Pregnancy can be exhausting, but moving my body makes everything feel that little bit easier.
With two children (including a toddler) and another one on the way, life is full on.
School runs, housework, bedtime routines – and then waking up to do it all over again. Finding time for myself isn’t always easy, but I’ve learned that movement helps me feel calmer, stronger and more in control.
Walking is my go-to. I’m lucky to have a park right next to my house, so I’ll often take one of the dogs or my youngest for a stroll around its one-mile circuit.
Swimming also helps me a lot – especially during pregnancy. I had pelvic girdle pain in my last pregnancy, and being in the water really eased it.
Now, when I swim with my mum or son at the leisure centre, I enjoy feeling weightless and it lifts my mood.
When I’m at home, I’ll sometimes put on music and dance around the kitchen, or I’ll attempt a bit of yoga (badly!) But it’s not about being perfect, it’s about moving in a way that makes me feel better.
Pregnancy and ADHD both bring challenges.
Some days I don’t feel like moving at all. But I’ve realised that getting active, even when I’m tired or feeling overwhelmed, helps me feel better prepared for labour and life with a newborn. After my first two children, I struggled with post-partum anxiety.
Moving my body – even just a short walk to the shops – helped me through these tough times.
I’ve also learned a lot from other women. Talking about their experiences, sharing tips and supporting each other has made a big difference.
Knowing you’re not the only one finding it hard is reassuring.
My advice to other women is don’t put pressure on yourself to do it all.
Even 10 minutes walking the dog, swimming a few lengths or dancing in the kitchen with the kids can make you feel so much brighter.
For me, movement is more than just exercise – it’s what helps me stay positive, healthier and ready for whatever comes next.