Noe
Is it possible to get pregnant while breastfeeding? — Curious.
Reply
It is very much possible to get pregnant within a few months after having a baby — even if you are still lactating. Lactational amenorrhoea,” or the breastfeeding method, which is a birth control method that is frequently practiced by new mums.
It works because breastfeeding causes a woman to stop ovulating and in turn, stop menstruating for about six months after giving birth. However, this contraception strategy only prevents pregnancy when under specific circumstances.
This means that some new mums might still be at risk of pregnancy depending on their particular breastfeeding situation. So it is best you talk to your doctor about the best contraceptive method that will suit you.
Hi Sis Noe
I have a boyfriend that I love so much but I am attracted to another man. I even dream of him making love to me. What’s wrong with me? — Worried.
Reply
It is completely natural to think and even dream about people other than your man. All you need to remember is that there is a big difference between fantasy and reality. Attractions to others are one of the many joys of life.
What people imagine related to their attraction allows them to experience and even learn about themselves, their feelings, and their behaviours.
People are in control of their behaviours and may make choices and decisions concerning what they may or may not actually want to try. Fortunately, fantasies may create a safe, healthy way to explore the many different aspects of sexuality and attraction.
Many people are content to leave their feelings of attraction in the realm of fantasy, safe to enjoy privately, or perhaps with a partner. However, if you find yourself wanting to move forward with your attraction, it could prove useful to examine your current relationship.
You may assess its strengths and weaknesses and think about how the two of you may grow within the relationship.
Thinking creatively about ways to achieve what is lacking in your relationship may be beneficial. You may then choose not to follow through on your impulses so that you strengthen the bond of trust you have built over time.