Dancing with a baby bump

This post is for anyone in love with dancing and anyone pregnant or who has become pregnant

while dancing, anyone who has experiences her body changing while dancing... I'm now one of these women.

The first 3 months I carried my baby while dancing intense contemporary and show dance in Cairo! My body was in perfect dance shape and I saw no reason of stopping yet... that was until in the 3rd month I felt an uncomfortable stretch in my belly and I decided I don't want to risk the life of my baby because of a cool lift or an impressive jump. The decision came with a bad timing. I was just rehearsing a duet for an upcoming Andalusian dance for Cairo Opera big stage. I had the perfect partner and I was super fit, but something inside me told me to slow down and rethink everything. The next day after the rehearsal I went to my partner and told him I'm not doing the duet due to medical reasons. He was very confused but understanding. This is a short clip from that life-changing rehearsal (you might want to zoom in your screen):

After that I did slow down, I decreased my role in the upcoming company performance and I was extra careful with all my dance work in Cairo, outside the opera house.

Then I moved back to Estonia during my 4th month and had a few oriental and shaaby dance performances dance school parties and dance community events. My bump was tiny and I still felt comfortable and fit to perform oriental dance, which is so soft, smooth and relaxed. Then summer came and I had about 1 month break from any dancing until ...

        Dancing with a 4,5 month baby bump

... My 6th month! Now I'm giving weekly private classes! And now the bump is big. So big that it's always a struggle sleeping or tying my shoelaces, daily walks feel like heavy workouts and my husband's baggy T-shirts feel so comfortable :) I was a little insecure accepting to make private oriental dance classes since I had been inactive for a month and I wasn't sure how would my body react to sudden dance classes. Now I've been teaching several times per week and my body has surprised me in a very positive way! ...

... I'm still fit for dance! Actually, dancing is easier than walking! I do struggle with my balance a little but my feet don't get tired from dancing like they do from other daily activities. Also I cannot do small back-bends, but my waist and upper body still move pretty well, I feel as if I'm dancing around the baby while he is cosily asleep in the middle of my center and my hips wiggle around him.

So I will keep on dancing until it's time for my baby boy to see daylight;) Always first trust Your body and Your gut-feeling!