By Shalakha Bisht | Fitness Trainer | Prenatal & Postnatal Fitness Coach
Childbirth is a journey that transforms a woman from the inside out. My vaginal delivery experience at 41 weeks — after 34 hours of intense labor — was not just a medical event; it was a test of strength, surrender, patience, and love. Today, I share my full story in detail so that other women can feel informed, empowered, and confident about their own birthing journey.
My labor started slowly — mild cramps that felt like period pain. I honestly believed it would progress quickly, but nature had different plans.
The contractions intensified over hours, turning into a rhythm of pain and strength. I walked, breathed deeply, stretched, and tried different labor positions.
Around 12–16 hours in, fatigue began setting in. This phase was emotionally overwhelming.
There were moments when I cried, moments when I doubted myself, and moments when I looked at my husband and felt deeply grateful for his support.
I repeated to myself:
“Women have done this for thousands of years. I can do this too.”
The contractions grew stronger, longer, and much closer. Each surge felt like a wave, and instead of resisting, I learned to breathe with it.
Every time the pain peaked, I held onto one thought:
“My baby is coming closer to me.”
After 34 hours, my baby arrived — healthy, beautiful, and perfect.
I felt relief, joy, and an overwhelming sense of achievement.
It was in that moment I realized:
If a woman can go through labor and bring life into this world, she can conquer anything.
And whether it’s a vaginal delivery or a C-section, every mother is a fighter — strong, brave, and extraordinary.
Maintaining a healthy weight gain was essential for my well-being and my baby’s development.
| Pregnancy Stage | Weight (kg) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Month | 60 kg | Starting weight |
| 2nd–3rd Month | 55 kg | Lost weight due to morning sickness and nausea |
| 9th Month | 69 kg | Gradual, healthy weight gain |
| After Delivery | 64 kg | Immediate postpartum drop |
| Baby Weight at Birth | 3.5 kg | Healthy birthweight |
Total Pregnancy Weight Gain: 14 kg
This was a healthy, evidence-based weight progression supported by balanced nutrition and mindful movement.
Pregnancy comes with love, care, advice — and many myths.
Here are the most common ones I heard and what I learned.
Reality:
With proper form, guidance, and doctor’s approval, light strength training is not only safe but highly recommended.
It improves back strength, posture, stability, and makes labor easier.
Reality:
This is one of the most misleading myths.
The goal is not overeating, but smart eating — focusing on nutrients, not quantity.
Reality:
Moderate, safe exercise increases blood flow, reduces swelling, improves sleep, helps maintain healthy blood sugar, and prepares your body for delivery.
In short —
Movement is medicine.
Strength is safety.
These practices not only kept me healthy but also prepared my body for a smoother labor and faster recovery.
I walked 10,000 steps daily, even in my 9th month.
This kept my blood circulation strong and reduced swelling and stiffness.
My focus was on:
I never ate for two — I ate smart and balanced.
I continued strength training with:
I avoided heavy lifting and high-impact movements.
Hydration helped me with digestion, energy, and skin health.
This was based on my body’s natural requirement — not on external myths or suggestions.
Throughout my pregnancy, Jiggyasa Ma’am guided me with wisdom, patience, and balanced knowledge.
Her mentorship shaped the way I now coach women:
✔ With empathy
✔ With science
✔ With practicality
✔ With an understanding of real mom-life challenges
She helped me grow not just as a coach — but as a woman.
Whether your delivery is through vaginal birth or C-section, whether your labor is 2 hours or 34 hours — your journey is powerful.
Motherhood is not defined by pain or perfection.
It is defined by love, patience, resilience, and courage.
My story is just one example.
I hope it inspires you to trust your body, embrace your strength, and believe in yourself.
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