Cardio and baby?

HarrytheHorse · October 2015

Hi all,

After 1.5 years of TTC after a MC, I finally got a BFP when I started eating whatever I wanted and stopped exercising.

Before that, I was sort of a cardio addict -- runnning, spinning, kickboxing, etc., each week.

Now, however, I'm afraid to do full cardio -- I can't get a straight answer from doctor on whether it will jostle or harm baby. I've done some yoga, dog walking and light weights, but I miss feeling breathless and sweaty. I'm also starting to feel kind of blah and lazy. I tried "taking it easy" during a spin class a few weeks ago, and it was pathetic. Why even show up?

Anyone else in a similar boat? What kinds of exercise are you doing?

marriedtoadutchman · October 2015

I'm still exercising. I was doing the 21 day fix and will continue to do so as long as I can. I say if you

mrsschmity · October 2015

I totally understand missing the feeling of pushing your limits. I am more of a weightlifter than cardio bunny, and I have continued my normal workouts for the most part. I have however noticed that my energy and strength is not what it used to be, and have not been pushing myself past my limits. I stop if I feel lightheaded and have taken the weight down just a tad. Now that you're growing a human, you just have to listen to your body. I would say if you were doing all of that prior to getting pregnant, then you should be able to continue. Obviously I am no doctor though

Not sure how many times/week you run, have spinning and kickboxing, but if you're concerned (and if your doctor hasn't really given you the go ahead) I would consider maybe doing a little less of what you're used to. If you were doing every day, maybe try every other day?

matthewsdm · October 2015

My dr told me I could continue with whatever I had been doing. She said try not to get my heart rate above 140 for an extended time and then just take it easy if I happen to feel dizzy or light headed. I've been doing cardio (mostly bike/elliptical) and some lighter weights with no issues. Once we get a little further along, you don't want to do exercise that has you lying flat on your back. But, if it makes you feel better, by all means, keep working out!

mkemommy · October 2015

@HarrytheHorse - I feel you on cardio. I love cardio and still do it regularly (spin, elliptical, etc.) but I've been doing it consistently for quiet a while and didn't take any extended breaks while TTC. Did you take a significant amount of time off exercise? If your body is not used to the cardio you used to do because of a break, it generally isn't recommended to start a new and intense fitness routine while pregnant. That doesn't mean you can't stay fit though! Walk, hike, spin at a lower intensity, etc. I've taken it down a notch in spin and on the cardio machines. I get up to 140 pretty quickly but can still pass the "talk test" (i.e., can you have a conversation finishing short sentences without gasping for air) and in spin hover anywhere from 140-160. I could easily go above 160 up to 180 in spin (and soak through two towels) pre-pregnancy and while TTC but I've personally set 160 as my max during pregnancy, as that is where I start to fail the "talk test" (each person will be different obviously).

@matthewsdm - The 140 bpm heart rate limit is outdated as a general rule, though each person is different. I do think its a good idea to wear a heart rate monitor though and occasionally do the "talk test". Don't forget to stay hydrated too.

lm45678 · October 2015

I have been walking and trying to eat healthy.

I am hesitant to do anything I couldn't comfortably do in the months leading up to my BFP. (I'm not in great shape so I'm different than you)

It can be really tough when you feel lazy, but nothing is worth harming baby IMO.

RMLandy · October 2015

According to my doctor and my trainer, you can continue doing whatever exercise you used to do pre-pregnancy as long as it's comfortable, you take breaks when needed, and hydrate.

taluce · October 2015

My doctor recommends exercising but not changing anything or adding exercises I haven't done before being pregs. I have gone running, but just to be safe I am sticking to the elliptical and body weight training only (push ups, lunges, squats, etc). The doc said being strong and fit will help with delivery!

HarrytheHorse · October 2015

Thanks, all!

@mkemommy -- I stopped running -- and doing any cardio -- on 9/8/15 (OV day). Magically, 2 weeks later, BFP! I don't normally do heart rate monitoring, but maybe I should start. What device do you use? FitBit?

I will start easing back into cardio. Did kickboxing earlier this week; I was terrified the next day, b/c I didn't feel the normal baby cramps I've felt every day for the past month. But she was back in full force the next day. And I have a spin date with a friend tomorrow.

@laurenm2123: I agree, nothing is worth harming baby. I know my limits -- just need to get used to not pushing them too hard.

mkemommy · October 2015

@HarrytheHorse - Actually, I've heard a lot of anecdotal evidence around easing up on intense cardio around the time of ovulation from personal trainers in order to get KU. Not sure what to take from it since its anecdotal but I eased up a little around ovulation time this cycle when I got KU as well. I use a polar heart rate monitor. They are great and sync with most of my gym's equipment automatically (check with your gym which one they recommend). Just keep with the "talk test" and you should be fine though.

emucoleman · October 2015

During my pregnancy with DD, I was really worried about exercising and kind of stopped everything except prenatal yoga and walking. This time around I'm not so worried about it. Staying active is important in pregnancy! If it's what you're used to, then you're probably fine. Like PPs said, listen to your body--that's the most important thing. I think you'll feel it if you're pushing yourself too far.

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