Exercising!

[Madi12]

Tomorrow I will be 5 weeks into my first pregnancy! I used to go to the gym/run/bike ride almost everyday before I found out. I did a little bit of research on a bodybuilding website which stated it's still ok to exercise however very lightly. I'm wondering if this is a wise choice? I've been to the gym this past week a couple times to do cycling and used the machines to lift very little to no weight. I've been cramping like crazy. Are the cramps a normal part of the pregnancy or am I pushing my body too much??

[shelbyhower]

It all depends where your fitness level was before you got pregnant! Def consult your doctor first!! However, if you have always been active and healthy, I don't see any issue with not staying in the same workout plan you already had. Besides like I said..you'll have to modify it the further along you get. Also, with heart rate. My doctor jist said if you cant say a sentence or speak during a workout..you are working to hard and to slow it down:)

[elvendork]

Do what you can, it is okay to keep up the what you did before. Just don't do anaerobic exercise

[DuckieGirl10]

I was told as long as I keep my heart rate under 120

[Nicx13]

I continued to lift weights and do cardio I'm 34 weeks and still lift I walk instead of run now since my hips/ tailbone were bothering me... I worked out 5 days a weeks pre pregnancy and lift 3 days now do cardio everyday..  I had to lower my weights a bit but it really depends on your body and what you did before you were pregnant

[Bigapplefamily]

Well if you count my 25 lb 3 year old daughter as weight lifting then I do! Haha! I have noticed if I'm dehydrated and carrying her I get cramping from doing too much. So I rest and drink water and feel better pretty instantly.  I think as long as you listen to your body you can go ahead and do it.

[bryceT317_3]

My doc told me if u did it before u were preg on a regular basis, then its fine. I had a friend that was a marathon runner when she was 8 months. After she had the baby, she never looked pregnant I was so jealous lol

[Madi12]

Wow! It's fantastic to hear you girls keeping it up! I plan on sticking with it. I was told by someone to maintain a low heartbeat so my body temperature doesnt get to high. I used to weight lift before aswell.. did any of you continue with weights?

[shelbyhower]

Most of the time you can keep up with the same routine you had before you were pregnant! Like Bigapplefamily said..a lot of women stop in the first trimester because of how sick we get. I did too because I couldnt stop throwing up. But once that wasnt as bad, I went back to working out.  OBVIOUSLY, the further along you get..you have to modify everything. But go at it! Working out if healthy and benefits you and your baby!! Almost 37 weeks and I workout everyday besides Sunday!! 30 minutes of cardio..45-60 minutes of walking and tons of leg and squat workouts!! I feel so much better after I do it too:) good luck mommies:)

[Bigapplefamily]

And I find it hard to believe a doc would say no exercise in pregnancy. That's ridiculous. There are a ton of studies showing the huge benefits to both mom and baby from exercise in pregnancy. Of course you can't exercise exactly the same way you did pre-pregnancy but by not exercising at all you are setting both you and baby up for a very difficult pregnancy and recovery!

[Bigapplefamily]

I took it easy in my first trimester (mostly bc the nausea made me!) but in my second I have all my energy back so I'm back to my normal workout routine of yoga/Pilates for 30 mins 4 days a week. I did the same in my first pregnancy and had an easy pregnancy/labor as a result. But yes, cramping can be a sign of overdoing it. Rest and water makes it right again.  

[Madi12]

Next week I have my first appt with the doc, however Im just so used to the active lifestyle I can't get myself to stop haha. Ive been given mixed answers by other mothers I know. I guess it depends on the individual aswell. Thanks a lot girls!

[Jackie12846]

My Dr advised me not to exercise.  Only walking.

[1stbabySTASIA]

Just walk don't lift anything

[smcdsmcd]

I would discuss this with your doctor.   For me, cramping on and off ( mild, period like cramps w no bleeding) happened regularly until about 8 weeks.  I also exercised regularly before pregnancy and my doc and ob friend said that I may continue activity as normal as long as I'm tolerating it well.  Some days I have to shorten my run and walk half or modify my exercise videos, etc but have continued a daily exercise plan.  Your doc will prob ask you to quit biking at some point.  I am an avid snowboarder and they had me stop this at 12 weeks.  She said no fall risk after your uterus starts to come up out of your pelvis.