How CrossFit Benefited Me During My Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a transformative experience, and maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle played a huge role in how I managed mine. For me, CrossFit was an essential part of this journey. Not only did it help me stay fit and energized, but it also contributed to the ease and speed of my delivery.

One of the most noticeable benefits of staying active with CrossFit during pregnancy was the endurance and strength it gave me for labor. Labor is often described as a marathon, and I found that my workouts absolutely prepared me for the physical demands of childbirth. From squats to deadlifts, the core work and functional movements I practiced during my CrossFit sessions were directly transferable to my birthing experience.

When the time came, I handled the contractions with greater resilience than I expected. Despite the intensity, I felt mentally and physically prepared to endure the process. In fact, I was able to manage the pain of contractions surprisingly well, which I credit to both the physical and mental strength developed through my training.

Another remarkable aspect of my experience was how quickly everything unfolded. From the onset of contractions to the moment my baby was delivered, it took only 7 hours. This is an exceptionally short time for a first-time delivery. My obstetrician was in disbelief until my husband showed him videos of me doing front squats a few days prior. “Oh, ok, yeah. This all makes sense now.” was what he said.

The pushing stage, which can often be one of the most challenging parts of labor, lasted less than 11 minutes for me! Thanks to my muscular endurance, core strength, and my ability to recruit that core strength I developed through CrossFit, I felt empowered and efficient during that final stage. I was amazed how much the movement patterns of pushing in labor mirrored the abdominal bracing we do all day in our squats and deadlifts. My body seemed to instinctively know what to do, and I was able to bring my baby into the world with confidence and strength.

CrossFit also taught me how to push through discomfort and manage pain, which was invaluable during labor. The intensity of contractions was real, but I had been conditioned to stay calm under physical stress. I applied the same mental toughness I used in WODs (workouts of the day) to my contractions, staying focused and in control throughout.

Beyond the benefits during pregnancy and labor, staying fit with CrossFit contributed to a quicker postpartum recovery. Just two days after delivery, I was already back to my daily activities, including walking around the block. I felt strong and energized, which made the early postpartum days much smoother.

Four weeks later, I returned to the gym to start rebuilding my strength, conditioning, and core stability. Easing back into workouts felt natural, and my body responded well thanks to the foundation I had built during pregnancy. I focused on rebuilding gradually, with an emphasis on core recovery, which was essential for regaining overall stability and functional movement.

Of course, it's important to emphasize that I adapted my workouts to fit my changing body and consulted with my healthcare provider regularly. CrossFit during pregnancy doesn’t look exactly like CrossFit before pregnancy, but modifying movements and pacing myself allowed me to stay active safely.

Beyond labor, I noticed that staying fit helped with my energy levels, posture, and overall well-being during pregnancy. It was empowering to feel strong and capable throughout, even on days when I was tired or uncomfortable.

Reflecting on my journey, I can confidently say that CrossFit was one of the best things I did for myself during pregnancy. It prepared me for the challenges of labor, both physically and mentally, and contributed to a quick, natural delivery and a smooth recovery. If you’re considering staying active during your pregnancy, I highly recommend exploring what CrossFit can do for you—of course, always with guidance from your healthcare provider and a focus on safety.

Staying strong during pregnancy isn’t just about fitness; it’s about empowerment, confidence, and preparing for the incredible experience of bringing new life into the world.