Namita Nayyar
Stretch marks are a challenge in every woman’s pregnancy. What recommendations would you like to make to help reduce them, during and post-pregnancy?
Monique Lamoureux-Morando
I don’t think any woman looks forward to potentially getting stretch marks or gaining weight during pregnancy. It’s part of the process, and as an athlete, it has been an adjustment for me. I don’t love stepping on the scale and seeing the number go up each week, but I understand what my body needs to go through in order to have a healthy pregnancy, and that is what is important. As far as skin care, I am very diligent about using hydrating lotion and oils at least twice a day. I use Burt’s Bees Mama Bee belly butter and Burt’s Bees lemon and Vit. E bath and body oil. I also use Clary Collection Renew and Repair Oil. If I’m running low or run out, I will also use coconut oil. I have sensitive skin, so I stay away from fragranced lotions.
Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson
The products I’m using right now are Clary Collection Renew and Repair and the Body Shop Cocoa Butter. I have sensitive skin, so I try to use natural oils and lotions which seem to be most effecting for me.
I think the biggest reminder we can give ourselves during pregnancy when your body is changing, your gaining weight, and maybe you start to see stretch marks is that this is all about the baby. I’m used to being so consumed about how my body is going to be able to perform and where I need to be from a weight and body composition standpoint that that mindset shift isn’t always easy. My body is no longer for me right now and that is what I tell myself. And how lucky are we to be able to feel the kicks and the baby growing. It is one of the most special gifts life has to offer and that is the only reminder I need when another set of pants don’t fit or I’m worried about stretchmarks.
Namita Nayyar
Are there any pregnancy issues like morning sickness, etc., that you would have faced and would like to share about? How were you able to get rid of them or curb them?
Monique Lamoureux-Morando
I have been vomiting daily since week 7 of my pregnancy (I am at 32 weeks right now). On any given day, I’ll throw up 1-5 times. I have had maybe 7-10 days where I have not vomited throughout my pregnancy. Obviously, this isn’t ideal, but it could be worse. I have found that snacking throughout the day typically helps, but some days it doesn’t. I’m sure there are many women who can relate to this, but I’ve become skilled at vomiting in public bathrooms. I have found that I typically throw up less on the days that I train in the mornings which is helpful that I prefer and do workout most mornings.
Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson
I have not had any morning sickness so I’m very lucky!!
Namita Nayyar
Being athletic and fit, does that help in pregnancy?
Monique Lamoureux-Morando
I would say that continuing to train is obviously keeping me physically fit which will help me bounce back faster after having my baby, but I think it’s equally keeping me mentally healthy with all the changes your body experiences while being pregnant. You can continue to train safely at a high-level while being pregnant, but there are many modifications you must make. Listening to my body in whole new way has been an adjustment because it’s not about me anymore. Every day in the gym is different. Some days I feel great, and others I am uncomfortable, tired, or crampy. I make daily adjustments to my workouts based on that day. My husband has been training my sister and I for the last four years and he is training us through our pregnancies. It has been immensely helpful to have his experience and knowledge.
Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson
I think it does. It’s important for me to be healthy and to give my child the best chance to be healthy is taking care of myself. Most importantly though I just feel better physically and mentally if I am doing what I can to stay active, fit. Doing that will give myself the best change to bounce back quickly after pregnancy.
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
