You may have noticed that I titled this post ‘staying active at 37 weeks’ rather than the usual ‘cycling at ___ weeks pregnant’. That’s because all of my trips out of the house being on the longer side and I can’t commit to riding that many miles on a given outing anymore. So I drove or carpooled with friends instead.
While my bikes didn’t see much action, my yoga mat sure did. This week was all about delving deeper into my yoga practice and finding the benefits of those asanas and stretches. Besides attending my regular prenatal yoga class, I started doing yoga at home in the morning out in our backyard. I followed this prenatal yoga video on YouTube for guidance and then just added some poses from my class at the end. Indie, who’s been my faithful running partner in the past, has dutifully taken on the role of committed yogi now too.
I also joined some friends for a yoga session in the park on Thursday morning. That was probably one of the highlights of my week as I cannot even express how relaxing and enjoyable it was to practice our yoga routine while overlooking the lake and feeling the slight morning breeze on our skin as the sun came out. Bliss.
I also decided not to pay for another full month of prenatal water aerobics classes as I’m not sure how much longer I’d be attending and instead finally worked up the courage to check out the city pool and join lap swim time in the afternoon. I’m not the best swimmer, so I’m always a little self-conscious about getting in the water with the more serious swimmers but, in the end, it’s really no different than what I preach when it comes to cycling: you don’t have to be hard-core and decked out in lycra to belong on the road. I finally took my own advice and applied it to the pool and I’m so glad I went. Swimming slow and easy laps back and forth felt wonderful and it’s something I hope to do a few more times in the coming weeks.
And on the pregnancy front, I started having Braxton Hicks contractions this week. I’m excited at these early signs of upcoming labor as I can’t wait to meet this baby. Of course, I’m probably jinxin it by writing this and am now going to be majorly overdue. So scratch that, no expectations here, none whatsoever. Instead, I’m going to be enjoying the weekend plans of a cookout with friends and a trip to the farmer’s market. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend as well! And enjoy that bike ride on my behalf if I don’t make it out there. Happy weekend!
Yay!! It’s getting so close! I just got really excited over my morning coffee here! These Friday posts are my favorite, but I hope there aren’t too many more of them :)
Thanks, lady! :)
Are you keeping tabs (letting people gamble or make bets) on when your delivery date will be? I think August 3rd!
I can’t wait to see her!
Eeeek, August 3rd??! Julie, that’s not very kind! :) I don’t think I can last that much longer!
You and Indie are ADORABLE!!! Rest, relax, and before you know it, you will have little C in your arms!
Love Indie! :D
As my birthday is on the 28th, I am gonna say 28th! Although I am sure you want to meet her sooner ;) Hugs! x
Isn’t it funny how, if you lay down a yoga mat, a dog will be lounging on it in no time? It’s like they know!
37 weeks! You are so close! Enjoy these last few weeks of pregnancy. I can’t wait to see the finished product! ;)
Hang in there! Have you heard of induction via seduction? My doctor friends told me about it and I was planning on putting it into full swing, but Dexter just happened to come early :)
Ha, yes I have heard of it ;) Although I’ve also heard that nothing can actually start labor but that some things can speed it up once it’s under way.
I want to steal your dog! :)
Love those pictures of Indie on the blue mat. Wow! Almost there! I can feel the excitement with you. On a separate note, yesterday I made crepes following the recipe you shared a few weeks ago and I can only say thank you! They were delicious. Please, keep passing healthy and yummy recipes along with your bike love!
I’ve been in the same position the last two weeks — almost all of my trips being long enough that they’re a bit beyond my [now] 39-week pregnant range. I did hop back on the bike for a few nearby errands this morning, which was nice, but the rest of the weekend will involve a decent bit of car-time. I think I might be up to some longer bicycle trips if it weren’t so darn hot, but pretty consistent 90+ degree days definitely present an additional barrier.
Also hitting the outdoor pool later today for a bit of exercise and, hopefully, swollen foot reduction therapy ;)
Have a great weekend!
I am so excited for you! I have about a month more to go and I am trying to really just enjoy these last few weeks getting ready for the baby, but also taking time for myself. I am also feeling the occasional Braxton Hicks contraction. They make me feel like everything is going along like it’s supposed to.
Booaah – wie schaffst Du das bloss, mit der “Schwangerschaftskugel” noch die Zehennägel zu lackieren?! Respekt!!
Prioritäten ;)
your in the home stretch! yoga is so great and perfect for staying fit while carrying a nugget ;D i do a couple of poses when i am riding the crimson wave, feels sooo good on my lower back!
xo,
cb
While I’m hoping you don’t hold out till 8/3, that is my birthday, which I’d be honored to share with little C.!
I’m so inspired by the ways you’ve stayed active and continued finding ways to make your fitness goals work as your pregnancy has progressed — thanks so much for sharing them with us!
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