Question about working out in 1st tri

2-Step

I read in a few places that exercise during 1st tri has been linked to miscarriage in some studies. Does anyone know anything about this? I am just wondering if I should take it easy and wait a bit. I wasn't doing a ton before I got prengnant but had been planning to start again the week I got my BFP. Now I'm nervous to embark on a new exercise plan right now. I am pretty fit, but worry about the m/c studies! I also don't want to gain 40 lbs like I did last time!

circa1978

I've worked out throughout my (totally healthy) pregnancy. My blood pressure is perfect, my weight gain is perfect, I have no swelling and am pretty much problem-free at 9 months pregnant. I credit exercise with 75 percent of that and the rest to luck.

You are still very, very early on in your pregnancy, however. I personally don't think that anything you do is going to lead to miscarriage, but miscarriage is so common that if you did exercise and then lost the pregnancy, even if the two things had nothing to do with each other, you'd blame yourself, KWIM? Because of that, I might suggest waiting until your first appointment with your OB to get the pregnancy confirmed and ask at that appointment. Odds are, they'll be thrilled you want to work out and give you the all clear. 

fraglette

I think most miscarriages during the first trimester are caused from genetic abnormalities and therefore not induced by exercise.  I haven't stopped working out, doing as much as my body can handle.  Some days it's more of a struggle than others and on those days I take it easy.

SFAug07

I ran daily through my first pregnancy, usually 8 miles, and did abs and weights. I was able to run until 40 weeks when I had a very quick and easy delivery and a perfectly healthy baby girl. I have worked out daily with this pregnancy too. I never had any trouble like bloat, water retention, constipation etc in either pregnancy. My doctors told me they credit my easy delivery and recovery to my being very fit. I ran a marathon 2 months after giving birth. I think exercise in pregnancy is a great thing for you and baby (as long as you don't have a high risk pregnancy of course).

AmberinDenmark

I taught BodyAttack and BodyStep aerobics during my first trimester, and just made sure not to overexert myself. 

I had to stop due to some back pain and take up yoga, and walking.  Every woman is different so be nice to yourself if you are not able to continue everything you used to do. 

tokenhoser

It really is up to you to decide what you are comfortable with, but I chose to continue exercising throughout my pregnancy so far. I'm definitely slowing down now, but it's been really good for me physically and mentally to keep exercising.

It's not like being sedentary doesn't have consequences, as well. Choosing to stop might seem safer, but it isn't really healthier or safer in the long run.

I found the book Exercising Through Your Pregnancy very reassuring and science-based.

jerseypride

you can workout during your entire pregnancy.  most of the studies regarding miscarriage are unfounding as they do not accomodate control groups to show that the rates are the same for exercisers and non-exercisers. 

remember, pregnancy isn't the time to try to diet or lose weight or make gains in your strength or abilities.  it is all about maintaining what you have.   anything you are doing pre-preg you can do during.  make sure you modify your workout to accomodate the growing tummy & don't lay flat on your back after the first trimester.  if it doesn't feel good or right, don't do it.

 

message me if you have any questions