There are certain things money can’t buy when it comes to what pregnant women really need. Mamas-to-be need to take care of themselves, their mental health, their bodies, their surroundings, and their lifestyle; those things go well beyond their baby registry.

Keep reading for our list of the 10 things women need while they are pregnant.

You’ve made it…40 weeks later and you are welcoming your little one home. The fountain of emotions you are experiencing is overflowing with so much joy and emotion. Maybe you have a little bit of fear since your baby didn’t come with an instruction manual. And don’t be surprised if you have thousands of questions as you are navigating a new chapter of life.

One such question might be what activity is safe in these early postpartum days....

We’ve heard it so many times that it’s become ingrained in us: food is medicine. But what does that mean, exactly? Chef and Nutrition Coach Mareya Ibrahim became fascinated with this topic after her 14-year-old came to her with a question: "how did they deal with disease thousands of years ago, before conventional medicine and antibiotics?"

Can you guess what she...

We get it, Mama—joining a fitness group can be intimidating, especially if you're new to a program or you haven't worked out in a while (or ever). The thing is, there's something magical about working out with a group. It's not just about surrounding yourself with like-minded people (though our Village is an amazing benefit) … it's that little extra push to wake up early, to finish that last set of squats, or to run all-out...

Whether it's the lack of sunlight, busy holiday schedules, time shifts, or endless travel, keeping your family healthy this time of year can be quite the uphill battle. The winter months present us with a number of challenges that take their toll on our health, which is why it is so very important to take the necessary steps to preserve your wellness.

• REST • One of the most important things we can do for our bodies is...

UPDATED!

One of the things that often crosses the mind of a new mom is, “What can I do with my new baby?” (You can only watch so much Netflix!) Luckily, we’ve compiled a list for you of fun activities for you and your kiddo(s) to do together!

1) Workout with your baby at FIT4MOM UA+Hilliard. Yes, we were created just for you mama! Ideal for moms of newborns and...

“A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten and the future worth living for.” – Author Unknown

Motherhood (and pregnancy) is a wild ride. Every day is different, new, and unexpected. We wish we could tell you exactly what to expect when you are expecting, but we can't; no one can. Every mother's journey is different, a fact that should be celebrated,...

Let’s chat about running, Mama. Besides the physical and mental benefits, one of the biggest perks of running is its versatility: you can do it anywhere, at any age, during any stage of life, whether you’re alone or with a group. It’s like the jack-of-all-trades of the fitness world! The hardest part? Getting started! A great way to get motivated is to set a goal, like an upcoming race (hint, hint we...

We all lose it from time to time — we have all yelled at our kids in frustration or tiredness and then felt horrifically guilty afterward. Mama, you are not alone. Being a mom is unpredictable and overwhelming at times. Tough moments, chaos, and loss of control are to be expected when raising children. Making time to release your and your kiddos’ energy in a positive manner can help you calm you down, shift the focus, and...

There is so much to think about during pregnancy- your body, the baby, and figuring out everything you need for the baby. But the saying “you don’t know what you don’t know” is so true. I was an orthopedic Physical Therapist when I had my babies. But the lack of postpartum care and pre/postnatal education changed my path so I continued my journey and also became a women’s health/pelvic floor Physical Therapy. There is so much I wish I knew...

April is C-Section Awareness Month. Here at FIT4MOM UA+Hilliard, we believe every birth is beautiful, and we want to celebrate ALL birth stories. Our Body Well/Body Boost instructor, Sam, had a c-section with each of her 3 beautiful babies - and each was a totally different experience! We’ll let Sam tell you about it, in her own words:

”All my c sections were different.

My first one came after pushing, then drugged for a c...

Many prenatal women experience back pain during pregnancy and the most common cause is sciatica. The sciatic nerve is a long nerve that runs from the lower back all the way down to the feet. When pain occurs along this nerve, the condition is known as sciatica.

WHAT CAUSES SCIATICA?

Sciatica during pregnancy is typically caused by the enlarged uterus pressing down on the nerve causing impingement. This increased...

Did you know your menstrual cycle has several effects on your running performance? From body temperature to metabolism, breathing to bone density, your monthly cycle can influence your weekly runs. However, few female runners and coaches take the menstrual cycle into consideration when planning training. After all, you don’t know what you don’t know... right?

In this article, Dr. Jason Karp, founder and CEO of the women’s-specialty run...