Heart rate zone

katiegaribay

hey all!
I do crossfit and power lifting, I am curious if anyone has found evidence based information regarding heart rate zones during pregnancy?
I am 21 weeks pregnant, and according to information I've found, pre-pregnancy my maximum heart rate is 193, so if I'm basing it off of not exceeding 80% of that I should stay around 155. Anyone an expert?

Miliska

I was about to ask the same question (I'm finally using the search bar, ha!). I'm not doing crossfit (only weight lifting and aerobics) but I'm a little bit worried that my heart rate could arm the baby... while all I want to do is get healthier for him!

katiegaribay

I totally understand that feeling. I found out that 160 is about as high as mine should go for spurts of workouts. Not sustained. If I keep it between 140 and 150 for cardio I'm doing good otherwise I start to get dizzy occasionally. Good luck. Do you have a heart rate monitor? I got one and it has helped me tremendously

Miliska

I don't have a heart monitor, so this is why I don't know what to do to track my heart rate. On the treadmill and on the elliptical, I can see it though. When I work out, I usually go with my feeling to see if I'm going above my limits (I make sure I can still talk while exercising, drink plenty of water, etc). I'm just a bit worried about that heart rate thing.

kaos16

Everything I have read suggests trying to keep your heartrate at or under 140 when exercising.  That's what I aim for when running.  With that being said, at 140 I often feel like I am barely exerting myself.  I'm used to really pushing myself when I work out.

katiegaribay

I've heard the 140 rule was antiquated and it depends more on what your max heart rate was prior to pregnancy

satindawl83

Ditto what @katiegaribay said. I've always had a high resting heart rate (like high 80s), so when I workout, it skyrockets.

I've tried to just listen to and trust my body's signals.

kerinsara

Definitely listen to your body.  I've been doing the same type of workouts since I found out (plyometrics, cardio, strength), and my doctor said I can keep everything the same throughout the pregnancy so I guess that means my heart rate can stay the same throughout then too.

  

jerseygirl9090

My midwife said keep below 140 but I also read online that's outdated information and to listen to your body. I ran before I was pregnant and I am 14 1/2 weeks and trying to get back into running routine but noticed my heart rate shoots right over 140 when I run but I feel completely fine. To be safe, I've been sticking to walking and I might ask for a second opinion from a doctor or different midwife. At my doctor office we see a different midwife every appointment we don't get to choose who (my husbands military so I'm seen on base).

JMarie1291

Yes listen to your body. 140 is outdated info but for me my heart rate always has been high so I have to stay under 190 when I work out. I was able to run till about 25 weeks now im 32 weeks. After 25 weeks I couldn't catch my breathe I'd get dizzy fast and my HR was around 180 when it would happen. I stopped immediately running went down from a 2 mile run 5x a week to a 1/2 mile walk before my work out now. Don't push yourself listen to your body. I'd monitor your HR while working out if you feel normal and its a little over 140 I wouldn't sweat it no nobody knows your body better then you. Talk with your doctor or consult a trainer at a local gym about it.