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Pregnancy

Exercise in pregnancy

7 replies

januaryJump · 20/04/2014 21:55

Prior to getting bfp I had not been doing regular exercise for about a month or two, as in other than walking - we were moving, busy at work etc. Once things settled I wanted to get back into exercise (it's not very strenuous but enough to make me red faced and panting and sweaty), I had been doing this for an hour a week so I wouldn't consider myself to have been an avid exerciser.

Was about to restart when, much to my surprise, I got a bfp. What I've been told before, read on NHS site and such, is that if you're a regular exerciser then fine to continue and to make modifications where necessary. Also that during exercise you should be able to hold a conversation. And that building up to 30mins x 4 per week is good. So, I'm a bit confused as to how best to go about it - I'm not continuing given the break, but it's not entirely new (cardio mainly, no bending, lying on back etc), but I don't think I could hold a conversation!

I exercise alone so no teacher to ask for modifications, I have a good GP but don't really want to book an appointment just for this, and didn't think to ask MW at booking in. I don't have one MW, I see a team at the hospital, there's a helpline but I think it's more for concerns than general advice. Next appointment isnt for 4wks, I'm 9wks now.

So, in your experience, does this sound about right? Restart, gentler than before so I am less breathless, go for half hour and build frequency. Obviously if I became concerned about something I'd stop and speak to a doctor, but I am low risk and haven't been told to avoid exercise.

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Mitchell2 · 20/04/2014 23:29

It depends on the exercise you are doing really. I'm 32 weeks and still exercise - lite cardio on the treadmill (brisk walking on a gradient now), cross trainer and some weight training. I know women who have continued to run up to 5 months just fine. Swimming is also good through pregnancy.

To be honest at the stage you are at unless you are doing contact sports or running a marathon I think it's ok to continue as normal. I certainly was still doing core work (abs etc) at that stage with no problems and my PT was fine with it.

The only limitations will be how you physically feel - I can remember the MS / tiredness at that stage and it did limit some of what I wanted to do.

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icklekid · 21/04/2014 05:05

I stopped for first 20 weeks ish of pregnancy due to exhaustion, sickness and spd. Started up again with physio recommendations and have built my fitness up again. Feels amazing. Don't push yourself too hard and you will feel pathetic at first but worth it in the long term. Its been the best thing for my spd- forcing movement and strengthening muscles, in much less pain. Go for it! (Ps. Don't forget to stretch properly before and after- even more important during pregnancy!)

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januaryJump · 21/04/2014 12:07

Thanks for your input, it helps! Yes ickle I imagine at first I might feel a little feeble, taking it gently and not really pushing myself in the same way, but as you say I think it would be better for me overall and help me to feel better. In my first pg I didn't do much exercise other than walking, I got a trapped nerve in the first tri and couldn't do too much, and my whole pg I was so achey and uncomfortable. I'm already aching so early on so I'm hoping I can feel a bit better with some more movement!

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PurpleCustard100 · 21/04/2014 18:45

I was in a similar situation to you - with moving house and a hectic time at work I'd kind of got out of the habit. I joined a specific ante-natal exercise class which is really good and I'm still going at 34 weeks! Knowing the class is particularly tailored to be suitable in pregnancy took away any potential anxiety about overdoing it. Maybe there is something similar local to you?

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itsjustthursday · 21/04/2014 19:08

Thanks Purple, it's a good idea, I'll have a look but not confident as I used to exercise at home, so that I could do it in the late evening (only free time available), I'm busy daytimes and evenings Mon - Sun, have a toddler and WAH PT, WOH PT, study PT and DH is disabled... used to do it once DS was in bed. I might still be able to get useful info from local groups however, I also hadn't considered antenatal exercise so maybe I could find a DVD or something, TY!

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Mrsfullhouse · 21/04/2014 20:23

I'm 18 weeks and was in exactly the same situation as you. Tbh the first 12 weeks were a total bust, exhausted and sick...
After that I started Davina's pregnancy dvd and although it's a little light it's amazing.
If I was a heavy exerciser I can imagine this being tame, but I'm not so it's perfect!
She's very 'Davina' but it keeps you going, I do it every day and I'm so much more toned and energetic... plus my bum is not growing to the point of no return.