"RHW's Physiotherapy Service - Gym Program (Gestational Diabetes Gym)"

After getting diagnosed with gestational diabetes for the first time in any of my pregnancies, I was referred to the physiotherapy service at the Royal Hospital for Women. I appreciated that a physiotherapy student was able to assess my fitness and provide me with a home program quickly under the supervision of an experienced physiotherapist as I felt anxious about the diagnosis and wanted to take some action. 

They also connected me to their online program, Embody and hospital based gym program. While I regularly attended the gym previously and this was not my first pregnancy, I struggled to find affordable pregnancy friendly exercise that catered to my needs.  

I had stopped doing resistance training during the first trimester of my pregnancy due to fatigue and pelvic girdle pain. With the help and energy of the students, I got back into exercise which was designed specifically for me to help manage my blood sugar. The students worked with me to log factors that might be impacting my blood sugar such as stress and sleep which was helpful. I appreciated all the help to work through this. They also connected me to other health professional such as the dietician where I had questions outside their domain. While I did end up on insulin in the evening only, it was only low dose which I credit to the exercise program. 

The students and staff bought different skills and experience to the online and in person classes and created a welcoming environment where I felt comfortable to discuss concerns and speak about modifications. The program is well designed so that I felt well supported but also pushed to achieve the best we can in the circumstances. I found after a couple of weeks that I was becoming stronger and more mobile which meant I could do more with my child which was important to me. I also found the exercise improved my mood. 

I’ve been going for 10 weeks now 2-3 times a week and look forward to the classes. I have had traumatic birth experiences in the past and recently lost a close family member in hospital, but coming into see the students and staff has changed how I view the hospital. The students and staff were always friendly and interested to hear how I am going. They also created a good culture in the class so the attendees could get to know each other. I’m so glad that I found these classes and the assessments. I will keep coming until I can’t anymore and then I will definitely be coming back once my baby is born.