Exclusive: Mumii talks to Michelle Heaton about exercise in pregnancy

While we were at the Baby Show the other weekend, we had the chance to speak to a celebrity guest, former Liberty X singer Michelle Heaton, who was busy promoting her new pregnancy exercise DVD.

Exercise during pregnancy is a hot topic for mums-to-be. How much can you do, and at what intensity? Obviously hard-contact sports are a no-no, but what about other stuff? We asked Michelle for the low-down.

As a singer, actress and model you’ve had a pretty varied career. What motivated to start talking to expectant mums about exercise?

I found that it can be hard to know what’s right during pregnancy – what exercise can you do, and what’s safe? As a qualified personal trainer, I specialise in pre- and post- natal exercise. That’s what got me talking to mums and inspired me to make my DVD.

Why did you choose to make a pregnancy exercise DVD?

I want expectant mums to know that you CAN exercise during pregnancy. My DVD focuses on pelvic floor strengthening, preparation for labour and gentle exercise to keep you strong and healthy.

If mums are exercising during pregnancy, do they need to take particular precautions, or warm up more carefully?

My programme has a different workout for each trimester. Each has its own warm-up section tailored specifically to the challenges and issues in that trimester. So for example, as the pregnancy goes on, your body produces more of the protein relaxin, which plays a big part in causing injury due to over-stretching. So we factor that in, and warm up for longer the further along we are in the pregnancy.

Ultimately, you have to listen to your own body and know when to stop and when not to. Everyone has a different fitness level, a different body and a different pregnancy.

What's the score with slightly more mature mums-to-be, say mid-thirties and older? Should they be thinking about exercising just as much as their younger counterparts?

Absolutely. I'm mid thirties so I'm classed as ‘older’, and I've never been in better shape or health. However, no matter what your age, you should ALWAYS seek medical advice before starting any fitness plan, pregnant or not!  

If yours is an uncomplicated pregnancy and your GP gives you the all-clear to exercise, age shouldn't limit you - it's more about your existing fitness level. During pregnancy, the aim is NOT to build fitness levels or lose weight - it sounds obvious, I know, but you'd be amazed at how many people think I'm advocating weight loss in pregnancy, which I'm not!

The DVD programme, and what each individual should take from it, should only go so far as to help maintain the fitness level a woman has before becoming pregnant. Ultimately mums-to-be should be listening to their own bodies and backing off if they need to.

What one piece of advice would you give to expectant parents?

Pregnancy is not an excuse to be unhealthy – it’s a time when you should be nurturing the new life inside you, and supporting it by being the healthiest you can be.

Do you have plans for more DVDs?

I may do a post-natal exercise DVD in the future – but not until I am ready and feel that I am in the right place.

What is your favourite thing about pregnancy?

Just that feeling of being connected to your baby, and not having to share him or her with the world yet! 

'Michelle Heaton Active Pregnancy' is available on DVD now from www.michelleheatonfitness.com and Amazon.