I thought it might be nice to have a thread dedicated to staying fit during pregnancy. We can talk about what exercises we like, what’s working or not working as the belly expands, and how to exercise safely.
For myself, I kept running until I hit 8 months with my daughter, but I also gained 50 pounds! This time around I want to focus on more weight-lifting, because I know I won’t be able to run the whole pregnancy. I am likely looking at a repeat c-section, and I feel like the better shape I am in when this little chia seed comes out, the easier it will be to recover.
I teach FIT4MOM classes (stroller workouts for moms to bring their kids) and hope to be able to teach throughout this whole pregnancy. For anyone interested you should look them up in your area. It’s nationwide and they have fit4baby classes that are just for pregnant moms! I don’t get anything out of this, just love the program and the relationships it creates!
@char245 that sounds awesome! I haven’t heard of it before. Unfortunately I live in a small town so it’s hard to come by things like this. But I love the idea.
I walk a couple days a week with a friend, along with lifting at the gym about 3 days a week. I feel so much better when I work out regularly. Even though I know I feel better and get stronger it doesn’t seem to make much of a difference as far as losing weight, etc. I’ll be honest some of it is my diet and some is that I’m not super motivated to be super disciplined.
I'm a member of tone it up (online fitness and nutrition group - the new app is awesome ) and they just released a prenatal channel of pregnancy safe workout videos that vary from 7-40 min depending on how you feel! I have also heard great things about knocked up fitness but it is $39/month and I got the tone it up app for $80/year so I hesitated on knocked up fitness. Considering trying it for 1 month just to see.
Thanks for starting this! I’ve been trying to figure out what’s going to be my exercise routine for this pregnancy. I was doing BodyBoss before I got pregnant and thought maybe I could continue it with modifications but I chickened out due to all the jumping involved.
I’m going to follow this thread to get ideas and tips. Thank you ladies!
I’m horrible at getting a work out in, pregnant or not. In June DH and I were taking DD for a walk every evening for a minimum of 3 miles. I was really enjoying it. Now that it doesn’t cool down until around 8:00 it has been harder to do and I’m missing it.
I was doing bootcamp classes and they are really intense but I hope to continue them as I feel up to it with modifications. The last time I went the sub teacher was 7 months PG! I felt like such a slouch! Her exercises were modified of course, but it was obvious what good shape she was in. Very inspirational. I signed up for a deep water exercise class this month but the 6pm time slot won't work once my DD is back in school next month. Still figuring out what my prenatal workout regimen will be.
@BuckeyeNut05 I have heard such good things about orange theory!!
In the past my struggle has been if it is not a morning workout it doesn't happen so we will see how that goes. I try not to discount dog walks, which have to happen daily whether I want to or not!
I go to workout classes 4 days a week. Two days focus on cardio and two days weights. I’m hoping to keep at it until I give birth. I never exercised during my first pregnancy so this is new territory.
TTC since June 2015
DH {29} Me {26}
PCOS Diagnosis | September 2015 IF Specialist | November 2015 Provera | November 2015 | 179 Days since last AF HSG | December 2015 | All Clear Provera | January 2016 | 46 Days since last AF 1st round of Femara 2.5mgs | January 2016 | No response Provera | February 2016 | 44 Days since last AF 2nd round of Femara 5mgs | March 2016 | O CD18 | AF 3/28/2016 3rd round of Femara 5mgs | March/April 2016 | No response | AF 5/6/2016 4th round of Femara 7.5mgs | May 2016 | BFP June 4, 2015 EDD: 2/15/2017 | Loss Discovered: 6/11/2016 | NMC: 6/15/2015 Gonal-F 75 IU upped to 100 IU | June 2016 | IUI June 29, 2016 | Beta: July 13, 2016 | AF 7/12/2016 Gonal-F 75 IU upped to 112.5IU | July 2016 | IUI July 27, 2016 | Beta: August 10, 2016 | + Beta 171! BFP on Digi 8/8/2016 | Beta #2: 396 = 39 hour doubling time | Beta #3: 1659 = 34 hour doubling time First ultrasound: August 17, 2016; 5 weeks; Gestational Sac and yolk Second ultrasound: August 25, 2016; 6W+1D; Heartbeat 105bpm Third ultrasound: August 31, 2016; 7 weeks; Heartbeat 136bpm Graduated from RE: August 31, 2016 EDD: April 17, 2017
@dtspmama I LOVE BBG! That’s how I got back into shape after my first baby! I see the SWEAT app now has a postpartum program and I will definitely be looking into that after this baby is born.
@maggiemadeit I'm seriously considering doing the SWEAT app post-baby, too! I never thought I'd look forward to working out, but I love the results I got from BBG and will be excited to work towards this bod again after baby.
@HarryPotterandCats This is new territory for me too! With DS I was exhausted in the first tri and then never got into any sort of routine after that.
This time around I'm not working through the first tri and I think that is helping me stay more motivated to work out. I've been working through the Blogilates beginners calendar when DS naps and that has been good so far. We also try to go on walks most days if the weather cooperates.
I play league tennis, bicycle, hike, do yoga, step aerobics, exercise in general, and I'm going to continue doing so until a DR or my body tells me not to. I have noticed in the past week that I have some brown spotting during exercise, and I read this is perfectly normal and not harmful. Here are some references for others who are active, too:
I'm not starting anything new, just continuing to do my normal thing. So far, I feel fine. I had a weird experience on Monday, 7/2, where I went for a simple walk with a coworker and I was so out of breath it scared me! Maybe it was a strong hormone fluctuation that day. I don't know. But, I bicycled 10 miles on Tuesday, 7/3, and I played hours and hours of tennis on Wednesday, 7/4, and no problems whatsoever.
@HarryPotterandCats This is new territory for me too! With DS I was exhausted in the first tri and then never got into any sort of routine after that.
This time around I'm not working through the first tri and I think that is helping me stay more motivated to work out. I've been working through the Blogilates beginners calendar when DS naps and that has been good so far. We also try to go on walks most days if the weather cooperates.
That’s awesome! I’m noticing that I am less tired (still exhausted) being more active. It’s seriously a great feeling.
TTC since June 2015
DH {29} Me {26}
PCOS Diagnosis | September 2015 IF Specialist | November 2015 Provera | November 2015 | 179 Days since last AF HSG | December 2015 | All Clear Provera | January 2016 | 46 Days since last AF 1st round of Femara 2.5mgs | January 2016 | No response Provera | February 2016 | 44 Days since last AF 2nd round of Femara 5mgs | March 2016 | O CD18 | AF 3/28/2016 3rd round of Femara 5mgs | March/April 2016 | No response | AF 5/6/2016 4th round of Femara 7.5mgs | May 2016 | BFP June 4, 2015 EDD: 2/15/2017 | Loss Discovered: 6/11/2016 | NMC: 6/15/2015 Gonal-F 75 IU upped to 100 IU | June 2016 | IUI June 29, 2016 | Beta: July 13, 2016 | AF 7/12/2016 Gonal-F 75 IU upped to 112.5IU | July 2016 | IUI July 27, 2016 | Beta: August 10, 2016 | + Beta 171! BFP on Digi 8/8/2016 | Beta #2: 396 = 39 hour doubling time | Beta #3: 1659 = 34 hour doubling time First ultrasound: August 17, 2016; 5 weeks; Gestational Sac and yolk Second ultrasound: August 25, 2016; 6W+1D; Heartbeat 105bpm Third ultrasound: August 31, 2016; 7 weeks; Heartbeat 136bpm Graduated from RE: August 31, 2016 EDD: April 17, 2017
@char245 I’m going to look for a Fit4Mom class in my area. Last pregnancy I basically stopped moving (was puking so much) and then became a sphere when I could eat again.
@dtspmama I’ve been doing BBG for over a year! I love it. I want to continue with modifications but some of the moves are very high impact, and lots of jumping around. I didn’t workout with my 2 older, so this is new time. Definitely going to do Kelsey’s program when baby comes.
I just ran a marathon the end of May and I never stopped my training. I’m actually leading a summer training for a marathon, that goes through mid-October. I plan to run as long as possible and I do have one relay race coming up next month. I also strength train several times a week. Got 8 miles in this morning and so far feeling great...just took a long nap though LoL!
Love reading everyone's fitness stories, inspiring me to be active! I'm currently hanging around in workout clothes, waiting for MH to finish watching the World Cup so we can go to the gym. I'm losing motivation quickly though .
@novelblessings I am a runner too! I signed up for my annual marathon in October, but I think I will switch to the half marathon instead. I am headed out for a 10 miler in the morning, and I am so happy our weather finally turned cooler here!
Do you follow any HR guidelines for pregnant running? I never did with my first, and I have read that HR recommendations for pregnancy are kind of outdated, but I am curious if anyone else follows this?
@char245 I do fit4mom! I love my group so much, and the instructors and classes are amazing. I’ve been doing it since my daughter was a few months old and the only thing on my wishlist for baby #2 is a double BOB! I’m able to do that every day in the summer and twice a week during the school year, so I’ll probably keep up with that as much as possible and try to keep running as well.
I just ran my first half marathon in June, so I’m hoping to keep running 3-4 times a week with one longer run. I am feeling so sick right now, that I’ve taken it down to whenever I can which is more like 2-3 times per week. But I dont feel like I’ve lost any of my training yet so I’m hoping I can get on Diclegis after my first appointment.
I've noticed the spotting has stopped so it may have been a coincidence that it happened a couple of times when I exercised. The last two days I've exercised, I've had no spotting.
I can't wait to have my own little ball fetcher to help me pick up balls on the court!!
@maggiemadeit I’ve never followed any HR guidelines while running. I wasn’t able to keep running with my first, so this is new to me. Our training camp follows Lydiard and they don’t recommend following the HR guidelines so I’ll just see how I feel as I go.
Not sure I’m brave enough to sign up for the race here in October, which is what I’m technically training for. Maybe I’ll do the half if I still fell good! Just worried about my relay next month. It’s 200 miles total and my total run is 18 miles.
@novelblessings I’m not much of a runner so I’ve never even heard of a relay like that. It sounds really interesting! How does it work? Do you run your whole 18 at one time?
@char245 We have a team of 12 and we are split into 6 in each vehicle. How we have it set up is one vehicle will run their legs and then take a break/sleep/eat while the other vehicle runs. Each of us has to run 3 legs total. So mine is a total of like 18.6, but I don’t run it all at once. My longest leg is something like 9 miles and I’ll be running it in the middle of the night.
We start on a Friday afternoon and run through Saturday afternoon when the race finishes. I’ve only ever done a short relay before of 33.5 miles. So should be interesting. Little worried about being too tired because of lack of sleep and being pregnant.
I've been doing Crossfit on and off for the past five years, but I'm definitely NOT what you'd think of when you picture a "crossfitter." I already modify a ton of the movements. I do like the accountability to show up regularly. Also, my husband goes with me, and I like the idea of having him there with me in case I'm not feeling well (rather than being in a class by myself or something). I think I'm going to feel it out and keep going for as long as I'm comfortable.
@novelblessings that’s so cool! You’ll have to let us know how it goes!! @_patty_ I’ve always been interested in CrossFit. Maybe after this baby I’ll finally give it a try!
@maggiemadeit I remember looking at the HR recs during my first pregnancy, but my HR monitor was so off that I didn't end up following it. Instead, I just made sure not to push myself too hard. I'm a pretty competitive runner and it was super hard at first. I remember I ran a 5 miler on Thanksgiving and made myself run at 8 minute pace. I did this knowing that I ran the same race at 6:30 pace the year prior and it was so hard to make myself run slower. Honestly, it probably wouldn't have mattered, but I wasn't comfortable pushing really hard while pregnant.
I ran up until around 7 months during my last pregnancy and then switched to the elliptical for the duration. I gained 25 pounds which is my goal for this pregnancy as well. We'll see though... I'm not in as good of shape this time around. It's really difficult to find time to work out while working full time and being a mom to an almost 14 month old. Luckily I'm off for the summer, so I've been jogging or walking with the dog and son every day.
@chocolatelemons it is the only workout that has ever made me enjoy working out! My heart rate is about 10bpm elevated lately so I've been on the struggle bus in all my classes lately. I didn't work out at all with my first pregnancy so I am hoping to go all the way through with this one and feel much better coming out of it than I did last time.
@JScamelipardalis and @char245 I had a double BOB for my girls and loooooved it! I didn't even use it for running. I just sold mine and got the same version in a single (banking on there only being one this time!)
I went out for my weekly long run yesterday and I could feel my husband worrying before I even left the house! He even asked me the exact amount of time I would be gone so he would know when to start worrying. I always carry water, food, and a phone, in addition to having my ID bracelet with his phone number on it.
I would take spin classes and I LOVED them. I stopped going because we moved. Was deciding on joining a gym again in our new location or just buying my own spin bike. Well, I went with my own bike and it came right before I found out we were pregnant. Everything I have read said that spin is a great exercise while pregnant - will confirm with Dr. on Monday. I’m really hoping to keep my weight in check throughout my pregnancy as weight Has always been a struggle.
Can we do a Fit Mama Monday check in? I'd love a reminder to plan my workouts for the week. That's honestly a big part of it for me, is deciding what I'm going to do when. After that's it's pretty robotic.
DD1: June '16 DD2: March ‘19 :::: Married since 2011 :::: USN Wife ::::
@meggyme that's a great idea. I've been so exhausted and nauseous that I've been seriously slacking, which I know is making me feel more exhausted. No good! Time for some accountability!
I'm an FTM and an avid crossfitter/weightlifter. I plan to continue throughout my pregnancy modifying as I go and listening to what my body says is too much.
Re: Fit Pregnancy
I walk a couple days a week with a friend, along with lifting at the gym about 3 days a week. I feel so much better when I work out regularly. Even though I know I feel better and get stronger it doesn’t seem to make much of a difference as far as losing weight, etc. I’ll be honest some of it is my diet and some is that I’m not super motivated to be super disciplined.
I’m going to follow this thread to get ideas and tips. Thank you ladies!
https://www.toneitup.com/workouts/prenatal-workout-modifications/
In the past my struggle has been if it is not a morning workout it doesn't happen so we will see how that goes. I try not to discount dog walks, which have to happen daily whether I want to or not!
IF Specialist | November 2015
Provera | November 2015 | 179 Days since last AF
HSG | December 2015 | All Clear
Provera | January 2016 | 46 Days since last AF
1st round of Femara 2.5mgs | January 2016 | No response
Provera | February 2016 | 44 Days since last AF
2nd round of Femara 5mgs | March 2016 | O CD18 | AF 3/28/2016
3rd round of Femara 5mgs | March/April 2016 | No response | AF 5/6/2016
4th round of Femara 7.5mgs | May 2016 | BFP June 4, 2015
EDD: 2/15/2017 | Loss Discovered: 6/11/2016 | NMC: 6/15/2015
Gonal-F 75 IU upped to 100 IU | June 2016 | IUI June 29, 2016 | Beta: July 13, 2016 | AF 7/12/2016
Gonal-F 75 IU upped to 112.5IU | July 2016 | IUI July 27, 2016 | Beta: August 10, 2016 | + Beta 171!
BFP on Digi 8/8/2016 | Beta #2: 396 = 39 hour doubling time | Beta #3: 1659 = 34 hour doubling time
First ultrasound: August 17, 2016; 5 weeks; Gestational Sac and yolk
Second ultrasound: August 25, 2016; 6W+1D; Heartbeat 105bpm
Third ultrasound: August 31, 2016; 7 weeks; Heartbeat 136bpm
Graduated from RE: August 31, 2016
EDD: April 17, 2017
This time around I'm not working through the first tri and I think that is helping me stay more motivated to work out. I've been working through the Blogilates beginners calendar when DS naps and that has been good so far. We also try to go on walks most days if the weather cooperates.
"Cervix is more prone to bleed as blood flow is naturally increased during pregnancy. That said, anything that may touch or irritate the cervix can cause bleeding. Sex, gynecological exam, pap smear, physical work, exercise. This bleeding should only spot and last for a day or two."
from: https://www.motherandchildhealth.com/pregnancy-birth/vaginal-bleeding-during-pregnancy-whats-normal-whats-not/
Here's another reference for those of you that are interested:
https://www.livestrong.com/article/306934-spotting-after-exercise-during-pregnancy/
I'm not starting anything new, just continuing to do my normal thing. So far, I feel fine. I had a weird experience on Monday, 7/2, where I went for a simple walk with a coworker and I was so out of breath it scared me! Maybe it was a strong hormone fluctuation that day. I don't know. But, I bicycled 10 miles on Tuesday, 7/3, and I played hours and hours of tennis on Wednesday, 7/4, and no problems whatsoever.
IF Specialist | November 2015
Provera | November 2015 | 179 Days since last AF
HSG | December 2015 | All Clear
Provera | January 2016 | 46 Days since last AF
1st round of Femara 2.5mgs | January 2016 | No response
Provera | February 2016 | 44 Days since last AF
2nd round of Femara 5mgs | March 2016 | O CD18 | AF 3/28/2016
3rd round of Femara 5mgs | March/April 2016 | No response | AF 5/6/2016
4th round of Femara 7.5mgs | May 2016 | BFP June 4, 2015
EDD: 2/15/2017 | Loss Discovered: 6/11/2016 | NMC: 6/15/2015
Gonal-F 75 IU upped to 100 IU | June 2016 | IUI June 29, 2016 | Beta: July 13, 2016 | AF 7/12/2016
Gonal-F 75 IU upped to 112.5IU | July 2016 | IUI July 27, 2016 | Beta: August 10, 2016 | + Beta 171!
BFP on Digi 8/8/2016 | Beta #2: 396 = 39 hour doubling time | Beta #3: 1659 = 34 hour doubling time
First ultrasound: August 17, 2016; 5 weeks; Gestational Sac and yolk
Second ultrasound: August 25, 2016; 6W+1D; Heartbeat 105bpm
Third ultrasound: August 31, 2016; 7 weeks; Heartbeat 136bpm
Graduated from RE: August 31, 2016
EDD: April 17, 2017
George (3)
Do you follow any HR guidelines for pregnant running? I never did with my first, and I have read that HR recommendations for pregnancy are kind of outdated, but I am curious if anyone else follows this?
I just ran my first half marathon in June, so I’m hoping to keep running 3-4 times a week with one longer run. I am feeling so sick right now, that I’ve taken it down to whenever I can which is more like 2-3 times per week. But I dont feel like I’ve lost any of my training yet so I’m hoping I can get on Diclegis after my first appointment.
I can't wait to have my own little ball fetcher to help me pick up balls on the court!!
Not sure I’m brave enough to sign up for the race here in October, which is what I’m technically training for. Maybe I’ll do the half if I still fell good! Just worried about my relay next month. It’s 200 miles total and my total run is 18 miles.
We start on a Friday afternoon and run through Saturday afternoon when the race finishes. I’ve only ever done a short relay before of 33.5 miles. So should be interesting. Little worried about being too tired because of lack of sleep and being pregnant.
let us know how it goes!!
@_patty_ I’ve always been interested in CrossFit. Maybe after this baby I’ll finally give it a try!
@maggiemadeit I remember looking at the HR recs during my first pregnancy, but my HR monitor was so off that I didn't end up following it. Instead, I just made sure not to push myself too hard. I'm a pretty competitive runner and it was super hard at first. I remember I ran a 5 miler on Thanksgiving and made myself run at 8 minute pace. I did this knowing that I ran the same race at 6:30 pace the year prior and it was so hard to make myself run slower. Honestly, it probably wouldn't have mattered, but I wasn't comfortable pushing really hard while pregnant.
I ran up until around 7 months during my last pregnancy and then switched to the elliptical for the duration. I gained 25 pounds which is my goal for this pregnancy as well. We'll see though... I'm not in as good of shape this time around. It's really difficult to find time to work out while working full time and being a mom to an almost 14 month old. Luckily I'm off for the summer, so I've been jogging or walking with the dog and son every day.
@JScamelipardalis and @char245 I had a double BOB for my girls and loooooved it! I didn't even use it for running. I just sold mine and got the same version in a single (banking on there only being one this time!)
It’s going to be a loooooong 9 months!