Staying Active, Safely

momotheflyinglemur · August 2015

I used to take zumba classes twice a week and play soccer with my dog (he's freaking airbud) prepregnancy. Now I have dropped both, in favor of daily walks and weekly swims as they are less intensive. My OB says that this is very healthy for me and baby and could even potentially make labor easier. As a FTM, I will do anything I can to associate the thought of labor with easy. hahahaha No one has ever had a problem with pregnant me in the pool, but I have had a lady who thought she was a kindly, old woman stop me on the track and tell me that I shouldn't be out in the Texas heat. Honey, I have a hat on as well as sunscreen and you see that giant jug of water in the shade under that tree, it's mine, now eff off.

So what do you ladies think about staying active while pregnant? Are you exercising? How does it differ from the activity you did before you found out you were pregnant? How do people react when they see you out doing these activities?

rgz · August 2015

I used to go for a few 2-4 mile runs each week and attend TRX or barre exercise classes pre-pregnancy. Once I got pregnant and found myself tiring more quickly and I started worrying about overheating while running (I always get so hot!!), I stopped running and started walking but continuing the classes. Within the last month I've found I'm just too tired at night to do an hour long class then go walk the dog for a couple miles so I've cut out the classes and try to go for 1-3 mile walks then sometimes do some light-weight strength training when I get back. I usually take a bottle of water with me while I've been walking in 90+ degree temps, and only as of the last week or two I don't feel self conscious having my bump hanging over my waistband. Before my bump was this obvious, I just felt chubby (nothing wrong with that but I've always been someone who's been self conscious of my weight/body shape), so now I finally feel comfortable embracing my belly while exercising!

VesperLove · August 2015

I always have and always will firmly believe that being active is healthier than being inactive, no matter what condition you're in (pregnant or not). If you were working out prior to pregnancy, then there is absolutely no reason not to be active during pregnancy (unless doc tells you otherwise). Don't start taking up super crazy activities you've never done before ... but if you're body is used to it, there is no harm in continuing.

I just had a conversation with my doctor last week about this. I was super active prior to pregnancy (heavy weight training and cardio three to four times a week) and quit cold turkey during first trimester because I had no energy. I've been slow to get back to it but I miss it a ton. I asked him about it and he said that even with four months off, I can work my way back up to whatever level I feel like doing (not surpassing what I was doing before). I won't be getting anywhere close to that, but I do plan on adding in some activity in the next few weeks and keeping it up through the rest of pregnancy.

Whether it helps with labor or not, it will definitely help with just my level of comfort in the final trimester. Stretching, working out, etc, will only help with ligament pain, joint pain, etc. There is absolutely no negative to getting active (in my opinion).

Court11152325 · August 2015

I walk 1-3 miles a night (whether with a work out video or with the dogs) and lift weights 3x a week. We have a gym in our garage and I've always lifted heavy weights, so sometimes it's nice to still do weights just not quite as heavy.

I also used to run regularly, but I get overheated pretty quickly. So walking it is.

Taylovesbrad · August 2015

I'm trying to go on walks but don't go as much as I should. I also am trying to do the stairs at my work 4 times daily

momotheflyinglemur · August 2015

This article caused the biggest stir on the toxic, cesspool that used to be my Facebook feed a few weeks ago (I have since purged all the people I hate and it is much more civil now). It is about Olympian Alysia Montano who ran an 800 meter dash while 8 months pregnant! Check it out!

breezypip · August 2015

Before pregnancy I was a regular runner (not fast or anything) and did lots of boot camp type classes. For some reason my doctor didn't love the idea of me continuing to run and suggested I take up walking, and it was so difficult for me to get pregnant that I'm going with her recommendation.

So I usually walk about 6 miles 2-3 times per week and I've just begun taking pregnancy yoga. When I change into my gym clothes at work i have had a few people comment that they're surprised I still work out and "good for you". I thought it's what I'm supposed to do!

BrookeBrown2015 · August 2015

I used to run almost every day up to 4 miles with short walking breaks between each mile. I also used to do regular pushups and sit-ups. (I am in the army national guard). Lately I haven't really been doing much of anything except when I go to the beach I swim of course and take a walk. But I too live in Texas (Victoria) and it's just so hot which I normally don't mind as much but with being pregnant I don't like to stay out as long.
Also, shortly before I found out I was pregnant I got attacked by a dog while out for a run by my house. About a month ago I went for a long walk by my house and dogs were still barking at me obnoxiously and wanting to hurt me even though I wasn't doing anything to them. I really hate dogs but they upset me even more so now since I got attacked.
I haven't really been able to afford the gym the last couple months but I will be able to go back later this month and then I will do more swimming and walking.
Oh and I used to go for long bike rides with my husband but haven't done much of that lately... Maybe twice since I found out I was pregnant and now his bike is messed up...

Sorry so long! In summary, exercise is good but I have been lazy lately!

ColoradoHiker · August 2015

I'm a regular gym goer/ hike, bike and kayaked. I keep up all these activities (18 mile bike ride last sat), but the intensity is more moderate. I've been having overheating issues even in AC environments, so I'm listening to my body more carefully. That being said, I see no good reason to give up all exercise, unless of course your doctor advised it.

mltarrio · August 2015

I am a runner and I am still at it at 20 weeks but with some major modification. I went from training for marathons and half marathons, (I ran one the month before I got pregnant), to running only 15 or 20 miles a week. I am much slower and I never leave the house without water these days. And when I feel tired I take a break and walk for a minute then start running again. I have also been mixing in some light weight training and prenatal yoga on days when I just don't feel up to it.

I think staying active during pregnancy is all about listening to your body and doing what is right for you.

Cmagno · August 2015

I think it's super important to stay active during pregnancy. I did a better job last pregnancy and think my weight gain was slower. I went to the gym and did cycle class or yoga a few times a week and ran 2-4 miles a few times a week up until 25 weeks then did power walks until she was born. I had an "easy" labor, quick recovery and was back in my pre-pregnancy jeans within a week post partum - so it's all worth it!

It's a lot harder to find the time and stay motivated now that I have a sweet toddler but I still do long walks, and whenever possible I walk instead of driving for errands. I try to do prenatal yoga at home but I feel kind of like a slacker this pregnancy. I'm also a big proponent of cherishing this time, enjoying being pregnant and if you're exhausted don't beat yourself up for not doing more!! Moderation is the key to happiness, oh and donuts, those help too!

Holdmomma · August 2015

Like many others here I am a runner and really have only tapered off because of the heat. By the time summer is over I'll be too big to enjoy running (learned that from my first). Last pregnancy I switched to swimming and walks, but with a two year old and full time job, getting to the pool for anything but mommy & me classes take up too much of my family time. So, I'm at 23 weeks and finally decided I can live with family walks and hikes, and yoga/stretching at home until the end of my pregnancy. Any level of activity during pregnancy is better than none, and I have learned to listen to my body and not push it. It is hard to let go of activities you love, just know that once your pregnancy ends you will be able to work back into a fitness routine as long as you keep it a priority.

Not saying this will happen for everyone, but my running pace significantly increased after having baby #1. Last fall I shaved 13 minutes off my pre-baby half marathon time and ran my first sub- 2 hour half. Whenever I start to feel too tired, and guilty about getting less exercise I remind myself that I was able to come back from pregnancy stronger and healthier than ever, and I can and will do that again.

missphil · August 2015

I used to hike several times a week and really push myself. Now I hike (much less because of my work schedule) but I don't do the toughest hikes I used to. I have added prenatal yoga twice a week. Other than that, I walk when I can. I'd like to start walking an hour a day, time permitting.
I can't be as active as before because I get easily winded now and I have to add a nap when I hike, which is so time-consuming. But I am on my feet all day at work, so that counts, right?

momotheflyinglemur · August 2015

I am glad to hear that no one has encountered any judgements while working out. Especially as people seem to love to speak their mind to us preggos hahahaha. I am so proud of all of you mommas that are staying active even with a toddler, honestly chasing after and entertaining a toddler is work out enough!

CMDD · August 2015

Yes, I think being active, strong, and keeping muscle supple is so important at this time and really throughout your entire life. We're such a sedentary nation! I've been going on long walks everyday since I stopped working out so hard. My vinyasa yoga practice is really not working for me anymore so I've switched to gentle yoga. I did have a problem where I overdid it and put too much strain on already tight stomach muslces...so i'll just say that If you're having any discomfort in your belly to try not to put too much pressure there. For instance, I am no longer doing pushups (even with knees down), planks, row, etc.

satindawl83 · August 2015

I made the mistake of trying a Pilates class with a reformer machine while pregnant and thought I was about to kill myself. I also tried prenatal yoga and I was bored to tears.

I've found spin, barre and long fast-paced walks are a happy medium between the two workouts and are helping me feel tight and toned.

dientje · August 2015

I used to do strength training and lift heavy pre-pregnancy.

Now I settle for daily 1-3 mile walks and prenatal yoga 4x a week. Before bed I do things like squats, lunges, push up.....as long as I'm not on my stomach and/or jumping around a good sweat session makes me feel good.

discohiker · August 2015

I run 3 miles every day still and am planning on run-jog-walking a half marathon in September. I did the same with both pregnancies prior to this one. Getting back in shape was so easy and I swear I recovered from the c-sections sooner than doc thought was normal. I try to go when it is below 85 degrees and or run in the shade. Keep moving!

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