FAQs - Prenatal Exercise
"Is it important to exercise while I'm pregnant?"
YES! Safe prenatal exercise is healthy for you and your baby. Remember to discuss your plans to exercise with your doctor or midwife.
"I haven't been too active in the past. Is it safe to start exercising now that I'm pregnant?"
YES! Even if you were sedentary before you became pregnant, it is safe to start exercising after the 14th week of pregnancy. It's not too late to give you and your baby the healthy benefits of exercise.
"Are some types of exercise unsafe during
pregnancy?"
YES! The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada and the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology have developed a set of safety guidelines which women should follow while exercising during pregnancy. For more information visit www.healthy-beginnings.com
"Who can help me exercise safely during pregnancy?"
A Certified Pre & Postnatal Fitness Instructor is familiar with the safety guidelines and can help you to exercise safely during pregnancy.
"Are Blossom instructors certified?"
YES! Blossom Fitness & Nutrition owner and instructor, Marie Claire Bilyk, has far more than just the standard certification. She:
- is a Certified Pre & Postnatal Fitness Instructor
- is a Certified Personal Trainer
- has a Master's Degree in Nutrition
- has given birth to two children of her own
- was a member of the Canadian National Swim Team for seven years
"How early in my pregnancy should I start exercising?"
It is recommended that you begin “new forms of exercise” any time AFTER the first trimester – at about 13 weeks gestational age.
"How late in my pregnancy can I start exercising?"
Research shows that women receive more benefits when they start exercise earlier in their pregnancy; however, if you are experiencing a normal pregnancy, it is safe to start in the later stages. Better late than never!
"Is it safe to continue exercising right up to my due date?"
YES! Unless complications develop and your pregnancy care provider advises against exercise, it is beneficial to stay active up until the time you give birth. Some women have come to Blossom Prenatal Yoga while in early labour, and many O.B.’s have encouraged women to continue attending aquafit even when they are slightly dilated but not in labour.
"I just found out about the classes, but the session has already started. Can I start midsession and will I have to pay for the classes I’ve missed?"
You can start midsession and you do not have to pay for the classes you’ve missed, however, our classes fill up quickly so there may not be any space available for you. Please email to confirm availability.
"I am due half way through the session, do I have to pay full price?"
No, we can adjust your fees to accommodate your due date (approximately -$12 for every missed class). Please indicate your need for this fee adjustment in the “Health Concerns” section of the on-line registration.
"I’ve never done yoga before, is this class for me?"
Sure! About half of the women in the Prenatal Yoga class are new to yoga, and the other half have done it before. The postures are not difficult but they are specific and effective. They meet the needs of the pregnant woman – body, mind, and spirit.
"I’m not a strong swimmer, will the Aquafit class be right for me?"
YES! Most of the aquafit class is don in chest deep water. Floating pool noodles are used to help women stay afloat when we briefly enter deeper water.
"May I do a drop-in class to see if I like it?"
Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate drop-in requests. The classes fill up quickly and spots are reserved for women who are able to commit to the session.