1st Trimester

Lack of exercise/movement during 1 trimester

Hi all. I am 32 years old and am 9 weeks pregnant. Before the 9th week kicked in I was able to go for short walks maybe 2 times a week. As soon as the 9th week started. I have no energy or motivation to move. I walk up the stairs of my house and get tired easily. Before getting pregnant I was active and working out 2-3 times a week….

I am worried that lack of exercise might lead to complications with labour. I am extremely nervous but I just don’t have the energy to even step out of my house …..

I know it’s temporary, but how much does first trimester workout affect the delivery, smooth labour, babies development etc …

What can I do to push myself?

Thanks x

....

Re: Lack of exercise/movement during 1 trimester

  • Try prenatal stretching! 
    But I have heard the same thing. I am at week 7, and I went from working out (a mix of cardio and pilates and stretching) 5-6 times a week to occasionally walking my dog in the mornings. 😅 I'm just exhausted and nauseous! I've had mama friends tell me it gets better in the 2nd trimester for most women, and that's when you can incorporate walking, hiking, and prenatal stretches that get your body ready (especially squats and pelvic thrusts). So I'm honestly just resting a lot until we get past the first trimester. You're not alone!
  • Loading the player...
  • Not exercising in the 1st trimester will make no difference during labor, don’t worry! Most of the important positioning for baby doesn’t happen until the 3rd trimester when they are actually big enough to be tight on space. And in most pregnancies your energy will come back in the 2nd trimester. Get the rest you need now and don’t worry 💕💕
  • I totally get how exhausting the first trimester can be — your body is working overtime to support the baby, so low energy and feeling wiped out is completely normal. Short, gentle movement like a few minutes of stretching, light walking around the house, or even prenatal yoga can help keep your body active without overdoing it. First trimester exercise isn’t strictly required for a smooth labor, but staying lightly active can help with mood, circulation, and energy levels. Don’t pressure yourself too much; listening to your body is key. If you want tips on simple ways to stay moving at home, having resources like the simple life can be really helpful for guidance.
  • What is the simple life resource?
  • edited January 10

    For me, the simple life is more of a lifestyle-style resource than anything fancy. I’ve struggled with extra weight for years, especially during times when my energy is low, so I’m always looking for really realistic guidance — not intense workouts or “bounce back” pressure. It focuses on gentle movement, simple routines, and listening to your body instead of pushing through exhaustion. Things like light stretching, easy at-home workouts, and mindset tips that don’t make you feel guilty for resting. That approach really helped me stay consistent without feeling overwhelmed, especially during pregnancy-related fatigue.

  • I can totally relate. I’ve been struggling with this too, I was extremely inactive for most of my first pregnancy but I have a much more active lifestyle now and was really looking forward to the benefits of it during pregnancy/l&d. my first trimester has been so exhausting that I’ve barely worked out at all, and lost a lot of muscle mass as well. While it can be discouraging, there are more bursts of energy toward the end of the first trimester (I’m 11 weeks now) and you should be able to resume a comfortable level of exercise during that second trimester and moving forward. Definitely start some prenatal stretches and just do them as often as possible!
Sign In or Register to comment.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"