Hello Everyone! I recently discovered that I am pregnant. I am in my first trimester and would like to continue to belly dance. I have done some research on what to do and what not do during pregnancy. However, most of the advice seems to relate to once you are actually showing - 2nd & 3rd trimester. Any advice on the first trimester? I read that you should not shimmy during pregnancy. Shimming is something that I have to practice or I seem to lose the natural feel, so I am a bit worried about not shimmying for that long.....I know that the first three months is a very vulnerable period of time despite the fact that hardly anyone would notice I am pregnant. I have had three children before but I did not belly dance back then....(it has been eight years!!)
-
Unsu...
Re: Pregnancy & Belly Dancing
Sun, January 27, 2008 - 5:22 AMhi there, I don't have actual experience in this, but my teacher's pregnant, and she's still dancing! I heard belly dancing is very good for pregnancy, but as you say, some moves are not recommended - I've seen pregnant women doing shimmies, I suppose if you keep it subtle, it won't do any harm, other moves like thrusts and such I've heard - is a no-no. Good luck and congrats!
-
Re: Pregnancy & Belly Dancing
Sun, January 27, 2008 - 7:35 AMCongratulations!!!!!
I'm sorry I don't have any advice to offer about "dos" and "don'ts" during your adventure.
-
Re: Pregnancy & Belly Dancing
Sun, January 27, 2008 - 1:27 PMi'm in my 8th month and i've been dancing the entire time....it was hard in the first trimester because i was sooooo tired and feeling sick all the time but i could still pull it together and dance for class.
Listen to your body...it will tell you when you are doing too much!
Take a rest if you need to.
Drink lots of water....
i have found things to be more akward now that i'm bigger....my center of gravity is funny and my hips are looser so i tend to take a wider stance with things. Be careful not to over stretch when you are in your third trimester because things are so much looser.
I have been shimmying when i want to with no problems....i have found that really sharp hip snaps and things to be less comefortable...i'm doing more gentle movements and because that is more natural to me at this stage. I also focus on arm movements because sometimes it's the best i can do for that day.
CONGRATS!!!! and keep dancing if you feel up to it : ) -
-
Re: Pregnancy & Belly Dancing
Mon, January 28, 2008 - 9:33 AMWe had two pregnant women perform in a great show, one looked 5 months and one 7 or so... They were both in the middle of a circle of girls worshipping their state. One of them came until her last month of pregnancy and was even scheduled to do a show 2 weeks before her due date (she never made it to that one). But I noticed that they were moving slowly and gently.
-
-
Re: Pregnancy & Belly Dancing
Mon, January 28, 2008 - 8:15 AMHi Cindy,
First of all, congratulations!! :)
Amira, a dancer who put out--in my opinion--THE best beginner belly dance DVD out there, Amira's Belly Dance 101--has just become pregnant and she is currently making a dancing while pregnant DVD, though I have no idea how long it will take her. She has just become pregnant herself and she is still dancing, teaching and doing workshops. She is also very sweet and is very good about answering her email. Here is her website: www.amirasbelly.com
I am completely unqualified to say one way or the other, but it seems to me--with a few adjustments, of course--that belly dance would be very beneficial for labor and delivery because of the muscles you strengthen during dance. My deliveries were 20 hours and 15 hours, respectively :(...wish I'd known about belly dance, then!
-
Re: Pregnancy & Belly Dancing
Mon, January 28, 2008 - 5:43 PMYou should read "The Secret Language of Belly Dancing" by Maria Strova, a belly dancer located in Italy. She often discussed dancing while pregnant & shared some of her experiences.
Congrats to you on the little one on the way =) -
-
Re: Pregnancy & Belly Dancing
Tue, January 29, 2008 - 6:05 AMoo- I'll have to see if I can track that one down- thanks for the tip!
anyway- in general, during pregnancy you want to avoid ballistic movements (sharp, sudden, etc)- that being said, shimmies can be done softly, and many women have done shimmies throughout their pregnancies. again this comes down to the different styles of shimmy in some respects too. I would tend to avoid a knee driven shimmy, but an earthquake shimmy might substitute. you also want to be careful that you don't over stress certain muscles- for example later in pregnancy, your glutes are compensating for a lot of that new weight out front, so you might need to work on other muscle groups to counterbalance the work your glutes are getting (but I guess that is later than you are asking about)
some movements that are fine to do for some can cause serious problems in others, so listen to your own body. If it is painful, causes cramping or spotting, stop immediately! Talk to your care provider to see if there is anything you need to be avoiding due to the specific needs of your pregnancy. remember that shimmies and undulations are the two movements that can initiate labor and strengthen contractions, so if you are already having problems with contractions, this may be a movement to avoid.
-
-
Re: Pregnancy & Belly Dancing
Tue, January 29, 2008 - 6:23 PMI have two children and I danced and performed most recently during my second pregnancy. Fatigue and lack of usual elasticity will be your biggest enemies. Don't let your target heart rate get too high. Otherwise, dance on! Your body will let you know what it can handle.
-
Re: Pregnancy & Belly Dancing
Thu, January 31, 2008 - 3:04 AMHi Cindy
I used to practice prenatal massage and i teach prenatal belly dance. No shimmies or lower tummy pops during the first, second and third trimesters. The shimmy originally came about in belly dance to align the babies head into position on its way out. Nowadays if the baby gets stuck they whisk u in for a caesarian, but not if the mother knows better! All the ladies i taught had a natural birth. The shimmies and tummy pops are a little unstabalizing while the foetus is busy developing its attachment to your womb. As the first month is always the most unstable time it's good to pay attention to that one.
Pregnancy is a time for fluidity. Lots of circles and figure of eights really help the hips as they shift and change their alignment to prepare for birth. You will find that any sharp hip locks or jumps need to be left alone when your tummy muscles stretch open in the 2nd trimester. Undulations are wonderful, they also came from the natural movement on the contractions when pushing the baby out. Lots of practice is great all the way through. You will feel your energy soften into all the fluid movements comfortable. Hey i can trance out on just circles and eights, not even being pregnant :)
If there are any questions about pregnancy and dance or health for you and baby you are welcome to email me. kirsten@soma.co.za -
-
Re: Pregnancy & Belly Dancing
Thu, January 31, 2008 - 4:41 AMI posted this reply on Belly Dancing Mamas before I read the recent posts on this wonderful tribe. Thank you Everyone for your information and advice!! I went to class for the first time last night since I found out I was pregnant. It went well! However, I think subconsciously, I am hesitating on certain moves - perhaps being a bit more careful. I usually do any moves connecting to the abs very well. However, when I went to do some undulations and belly rolls, I felt I was holding back - not really sure why. I have had three kids before (but did not belly dance back then), so you think I would not be paranoid :-) However that was 81/2 years ago that I had my last child. Also, two weeks ago I had spotting and cramping (cramping still there), so perhaps this is just in the back of my mind! BTW - shimmying felt good :-)!!
Thanks Kristen! so even though the shimmying felt good, I probaly should not be doing this? Are the tummy pops the pushing of the belly out and in really fast? What about pelvic tilts done very fast and on different levels - my teacher does this move several times in warm up. Undulations are okay? :-)
Thanks! Cindy -
-
Re: Pregnancy & Belly Dancing
Thu, January 31, 2008 - 6:18 AMOh, my God, no, if you have any cramping and spotting you really should not shimmy ! You should basically keep quiet until the cramping has gone. Definitely talk to your gyn about this before you start moving around too much. -
-
Re: Pregnancy & Belly Dancing
Fri, February 1, 2008 - 1:40 PMI would ask your doctor/midwife about cramping. Some cramping in the first trimester is just the baby latching on (which felt rather strange to me, not a typical menstrual cramp), and is nothing to be worried about. But seriously, the best person to ask this question about your spotting and cramping is your caregiver, who has your history and can advise you about the best course for your body. -
-
Re: Pregnancy & Belly Dancing
Fri, February 1, 2008 - 4:02 PMThanks! Yes, I did get the spotting and cramping checked out. spotting was more than likely just implantation bleeding as you mentioned. the cramping, which has been on-going is just something my body is doing this time around. I was told by my doctor that some women have it and some don't. I didn't have it with my other three this early, but I guess every pregnancy is different :-) It is supposed to be just the uterus making adjustments and expanding slowly. Therefore, I am okay for fitness and dance. It is just the mental blocks I have to try and overcome. With my other three, I was not active or exercising, so being an active woman prior to this one and trying not to compromise this new me and getting used to being pregnant and the old habits and mentality of past pregnancies is something I am trying to deal with. I enjoy dancing, but then in the back of mind, I am just a little worried :-) I am reading a book that explains hormones and pregnancy and it does explain that the hormone progesterone rises to high levels throughout pregnancy, but in the first trimester the effects of this hormone are felt more signifcantly because later on our brain and body becomes more tolerant and adapts to the changes. However, in the first trimester the side effects can be extreme fatigue, weaker, less energized and loose joints as it is a muscle relaxer and natural sedative - not to mention it plays havoc with memory and forgetfullness! This explains alot! I hope I didn't upset anyone last class as I kept forgetting the cues and the moves associated with them! LOL -
-
Re: Pregnancy & Belly Dancing plus a fine birth story
Sat, February 2, 2008 - 6:22 PMI first startedcbelly dance when I was 8 mnths preg. for my first child. This was a very simple gentle class. I cont. till 1 week before birth. no problems.. I didn't push myself and was very gentle. It was 3 years before I took another class and conceived my second son practising and internalising belly roll literally. During labor I danced and danced so lovely. I didn't do much belly dancing though again till my son was close to 1yrs. He took his first steps in class. He could do shoulder slides before he learned to walk or talk. I didn't really make the time to practise very often though till I was pregnant with third child even still it was sporatic. I attended a 3 day workshop at 5mnths . Super. I pushed lots and rested too and did focused control in at lower belly ( I can see now how this can be too much). . It was great... then i didn't practise kind of felt dihartened and later aften not dancing for weeks ... I was working around our house wich was basically a construction site... pulling stuff... lifting...moving heavy stuff, digging up potatoes on hill with this giant pick axe like a mad woman--- finally I was beat. I was waddling at 7months saying I have to start dancing so I can feel better for the rest of this pregnancy. "I feel like I'm term now". So I attended 1 week and the next swearing I was going to practise every day ( in my usual push myself too much -way). In hindsight I should not have practised so much so abruptly. So two days into my must practise everyday like the instructor ( who incidently was NOT pregnant) at 7 months 2 weeks pregnant I was drinking ginger tea ( which I never do), for a cold, I gave myself a foot massage (which I never do), trying to be good to myself; I also practised rigourisly for an hour, I nursed my toddler, I had sex and more that I 'm to embarassed to say all within about 3 hours or less. So Iwent into labor ...premature... a beautiful healthy tiny baby was born about 24hrs later 4'10.
There was alot going on sooooo much stress while I was pregnant...isolation..because of new border laws and us immigration policies, i being an immigrant awaiting status was unable to visit family in home country... two young boys at home with no car we were forced ot of our home when I was almost 5 mnths prego....Fighting with partener....new blended family issues with former partener other parent stuff...
Very important not drinking enough fluid at all esp with nursing... I need to keep up fluids.
Anyways my point is that i think its good to take care of yourself.. i think dancing is very important, i think its ok to take it easy and I think one shimmy too much or a belly roll is not going to endanger you or your baby... It's a combination of things physical, spiritual, emotional and mental. I was screaming and yelling at kids way too much not finding anytime formyself except to hurry and push to make up for lost time. I don't believe anyone of these actions is at fault.
Now
I dance with my kids. I take it easyer. Give myself time... Take it Enjoy the dance and try to be more intuned with my body.
-
-
-
-
-
-
Re: Pregnancy & Belly Dancing
Mon, February 11, 2008 - 12:36 PMi danced during my entire fourth pregnancy. i actually found that many of the moves helped to alleviate various pregnancy discomforts and i believe that continuing the practice helped to prepare my mind and body for what was an incredibly long and difficult labor.
i just posted a video on my page of a performance that i did during my third trimester (representing the three main moon phases-and what a full moon i had to behold)at a theatre gala show in 2007.
but i must agree with the other's in only doing what feels comfortable to YOU. every body is different, every pregnancy aswell. the advice that i was given was that anything that you were doing pre-pregnancy that your body is already conditioned to SHOULD be fine but to NOTstart to try anything new - again, it is your body and listening to your own temporary limitations is important.
hope this helps.
love and laughter to you, my friend ;o)
and CONGRATULATIONS!!!
-
-
Re: Pregnancy & Belly Dancing
Thu, February 21, 2008 - 10:48 PMHi! I have 3 kids and belly danced (and performed) during my last pregnancy. I don't have any official words of advice, but i did avoid lying flat on my back (for ab exercises) from VERY early on, and avoided intense shimmying - I was paranoid about shaking the baby around too much plus it just didn't feel very good! Slow figure 8's, chest circles and undulations felt fantastic and I think they helped keep my abs in shape! Also, read THE RED TENT! A fantastic book especially if you are pregnant and/or a bellydancer! Congrats to you! Newborns rock! -
-
Re: Pregnancy & Belly Dancing
Fri, February 22, 2008 - 2:01 AMthanks, Keds. I love reading and you made me curious, so I ordered the Red Tent from amazon. Must be a great feeling to read a book like that when you are pregnant, most people just read Lamaze, workout infos and "how to make healthy meals in 5 minutes" etc, lol. Can you tell us a little more about that book, is it about the theme of woman as healer, wise woman, goddess, priestess and such?
The only thing I have read along those lines was Morocco's account of a bellydance ritual for a woman giving birth, I think. -
-
Re: Pregnancy & Belly Dancing
Fri, February 22, 2008 - 6:46 AMThe Red Tent is fiction, and it's based on a couple of verses in the Bible. The author has taken the character (who grows up to be a midwife) and created a whole wonderful book about her. The red tent, of course is where all the women of the tribe go when they have their time of the month, and the book is all about the realtionships of the women in the tribe and their experiences. I read it when I came home from the hospital with baby #2 (I had ALOT of help at home) As I recall it was the perfect book with the whole woman/tribe/midwife thing going on! I wound up getting about 5 copies to give to girlfriends. I hope you like it!
-
-
-
-
Re: Pregnancy & Belly Dancing
Thu, February 28, 2008 - 6:48 PMIn the Advanced class that I take there are currently 2 pregnant dancers. One due in June the other in July (I think) and they both intend to dance until they just can't dance anymore. We are planning a choreography around the Goddess Mother Earth theme which would have them both seated centre stage as we dance around them to honour their gifts of new life, etc. Should be a hoot. They're both good sports about it. Oh, this performance is to take place in mid-June about 2 weeks before the first due date :-D -
-
Re: Pregnancy & Belly Dancing
Thu, February 28, 2008 - 8:33 PMWe did that ! We danced around one of them and everybody put a flower into her lap or at her feet. Two performed at the great show for everybody, showing their bellies, and being the center of a dance. One was scheduled to give a solo performance later, 1 or 2 weeks before her due date, but finally could not make it (the hospital got her first). ; ) Loved it. -
-
Re: Pregnancy & Belly Dancing
Sun, May 11, 2008 - 6:37 AMNow I am reading "The red tent", thanks to the recommendation I found in here, I had never heard of that book. I love it ! Thanks. -
-
Re: Pregnancy & Belly Dancing
Sun, May 11, 2008 - 7:47 PMI LOVED "The Red Tent" and would read it again. I've recommended to every woman I know.
-
-
-
Re: Pregnancy & Belly Dancing
Sun, May 11, 2008 - 7:46 PMUpdate... slight change to the choreography. The 2 Moon Goddesses will dance double-veil with 6 Stars doing candle dance (yes, real candles, lit) around them. Then we lay the candles, lined up, across the front of the stage like foot lights and do a frantic double-veil dance around them with a big dramatic finish.
It will be way too cool. Hopefully the babies will enjoy their first public performance :-D
-
