Ep. #1161: Dr. Christina Prevett on Training During & After Pregnancy

Should pregnant women lift weights? If so, how can they do it safely? How soon after delivery can they start training again? Can strength training improve postpartum recovery?

Dr. Christina Prevett PT, PhD, is the founder of Barbell Mamas and has spent years studying how strength training can benefit pregnant women. Her work challenges many common misconceptions about exercise during and after pregnancy, and she provides evidence-based recommendations for how to use strength training to stay healthier during pregnancy and recover faster after delivery.

In this interview, you'll learn . . .

• Common misconceptions about weightlifting during pregnancy and how to address them
• Recommended modifications for pregnant women who want to keep training
• How resistance training during pregnancy can impact labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery
• Strategies for coaches who are training pregnant athletes
• When and how women can safely return to heavy lifting after giving birth

So, if you want to understand the science behind prenatal strength training and learn how to safely maintain your fitness during pregnancy, click play and join the conversation.

--- Timestamps:

(05:56) Common misconceptions about high-intensity training during pregnancy

(09:06) Benefits of weightlifting during pregnancy

(17:30) Postpartum advantages of high-intensity training

(20:33) How exercise during pregnancy can ease the postpartum period

(22:39) Programming considerations for women during pregnancy

(30:53) Setting the right intensity levels for pregnant women

(33:44) Effective pelvic floor exercises for pregnancy

(39:49) Is there a stigma surrounding pelvic floor strengthening exercises?

(41:35) Activities to avoid during pregnancy

(44:42) How to safely do cardio during pregnancy

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Mentioned on the Show:

The Shredded Chef 

Whey+ 

Legion Diet Quiz The Barbell Mamas 

Christina’s Instagram