Pregnancy Week 26: Pelvic Floor Therapy, Fish Eggs & Workouts

Update: 2025-09-04

Digest

Mari, 26 weeks pregnant, shares her pregnancy journey, including feeling frequent fetal movement and a spiritual connection to the experience. She recounts a trip to Aspen and her current focus on nesting and preparing for the baby's arrival in Austin. Mari discusses attending hypnobirthing and pelvic floor therapy classes, researching feeding options, and reflecting on her career. She explains her decision to shift the podcast to solo, un-filmed recordings to focus on impact and personal experience during this special time. Mari plans to take maternity leave in 2026 after applying her learnings. She highlights the benefits of strength training during pregnancy, as advised by her pelvic floor therapist, noting potential positive impacts on the baby's health and development. Mari also shares her current lifestyle, including spending time at home and visiting her husband's office, and expresses excitement for her upcoming baby shower. She encourages listener engagement with the new podcast format and expresses gratitude for their support.

Outlines

00:00:00

Pregnancy Journey and Nesting Preparations

Mari, 26 weeks pregnant, shares her positive pregnancy experience, including fetal movement and a spiritual connection. She recounts a trip to Aspen and her current focus on nesting and preparing for the baby's arrival.

00:03:03

Prenatal Education, Career, and Podcast Evolution

Mari discusses prenatal education like hypnobirthing and pelvic floor therapy, alongside career reflections. She explains her shift to solo podcast recordings, emphasizing impact over monetization, and her desire to soak in this special time before maternity leave.

00:08:34

Health, Lifestyle, and Future Plans

Mari details the benefits of hypnobirthing, pelvic floor therapy, and strength training during pregnancy for both mother and baby. She shares her current lifestyle, excitement for her baby shower, and plans for future podcast episodes after maternity leave, while seeking listener feedback.

Keywords

Pregnancy Updates

Sharing personal experiences and milestones during pregnancy, including physical changes, emotional well-being, and preparation for childbirth. This includes updates on fetal development, nesting, and prenatal education.

Hypnobirthing

A childbirth method that uses self-hypnosis, relaxation techniques, and positive affirmations to promote a calm and comfortable birthing experience. It focuses on mental preparation and managing labor sensations.

Pelvic Floor Therapy

Physical therapy focused on strengthening and rehabilitating the pelvic floor muscles. It's crucial during and after pregnancy for supporting organs, improving bladder control, and aiding in recovery.

Nesting Instinct

A common behavioral drive in late pregnancy where expectant mothers prepare their home environment for the baby's arrival, often involving cleaning, organizing, and decorating.

Strength Training During Pregnancy

Engaging in resistance exercises while pregnant. Benefits include improved muscle strength, better posture, reduced back pain, and potential positive impacts on fetal development and long-term health.

Podcast Format Change

Modifying the structure or content delivery of a podcast. This can involve shifting from interviews to solo episodes, changing recording frequency, or altering the overall theme.

Impact-Driven Show

A podcast or media content created with the primary goal of educating, informing, or inspiring the audience, rather than solely for financial gain or entertainment.

Q&A

What is Mari's current stage of pregnancy and how is she feeling?
Mari is 26 weeks pregnant and reports feeling good with a pleasant pregnancy experience. She feels the baby moving all day and has noticed a recent growth spurt for both herself and the baby.
What changes is Mari making to her podcast?
Mari is shifting to a more relaxed format, recording solo episodes from home without cameras. She wants to share personal pregnancy updates and learnings, rather than guest interviews, to better manage her energy during this time.
What are some of the prenatal classes and preparations Mari is undertaking?
Mari is participating in hypnobirthing classes to prepare her mindset for birth and has started pelvic floor therapy. She is also actively nesting, setting up the nursery with furniture and essential baby items.
What are the benefits of strength training during pregnancy according to Mari's pelvic floor therapist?
Strength training can lead to a baby with more lean muscle and better health. It may also reduce the baby's risk of developing diabetes or asthma by 60% and contributes to a better delivery and recovery for the mother.

Show Notes

In this special solo episode, I’m recording from home (comfy in bed, laptop in hand!) to catch you up on everything happening in my life right now. At 26 weeks pregnant, I’m reflecting on how my journey is unfolding, the emotional and spiritual connection I feel with my baby, and how this sacred season is shifting my approach to health, career, and even this podcast.

I share the highs and lows of pregnancy so far, from nesting mode and hypnobirthing classes to my first pelvic floor therapy session (and the wild stats I learned about strength training while pregnant). I also talk about why I’m making some changes to Pursuit of Wellness during this time, how I’m thinking about maternity leave, and what you can expect from the show moving forward.

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to balance wellness, work, and life while preparing for motherhood, this one’s for you.

For Mari’s Instagram click here!

For Pursuit of Wellness Podcast’s Instagram click here!

For Mari’s Newsletter click here!

For Fi’s Instagram click here!

Topics Discussed

00:00 – Recording from home & reconnecting with the POW community

01:00 – Pregnancy updates: 26 weeks, Aspen trip, and feeling good

02:30 – Nesting season: nursery prep, learning, and baby anticipation

03:30 – Career reflections: stepping back from Bloom & redefining success

05:00 – The future of POW: shifting to solo episodes and slowing down

07:00 – Lessons from IVF, gratitude, and mindset growth