Author Topic: Pregnant fitness  (Read 6406 times)

onlykelsey

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Pregnant fitness
« on: July 01, 2016, 09:05:14 AM »
Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone had any experience with exercise and fitness during pregnancy.  I'm 14 weeks along with my first kid, and trying to figure out what works, what's safe, etc.  My midwife has okayed everything I'm doing and just said to not push too hard, which is great, but not much guidance.

I realized yesterday after a 5 mile run that even when I feel like I'm sort of cruising along on a run, when I look at my actual pace, it's often 11:00 miles, which is not fast for me, at all.  I'm not particularly worried about speed, I'm not a competitive runner or anything, but it made me realize I'm going to probably have to make some adjustments in the next few months.

For what it's worth, I'm 29, thin/average weight, have done some vaguely serious running in the past (marathons and 40-50 mile weeks in the past, never fast, though) and did gymnastics when I was younger.  I haven't been spending too much time on fitness, but can knock out a few chinups, I walk 3-4 miles a day and ran 9 miles this past weekend.  I'm also curious if you ended up with any specialized pregnant athletic gear.  I imagine I'll eventually need bigger bras (they're growing!) and maybe one of those support belts?

Thanks in advance!

CNM

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Re: Pregnant fitness
« Reply #1 on: July 01, 2016, 09:14:42 AM »
I would, of course, defer to your medical provider, but when I was pregnant I was instructed to continue doing whatever I had been doing previously but not to start anything new. 

In my personal experience, I had to stop doing sit-up style crunches and the exercise intensity level dropped off precipitously.  Which is all OK because, you know, my body was doing crazy stuff like making a new person and growing new organs!  I was also often very tired and needed a lot of sleep and rest.

I ended up mostly simply walking for exercise with the occasional prenatal yoga (which heavily favors body weight squats) thrown in there. 

onlykelsey

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Re: Pregnant fitness
« Reply #2 on: July 01, 2016, 09:19:58 AM »
In my personal experience, I had to stop doing sit-up style crunches and the exercise intensity level dropped off precipitously.  Which is all OK because, you know, my body was doing crazy stuff like making a new person and growing new organs!  I was also often very tired and needed a lot of sleep and rest.


Holy crap, the second and third month I was falling asleep in chairs and waking myself up by slamming my face in to my desk. SO. TIRED.  I think it's supposed to get better now, though... I haven't given myself a bruise on my nose in a few weeks!

Prenatal yoga is definitely on my list.  The place near me only has one class per week that i can't always make, so I've been playing with another non-prenatal (but not-heated) class, which seems fine, I think.


CNM

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Re: Pregnant fitness
« Reply #3 on: July 01, 2016, 09:26:42 AM »
Oh, I didn't answer your question about specialty pregnancy athletic wear.

Other than maternity clothes, I did not need to buy anything else.  This is likely because I wasn't running or doing anything that required a sports bra- all the exercise was very low key (walking, prenatal yoga). 

Good luck and make sure to take it easy!

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Re: Pregnant fitness
« Reply #4 on: July 01, 2016, 09:27:15 AM »
I helped my wife exercise through the first two trimesters.  By the third trimester she wasn't doing much more than going for walks and some body weight stuff.

We did barbell weight training.  Squats, deadlifts, bench press, overhead press, and cleans.  By the second trimester we had to drop the weights down to about 40-50% of what we were doing pre-pregnancy, and reduced the number of sets.  We did regular bike rides through the first half of the second trimester, but then my wife got concerned about potentially falling and causing problems.

No extra gear was used other than bigger bras, and our son ended up being born quite healthy.  I tend to think that people become a bit too cautious about exercise when pregnancy is involved . . .

onlykelsey

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Re: Pregnant fitness
« Reply #5 on: July 01, 2016, 10:11:40 AM »
I helped my wife exercise through the first two trimesters.  By the third trimester she wasn't doing much more than going for walks and some body weight stuff.

We did barbell weight training.  Squats, deadlifts, bench press, overhead press, and cleans.  By the second trimester we had to drop the weights down to about 40-50% of what we were doing pre-pregnancy, and reduced the number of sets.  We did regular bike rides through the first half of the second trimester, but then my wife got concerned about potentially falling and causing problems.

No extra gear was used other than bigger bras, and our son ended up being born quite healthy.  I tend to think that people become a bit too cautious about exercise when pregnancy is involved . . .

Interesting.  I've always been in to body weight/weighted pullups type stuff because that's what gymnastics trains you in.  A week or two ago I decided to do some ab work (fine) and 3 sets of eight bench presses with only 10 lbs on the bar, and I was sore for six days!  I've never been jacked, but I've definitely been able to bench press my weight-10 lbs  in the past year, so that was weird.  It's probably because i hadn't done pushups or presses because all I did for a few months was work and fall asleep on the couch, but it scared me that it may be pregnancy related. 

I haven't touched my bike at all.  I'm in Manhattan and cars try to kill me on a routine basis.  Maybe I can walk it over to a path and bike if my balance is okay but running gets too high impact.

Also been thinking I should (ahem) learn how to swim.  Seems like a good time to have that skill in my arsenal.

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Re: Pregnant fitness
« Reply #6 on: July 01, 2016, 10:49:49 AM »
I'm currently 23 weeks along, but I'm not nearly as into fitness as you are.  I'm in the "Why in the world would anyone willingly choose to run 26 miles at once????" camp.  But, that said, what I have always heard/followed is to keep doing what you have been as long as you feel ok with it.  Listen to your body.  As you get further along, any exercise that would have you lying on your back or stomach (like sit ups) would not be good for you.  But beyond that, just do what your body says it can do.  Get plenty of rest, eat healthy, don't push yourself too hard, and listen to your doctor :)

naners

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Re: Pregnant fitness
« Reply #7 on: July 01, 2016, 11:08:50 AM »
I'm 34 weeks. Here are my impressions; your mileage will vary A LOT depending on what symptoms you have (e.g. lower back pain etc.)
First trimester - basically unchanged (I was lucky wrt morning sickness and fatigue). I went to some prenatal yoga classes but in retrospect it wasn't necessary, and if you're usually pretty active you will probably find them too mellow. A prenatal teacher told me not to lie on my stomach even though I wasn't really showing, which I think was unnecessary in retrospect. 
Second trimester - slowed down a fair bit because of shortness of breath climbing hills/stairs. Other than that could keep doing most normal activities. Do check in to prenatal yoga once or twice to see what the yoga teachers recommend wrt poses you shouldn't do (the list isn't very long and mostly follows common sense).   
Third trimester - this is when the big changes happened for me. Too big/awkward for regular yoga, even the more mellow classes, plus can't lie on back, extra 15lbs on stomach etc so lots of poses are much more difficult than they used to be. Easily tired/hot, so need to be very careful about walking a long way. Also had some hip pain and sciatica that put a bit of a damper on long walks. This is where prenatal yoga comes into its own. LOVE LOVE LOVE going to prenatal classes. Some people do DVDs and good for you but I can't get motivated to exercise on my own, and you can tear my prenatal classes out of my cold dead fingers. 

galliver

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Re: Pregnant fitness
« Reply #8 on: July 01, 2016, 11:10:48 AM »
In my personal experience, I had to stop doing sit-up style crunches and the exercise intensity level dropped off precipitously.  Which is all OK because, you know, my body was doing crazy stuff like making a new person and growing new organs!  I was also often very tired and needed a lot of sleep and rest.


Holy crap, the second and third month I was falling asleep in chairs and waking myself up by slamming my face in to my desk. SO. TIRED.  I think it's supposed to get better now, though... I haven't given myself a bruise on my nose in a few weeks!

Prenatal yoga is definitely on my list.  The place near me only has one class per week that i can't always make, so I've been playing with another non-prenatal (but not-heated) class, which seems fine, I think.

Overheard a yoga instructor once warning a lady off doing any remotely serious twists in yoga after she found out the lady was pregnant, as apparently this can be bad for the fetus. No idea about the veracity of this, but not something I would have thought to check so I'm throwing it out there for your reference...maybe don't twist until you check with a medical provider...

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Re: Pregnant fitness
« Reply #9 on: July 01, 2016, 11:17:42 AM »
  I tend to think that people become a bit too cautious about exercise when pregnancy is involved . . .
^^ This - and what the midwife says. Amazingly, it seems women are built to survive pregnancy ;)
Lots of moderate cardio, yoga/stretching, nutrition control.
DW is at around 8wks on Kid7. She is a physical fitness instructor and teaches Les Mills classes 3-5 times a week (she's pretty badass). The first 3 months are hardest for her, she gets real tired and occasionally nauseated. Hydration and careful nutrition (lots of small portions, good stuff only) helps a lot. No special workout gear, though she swears by the 'foam roller' for keeping things loose and feeling good.

MrsDinero

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Re: Pregnant fitness
« Reply #10 on: July 01, 2016, 11:18:52 AM »
Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone had any experience with exercise and fitness during pregnancy.  I'm 14 weeks along with my first kid, and trying to figure out what works, what's safe, etc.  My midwife has okayed everything I'm doing and just said to not push too hard, which is great, but not much guidance.

I realized yesterday after a 5 mile run that even when I feel like I'm sort of cruising along on a run, when I look at my actual pace, it's often 11:00 miles, which is not fast for me, at all.  I'm not particularly worried about speed, I'm not a competitive runner or anything, but it made me realize I'm going to probably have to make some adjustments in the next few months.

For what it's worth, I'm 29, thin/average weight, have done some vaguely serious running in the past (marathons and 40-50 mile weeks in the past, never fast, though) and did gymnastics when I was younger.  I haven't been spending too much time on fitness, but can knock out a few chinups, I walk 3-4 miles a day and ran 9 miles this past weekend.  I'm also curious if you ended up with any specialized pregnant athletic gear.  I imagine I'll eventually need bigger bras (they're growing!) and maybe one of those support belts?

Thanks in advance!

I'm pregnant (30.5 weeks) and still exercising!

My doctors told me it was ok as long I don't add new exercises and to listen to my body.  I ran until it just felt too awkward, then I started walking.  I still do yoga and lift light weights.

With yoga I have to do a LOT of modifications.  No compression poses.  All my twists are open twists and no being on my belly.  There are modifications for almost every pose.  You might want to check out www.doyogawithme.com.  There are some free prenatal yoga "classes" on there, that I use when I can't get to the studio.

I bought a pair of yoga pants and capri workout pants from Motherhood maternity and just wear my maternity t-shirts. I did have to buy a larger sports bra, which I picked up cheap at Marshalls. 

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Re: Pregnant fitness
« Reply #11 on: July 01, 2016, 11:27:57 AM »
At the beginning of my pregnancy I was told I could do anything I was already doing. I got told to stop ice skating when I couldn't tie my own skates anymore, and to stop doing any pose in yoga that my belly made uncomfortable.

In reality, I lost so much weight by week 12 that the doctor ended up telling me I wasn't allowed to exercise at all.

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Re: Pregnant fitness
« Reply #12 on: July 01, 2016, 02:56:40 PM »
I kept going. I liked Erin O'Brien's prenatal fitness fix the first time (DVD from library); the second time I went to a not-that-hard class at the gym because I needed childcare!

I gave up running at 19 weeks because my bladder couldn't take it. Otherwise, I generally just kept going and doing what I was doing, just a little slower and a little less every week!

I got some gym shorts from Old Navy (I think I ordered them online) and wore those with a regular maternity t-shirt. My regular sports bras fit fine. I also had a nursing sports bra but only used it a couple of times.

Metric Mouse

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Re: Pregnant fitness
« Reply #13 on: July 01, 2016, 06:09:01 PM »
  I tend to think that people become a bit too cautious about exercise when pregnancy is involved . . .
^^ This - and what the midwife says. Amazingly, it seems women are built to survive pregnancy ;)
Lots of moderate cardio, yoga/stretching, nutrition control.

This. XS has done everything she did before. The only thing she's starting to slow down on (wk 33) is abdominal exercises, as her core muscles have stretched and weakened a bit from the amazing mass of tissue growing inside of her.  She's still faster than me, can run longer and stretch further.  I don't think she's even thought of slowing down, and no doctor we've been to has said anything about it other than "Good."

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Re: Pregnant fitness
« Reply #14 on: July 01, 2016, 08:00:05 PM »
I gave up running (just too hot over the summer) and now do disc golf, swimming, and yoga as my major exercise activities. If you don't already have stretchy yoga pants or something similar, that's the one thing you'll probably like to have once you start to pop. I didn't need new bras until month 6 or so, but that's definitely something you'll get to as well.

naners

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Re: Pregnant fitness
« Reply #15 on: July 02, 2016, 02:51:15 AM »
Oh, and re: clothes. Since yoga is my jam, I just bought some cheap maternity leggings from Target. Still wearing my pre-pregnancy tops, they just need to be long. Ditto for pre-pregnancy sports bras, so long as they are good and stretch to accommodate bigger boobs and expanded rib cage.

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Re: Pregnant fitness
« Reply #16 on: July 03, 2016, 05:48:13 AM »
Hi
I am not an expert but did some classes for pre and post natal women mostly after my pregnancies. (Was too sick while pregnant to even consider exercise classes). While a pregnant or post natal woman 'can' do any exercise she wishes the things to be careful of are damage to your pelvic floor muscles and not worsening the separation of your abdominal muscles. I believe stomach crunches etc are not a good idea during pregnancy or after until after your abdominal separation has healed. A midwife should be able to show you how to check this.
For the pelvic floor high impact exercise is not recommended certainly later in pregnancy and I would guess not post natally until you have strengthened your pelvic floor. There are other exercises that need to be adapted also and it may pay to be careful with weights as your pelvic floor is already dealing with the extra weight of a baby, fluid etc. A physiotherapist who specialises in this area is the best to give advice on this. While it may be a bit of a taboo topic untreated/unhealed pelvic floor muscles can lead to continence issues later in life so it is something worth educating yourself about. Running out of time to write or tidy up this post. I can try to find some links to more info later if anyone interested.

onlykelsey

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Re: Pregnant fitness
« Reply #17 on: July 05, 2016, 10:31:14 AM »
I'm 34 weeks. Here are my impressions; your mileage will vary A LOT depending on what symptoms you have (e.g. lower back pain etc.)
First trimester - basically unchanged (I was lucky wrt morning sickness and fatigue). I went to some prenatal yoga classes but in retrospect it wasn't necessary, and if you're usually pretty active you will probably find them too mellow. A prenatal teacher told me not to lie on my stomach even though I wasn't really showing, which I think was unnecessary in retrospect. 
Second trimester - slowed down a fair bit because of shortness of breath climbing hills/stairs. Other than that could keep doing most normal activities. Do check in to prenatal yoga once or twice to see what the yoga teachers recommend wrt poses you shouldn't do (the list isn't very long and mostly follows common sense).   
Third trimester - this is when the big changes happened for me. Too big/awkward for regular yoga, even the more mellow classes, plus can't lie on back, extra 15lbs on stomach etc so lots of poses are much more difficult than they used to be. Easily tired/hot, so need to be very careful about walking a long way. Also had some hip pain and sciatica that put a bit of a damper on long walks. This is where prenatal yoga comes into its own. LOVE LOVE LOVE going to prenatal classes. Some people do DVDs and good for you but I can't get motivated to exercise on my own, and you can tear my prenatal classes out of my cold dead fingers.

Thanks!  My experience in the first trimester was that I was so unbelievably sleepy (and also living off of white carbs, not the best fuel), running was rough, but not really in a pregnancy-specific way.  I eked out a 10-mile (12 minute mile average, including bathroom breaks) on Saturday morning in the humid heat.  I feel great about it, but I felt like I had to pee literally the entire time.  Unfortunate.

Good idea on checking in to prenatal yoga classes to see safety of poses, etc.  I've been dragging my feet on yoga, I think because it's 10 or 15 a class and I can do free normal yoga online or at my gym.  It's probably a worthy investment (at least once or twice a month), though.

onlykelsey

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Re: Pregnant fitness
« Reply #18 on: July 05, 2016, 10:32:09 AM »
I'm currently 23 weeks along, but I'm not nearly as into fitness as you are.  I'm in the "Why in the world would anyone willingly choose to run 26 miles at once????" camp.  But, that said, what I have always heard/followed is to keep doing what you have been as long as you feel ok with it.  Listen to your body.  As you get further along, any exercise that would have you lying on your back or stomach (like sit ups) would not be good for you.  But beyond that, just do what your body says it can do.  Get plenty of rest, eat healthy, don't push yourself too hard, and listen to your doctor :)

I'm really glad you mentioned the sit up thing.  I assumed that (light) ab work during pregnancy would be good for delivery, etc.  It turns out, at least later in pregnancy, that it a prime CAUSE of your abs separating in two.  No thanks!

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Re: Pregnant fitness
« Reply #19 on: July 05, 2016, 11:08:54 AM »
I was still hitting the gym 4 days before I gave birth. During my entire pregnancy, all my OB ever said was to listen to my body. She never outright barred me from doing anything, even trying new things as long as there wasn't a high risk of falling. Her guideline for intensity was that I should be able to carry a conversation during my workout. She also poo-poo'd the notion that I couldn't lie on my back - if it felt comfortable and OK and nothing felt tingly, it was fine. So I trusted my gut and modified as I went. I still did burpees up until the end, but had to walk out and in instead of jumping. I never lost my push-up mojo.

SO MANY women at the gym continued to walk up to me in amazement (with a tinge of worry in their voice) that I was still working out and using heavy weights, and this will probably happen to you. I also carried very small, and it starts to get to you after all the well-intentioned comments of "wow you're still so small!" Very few things worried me while I was pregnant, but this was becoming one of them until I talked to my OB about the differences in how women carry.

I thought I would physically bounce back right after birth, but I tried doing a gentle yoga video at the 4 week mark and hooboy, I was not ready. I really enjoyed post-natal "Mommy & Me" yoga classes and wish I got to go to more of them before going back to work.

Also as a runner, you might be interested in picking a jogging stroller that can fit a car seat for the early months. That way you can use the stroller in the early months, and still later on for running when the baby is older.

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Re: Pregnant fitness
« Reply #20 on: July 05, 2016, 05:52:47 PM »

I'm pregnant (30.5 weeks) and still exercising!

My doctors told me it was ok as long I don't add new exercises and to listen to my body.  I ran until it just felt too awkward, then I started walking.  I still do yoga and lift light weights.

With yoga I have to do a LOT of modifications.  No compression poses.  All my twists are open twists and no being on my belly.  There are modifications for almost every pose.  You might want to check out www.doyogawithme.com.  There are some free prenatal yoga "classes" on there, that I use when I can't get to the studio.

I bought a pair of yoga pants and capri workout pants from Motherhood maternity and just wear my maternity t-shirts. I did have to buy a larger sports bra, which I picked up cheap at Marshalls.

Whoops!  Spoke too soon.  This past week I've been hit was really bad back pain and really sore legs and feet.  I'll wake fine so I try to front load my day with what I need physical strength to do, then around 2pm'ish my body says "I'm done!".  I remember this feeling with my last baby in the last trimester but I don't think it hit until about 34 weeks.  I'm still walking when and where I can, but this week I haven't been to the personal trainer.  I'm hoping I'm just in a weird transition and I'll be back working out next week, but who knows.

onlykelsey

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Re: Pregnant fitness
« Reply #21 on: July 05, 2016, 06:01:00 PM »

I'm pregnant (30.5 weeks) and still exercising!

My doctors told me it was ok as long I don't add new exercises and to listen to my body.  I ran until it just felt too awkward, then I started walking.  I still do yoga and lift light weights.

With yoga I have to do a LOT of modifications.  No compression poses.  All my twists are open twists and no being on my belly.  There are modifications for almost every pose.  You might want to check out www.doyogawithme.com.  There are some free prenatal yoga "classes" on there, that I use when I can't get to the studio.

I bought a pair of yoga pants and capri workout pants from Motherhood maternity and just wear my maternity t-shirts. I did have to buy a larger sports bra, which I picked up cheap at Marshalls.

Whoops!  Spoke too soon.  This past week I've been hit was really bad back pain and really sore legs and feet.  I'll wake fine so I try to front load my day with what I need physical strength to do, then around 2pm'ish my body says "I'm done!".  I remember this feeling with my last baby in the last trimester but I don't think it hit until about 34 weeks.  I'm still walking when and where I can, but this week I haven't been to the personal trainer.  I'm hoping I'm just in a weird transition and I'll be back working out next week, but who knows.

Haha, it's funny how quick things can change.  I had aching ankles every day (whether I exercised or not) from week 8-12 and then they disappeared.  Mysterious.

It sounds like 30 weeks in is pretty far to make it for exercising, though, so congrats, even if this is the end!

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Re: Pregnant fitness
« Reply #22 on: July 06, 2016, 11:26:26 AM »
Not quite what you are asking, but I was not a great athlete before, or during pregnancy.  I reduced jumping  / high impact exercise, and stopped roller blading when my balance was off.

Nothing changed much, except that there were 2-3 months mid way where I had no energy / swelling, and most months, it felt a bit like trying to exercise after a day of moderate drinking -- you just aren't quite a good / into it as before.   

The big surprise to me was a boost in energy in Month 6 or so. (nesting activities and home remodelling),  and then again at 39 weeks, I was done with being pregnant.  I was as wide as a barn and I started walking and climbing stairs like you wouldn't believe, just to encourage the onset of labour.   I finally delivered at 42 weeks, and exercised more (but with no jumping) in the last 3 weeks than all of the last trimester put together.

So - it is really mostly in your head and in your interest level how much you can or want to exercise.  Do what feels good.


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Re: Pregnant fitness
« Reply #23 on: July 06, 2016, 05:34:21 PM »
I would, of course, defer to your medical provider, but when I was pregnant I was instructed to continue doing whatever I had been doing previously but not to start anything new. 
Good advice. 

I teach fitness classes (weights, body weight training, yoga, cardio dance).  With my first I continued to teach until 32 weeks, with the second it was about 30 weeks.  With my second I also did CrossFit faithfully until about 24 weeks.

I did not buy any new workout wear.  Spandex stretches....a lot.  There was a bit of cleavage, but I figured I should cherish it because that's not the normal state.

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Re: Pregnant fitness
« Reply #24 on: July 07, 2016, 12:27:14 PM »
I did prenatal yoga during all three of my pregnancies, and it was very very gentle (ie, not a "great workout"), but I appreciated the community of pregnant women more than the fitness aspect.  I also walked daily throughout, but I was never much of a runner. 

I found that I "bounced back" pretty well after all three.  More luck of the draw IMHO than anything.  I also gained different amounts in each pregnancy, not related to the exercise--mostly depending on if that particular kid would make me hungry or even let me keep my food down or give me gestational diabetes.

Another bonus of prenatal yoga: I'm still friends with many of the women I delivered with on my second go-round.  We spent our maternity leaves together, and we meet up now and then, both with and without our kids.

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Re: Pregnant fitness
« Reply #25 on: July 15, 2016, 03:51:15 PM »
I'm almost 35 weeks pregnant now -- 26 years old and was fairly athletic prior to pregnancy (retired ballet dancer but definitely not anywhere close to *that* kind of in-shape now).  First trimester I was sick as a dog and since it was the dead of winter I didn't do much of anything.   Second trimester things picked up all around, but still I was in that "I'm pregnant must be careful" mindset, which I think was overkill and in retrospect I wish I had done more normal exercise.  Now that I'm deep into the third trimester I'm feeling great- I still ride my bike but I am VERY slow and I only do about 5 miles a day (simple errands).  I also walk my dog for a total of 3 miles a day, which is much harder than it used to be (especially in the heat) but it's simple, free, and enjoyable.   I do prenatal yoga 1-2 times a week. 

As for apparel, I didn't need anything pregnancy-specific.  Loose waste bands on my gym shorts and tank tops that are long and stretchy enough to cover the belly. I actually have gotten all of my "maternity" clothes at H&M from their regular apparel sections.  Free-wasted dresses seem to be very in style this summer, which is just perfect for the heat and for the belly. 

onlykelsey

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Re: Pregnant fitness
« Reply #26 on: July 20, 2016, 06:07:20 PM »
Not quite what you are asking, but I was not a great athlete before, or during pregnancy.  I reduced jumping  / high impact exercise, and stopped roller blading when my balance was off.

Nothing changed much, except that there were 2-3 months mid way where I had no energy / swelling, and most months, it felt a bit like trying to exercise after a day of moderate drinking -- you just aren't quite a good / into it as before.   

The big surprise to me was a boost in energy in Month 6 or so. (nesting activities and home remodelling),  and then again at 39 weeks, I was done with being pregnant.  I was as wide as a barn and I started walking and climbing stairs like you wouldn't believe, just to encourage the onset of labour.   I finally delivered at 42 weeks, and exercised more (but with no jumping) in the last 3 weeks than all of the last trimester put together.

So - it is really mostly in your head and in your interest level how much you can or want to exercise.  Do what feels good.

I will look forward to month 6 :)

onlykelsey

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Re: Pregnant fitness
« Reply #27 on: July 20, 2016, 06:09:11 PM »
I'm almost 35 weeks pregnant now -- 26 years old and was fairly athletic prior to pregnancy (retired ballet dancer but definitely not anywhere close to *that* kind of in-shape now).  First trimester I was sick as a dog and since it was the dead of winter I didn't do much of anything.   Second trimester things picked up all around, but still I was in that "I'm pregnant must be careful" mindset, which I think was overkill and in retrospect I wish I had done more normal exercise.  Now that I'm deep into the third trimester I'm feeling great- I still ride my bike but I am VERY slow and I only do about 5 miles a day (simple errands).  I also walk my dog for a total of 3 miles a day, which is much harder than it used to be (especially in the heat) but it's simple, free, and enjoyable.   I do prenatal yoga 1-2 times a week. 

As for apparel, I didn't need anything pregnancy-specific.  Loose waste bands on my gym shorts and tank tops that are long and stretchy enough to cover the belly. I actually have gotten all of my "maternity" clothes at H&M from their regular apparel sections.  Free-wasted dresses seem to be very in style this summer, which is just perfect for the heat and for the belly.

Do you ever feel wobbly biking?  Everything about biking skeeves me out when pregnant.  Balance, a hard frame between my legs, getting hit by a car...  I should probably try to get over it while running is still an option so I can transition, even if I'm only riding in the park or something.

onlykelsey

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Re: Pregnant fitness
« Reply #28 on: July 20, 2016, 06:10:38 PM »
Another bonus of prenatal yoga: I'm still friends with many of the women I delivered with on my second go-round.  We spent our maternity leaves together, and we meet up now and then, both with and without our kids.

That's a good point.  I've been dragging my feet on this but should probably suck it up and go to some classes.

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Re: Pregnant fitness
« Reply #29 on: July 21, 2016, 07:33:05 AM »


Do you ever feel wobbly biking?  Everything about biking skeeves me out when pregnant.  Balance, a hard frame between my legs, getting hit by a car...  I should probably try to get over it while running is still an option so I can transition, even if I'm only riding in the park or something.

I don't feel wobbly at all.  These days (35+5) riding is a challenge because even on my most upright bike, my belly is so huge that it impedes my handlebar grip (but for a taller woman- I'm 5'0''-this shouldn't be as much of a problem) and the compression makes me feel a little nauseous, LOL.  I will say that since being pregnant I have not biked in the Manhattan streets at all (cars are SO aggro).


As for prenatal yoga-- I found it really boring when I was less than 20 weeks, but now that I'm huge I love it and find the movement level just right.  I've found that most classes are geared to 3rd trimester bodies. Community building is obviously a big draw, though. And it's great to see different bodies at different weeks gestation so you can have an idea of what to  expect in the coming weeks. 

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Re: Pregnant fitness
« Reply #30 on: July 30, 2016, 08:20:17 AM »
I really liked The Pregnant Athlete by Brandi Dion as it showed many examples of how active women can remain throughout pregnancy, while at the same time helping women learn to gauge their level of effort to stay safe, with heart rate becoming a less reliable indicator. Right now my wife is in her first trimester and accepting naps as a new part of her day, while still doing some partner acrobatics with me and wanting to do more indoor rock climbing. She's much more cautious now and only practicing acrobatics with experienced people rather than trying to teach anyone new that may drop her (understandably).

While not needed yet, I picked up a Mountain Mama full body rock climbing harness once they were back in stock. After watching it be out of stock for several months, I snagged one the moment I saw them available again, and now they seem to once again be sold out. Petzl also makes a full body harness which is in stock more often. I've seen women use such harnesses to climb up to the day they deliver.

onlykelsey

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Re: Pregnant fitness
« Reply #31 on: July 30, 2016, 08:41:47 PM »
I really liked The Pregnant Athlete by Brandi Dion as it showed many examples of how active women can remain throughout pregnancy, while at the same time helping women learn to gauge their level of effort to stay safe, with heart rate becoming a less reliable indicator. Right now my wife is in her first trimester and accepting naps as a new part of her day, while still doing some partner acrobatics with me and wanting to do more indoor rock climbing. She's much more cautious now and only practicing acrobatics with experienced people rather than trying to teach anyone new that may drop her (understandably).

While not needed yet, I picked up a Mountain Mama full body rock climbing harness once they were back in stock. After watching it be out of stock for several months, I snagged one the moment I saw them available again, and now they seem to once again be sold out. Petzl also makes a full body harness which is in stock more often. I've seen women use such harnesses to climb up to the day they deliver.

Nice.   I had been doing aerial silks pretty routinely, but between my pregnant lightheadedness, eczema-covered hands and weird balance, haven't done it at all.  I put the pull up bar back up today, so I can at least start doing one or two of those and working on that.

Rock climbing pregnant is bad ass.  In aerial stuff I pretty much always felt like my hands were my limiting factor, and that is only worse with relaxin, my increasing weight, etc.  I'm fascinated that women still rock climb pregnant!

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Re: Pregnant fitness
« Reply #32 on: July 31, 2016, 03:11:36 PM »
My wife gave birth 7 weeks ago. She was lifting weights, walking, and doing a weekly boot camp class up until the day before her water broke. We were both into fitness the gym/running before pregnancy so it only made sense to continue doing it. She had to change her exercises a bit, lower weight, go slower etc. but was still able to stay quite fit up until birth. She got a lot of negative feed back from various people about working out while pregnant but any doctor or health care professional we spoke with encouraged it.

cacaoheart

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Re: Pregnant fitness
« Reply #33 on: July 31, 2016, 05:05:04 PM »
In aerial stuff I pretty much always felt like my hands were my limiting factor, and that is only worse with relaxin, my increasing weight, etc.

Maybe you could try aerial yoga, basically an aerial fabric tied into a sling. Much less upper body intensive, more relaxing into different positions.

onlykelsey

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Re: Pregnant fitness
« Reply #34 on: August 01, 2016, 09:56:30 AM »
In aerial stuff I pretty much always felt like my hands were my limiting factor, and that is only worse with relaxin, my increasing weight, etc.

Maybe you could try aerial yoga, basically an aerial fabric tied into a sling. Much less upper body intensive, more relaxing into different positions.

That's an idea... thanks!

onlykelsey

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Re: Pregnant fitness
« Reply #35 on: August 01, 2016, 09:59:08 AM »
I didn't run for 2.5 weeks (because it's been humid and 95+ here, and I'm not heat shape anymore), and went out for a 5-6 mile jog yesterday.  Instead, I ran 2.4 miles, walked 0.1, called my husband in tears to come pick me up and sat on the ground in tears like a little kid while I waited.  Holy round ligament pain! 

It sounds like it's time to invest in a belly band for running.  I have only put on 5 lbs or so (at 18 weeks) so I was hoping I'd have some time, but I do not want a repeat of that!