This deep core exercise was essential in all 3 pregnancies. It not only kept my core strong, but it also played a crucial role in healing postpartum.
This is the way you should engage your deep core, pregnant or not.
Comment “CONNECTED” for a free breathing tutorial & practice. All of this is taught in-depth on my app with pelvic floor therapists👇🏽
The Intentional Core Breath: What is it?
👉🏽 Your diaphragm, pelvic floor and transverse abdominus (TVA) make up your deep core and the intentional core breath builds off of diaphragmatic breathing.
1. Inhale: Take a breath into your ribcage so a 360 degree expansion happens (relax your pelvic floor and tummy)
2. Exhale: contract your pelvic floor while engaging your TVA (deep core abdominal muscle)
🚨🚨🚨the intention of engagement is what makes it a deep core exercise and why it is a powerful engagement strategy within other exercises🚨🚨🚨
👏🏼WHY IT WORKS:
This exercise creates connection, coordination, and strength in your deep core system.
In simple terms: The stronger your deep core is, the better the ability you have to manage pressure, offset aches and pains, and minimize the severity of abdominal separation during pregnancy. Which then assists in your postpartum recovery, making you steps ahead in healing.
Other cool PREGNANCY BENEFITS:
• Reduces pelvic floor pressure while keeping it *flexible* and strong, which can minimize urine leaks and potential pelvic floor injuries.
• Activates parasympathetic nervous system, calming the vagus nerve reducing stress and anxiety
• Helps with body aches, circulation, and waste exchange
• Can be done anywhere, car, shower, within exercises for more support or during a cool down!
Questions? Drop them below! 👇🏽
Understanding the key components of the deep core system is crucial for expecting and new mothers aiming to maintain strength and promote healing throughout pregnancy and beyond. The deep core includes the diaphragm, pelvic floor, and transverse abdominus (TVA), working in harmony to support the spine and manage intra-abdominal pressure. The Intentional Core Breath exercise focuses on diaphragmatic breathing paired with controlled engagement of the pelvic floor and TVA. This practice not only strengthens these muscles but also improves their coordination and timing, which is essential during pregnancy when the body undergoes significant physical changes. An important aspect often overlooked is the role of the parasympathetic nervous system activation via deep breathing exercises. Stimulating the vagus nerve through slow, deliberate breathing helps reduce anxiety and stress levels common during pregnancy and postpartum phases, enhancing overall well-being. Progressing through pregnancy, it is vital to maintain both strength and flexibility of the pelvic floor to avoid common issues such as urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse. Exercises like the Intentional Core Breath help keep the pelvic floor muscles flexible yet strong, reducing pressure and minimizing injury risks. Moreover, adopting this breathing technique can alleviate common discomforts like backaches and improve circulation and lymphatic drainage by promoting better waste exchange within the body. The versatility of this exercise allows it to be done anywhere—whether driving, showering, or integrated into other workouts—making it highly accessible and convenient for busy moms. This approach also plays a preventive role in managing diastasis recti (abdominal separation) by teaching the body to engage the deep core correctly, supporting the abdominal wall and minimizing the severity of separation. Early engagement and strengthening can lead to more efficient postpartum recovery, as reinforced coordination among core muscles reduces strain during daily movements. Visualizing progress from 1 week postpartum to several months after childbirth, consistent practice amplifies core integrity and prepares the body for long-term health and physical activities. Mothers who have practiced this technique throughout pregnancy and postpartum often report decreased pain, improved posture, and heightened confidence in their physical abilities. For those interested in deepening their understanding and technique, many pelvic floor therapists now incorporate intentional core breathing in their rehabilitation programs, offering guided tutorials and personalized adjustments. Engaging with such resources can further enhance outcomes and ensure safe practice tailored to individual needs. In summary, the Intentional Core Breath is a powerful, foundational exercise with multifaceted benefits during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Its combination of breath control and muscle engagement helps build resilience, reduce pelvic pressure, calm the nervous system, and supports activities for a healthier, stronger motherhood journey.

You look amazing