1st Tri - should exercise be so difficult?

tab071273 · July 2012

I'm 9 weeks along in my 2nd pregnancy. I'm 39 and going into this pregnancy in the best shape I've ever been in. I'm a distant runner, as well as use to pushing my body in activities like spinning and weight training. Since before I even knew I was pregnant (~4 weeks) I've been extremely winded when exercising. For example, running 3 miles I never can break out of that anaerobic feeling and I have reduced my pace from ~9 minute miles to 10-11 minutes. I can barely make it through an hour log spin class and my max heart rate is greatly reduced. I max at 120-140 bpms, versus before it was 160-170 bpms.

I've asked the Dr. and read a bit online and the general answer is 1) its normal, 2) your body is hard at work, 3) it feels more pronounced because you are so fit and use to pushing so hard, 4) you are 8 yrs older than your last pregnancy.

All these reasons make sense, but I know so many people that can work harder through pregnancy so I guess I'm looking for others out there that may be able to confirm this seems normal. It's so frustrating!

-Tiffany

Duder · July 2012

It's normal!! I was running a lot when I got pregnant, and ran a half-marathon when I was about 6 weeks...it was SO HARD for me, and I ran it about 10 minutes slower than my slowest half ever. I stopped running so much after that because I was just exhausted. You may start to feel more energetic in your second tri, or you may not. Your body has a lot more blood for your heart to pump, and it's working hard to build a human! If you feel up to a hard workout and it feels good, then go for it. If not, listen to your body. You'll be back to training again in no time after the baby's here

oneyedsally · July 2012

I agree it's normal, no matter how hard it is to accept. I ran a half at 8 weeks, and I was in awesome shape as well. I skipped my last week of training due to intense nausea (I heard running actually helps but I really didn't want to throw up on my neighbor's lawn!) and ran the half about 30 min slower than I wanted to. Also I had been training at 55-60 degrees and it was 85-90 and full sun that day...but still I was sad. I was so sure I'd keep running, but I'm 16 weeks and haven't touched my shoes since the race. I feel so lazy and it's hard to watch myself get out of shape, but I've started to get energy back and have gone for walks a few times. As for stamina levels, I jogged out to my car in the rain today (maybe 200 ft?) and I was completely winded. That's great you can still go three miles! Runner's World has some good articles about scaling back in pregnancy. Just listen to your body and do what you can. Whether I run now or not, I'm signing up for the race next year so that I can train and get back into shape after baby!

CarolynTheRed · July 2012

I think it really varies. I had no trouble keeping up the intensity for the first trimester. I could keep my heart rate up about 170-180 spinning, which was normal. When I hit about 14-15 weeks, though, I completely lost the ability to work at any intensity. If I go above a light intensity (a very easy jog, or an easy swimming pace), I start sputtering and can't get my breath. From what I've heard from my friends with kids, I lasted longer at a high intensity than most.

Yeah, it's frustrating. I've been trying to switch up my workouts so I can't compare directly with my "normal" self.

happylady5 · July 2012

Relieved to read these posts...I'm 28 and 8 weeks along and having a terrible time with exercise. It's been hard to adjust to because pre-pregnancy I pushed myself really hard and now can hardly walk 30 minutes without it wearing me out. I know it's normal, but it's nice to hear other ladies feeling the same way. I'm just going to continue to keep doing what I can, when I feel good enough to do it. And hope that once 2 Tri hits, I have more energy to exercise!

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