Lifting/ crossfit in pregnancy

[Helspopje]

Hi

Does anyone else do this as am starting to feel like a huge outlier?

Am very into strength and conditioning as part of training for track cycling and currently most of the way through pregnancy 4. Am now getting loads and loads of stares in the gym and some people are even coming up and chucking their two penneth in.

I'm not an idiot, I wouldn't be doing this outside of the support of my obstetrician, physio, coach and PT. It is really doing my head in as it is the one thing that has stopped me having hideous SPD like in previous pregnancies. I'm training smart, focussing on form and taking longer breaks between sets. Weights have come down too - 400 to 250kg leg press and 120 to 90kg DL for reps. Still doing RDLs and front squats but jumping / Olympic lifts are out.

Pissed off that people are trying to stop me doing something that I know is good for my physical and mental health and studies say is good for baby, delivery and postpartum.

Tell me I'm not alone please.

[DrinkFeckArseGirls]

I did weights till 7,5 months pregnant and ended up with SPD. I would carry on if you feel fine.

[Helspopje]

Thanks
In previous pregs I've been on crutches by now. Was one reason why I wasn't going to do it again......
Spd has started at 18/40 (clicky crunchy unilateral si joint) but nowhere what it was and have just modified things to no single leg stuff. The crunching doing hanging leg raises was horrid - other people could hear it standing next to me!
Currently 24 weeks and can still walk, still go up stairs one foot at a time send get in and out of the bath so I think this is going to be much better than previous efforts already.
Don't want to stop as don't want a mountain to climb on the other side

[DrinkFeckArseGirls]

Erm... That case maybe don't do it then! Sorry

It'll take you much longer to get up to the same level of fitness after the pregnancy if you keep on inflaming the SPD.

[DrinkFeckArseGirls]

I couldn't do weights for good 6 months after the delivery because when I did the SPD would rear its head. I could walk, get up, etc no problem but add on weights and the pain would come back.

[Helspopje]

Yep not doing crunchy inducing stuff at all.
Am that annoying bird doing dodgy stuff with resistance loops most of the time.

I do hope I don't have to take 6 months off after as I'll miss another shot at the worlds and at my age, there may not be many more left.

Does look like I'm in the minority - >1/3 do not exercise at all in pregnancy www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/oct/15/internet-myths-pregnancy-exercise?CMP=fb_gu

[ShutTheFuckUpBarbara]

I wish I had exercised during pregnancy!

I think there are still lots of people who think exercise in pregnancy is bad.

On the other hand, on a forum I use, there are plenty of women lifting well into their pregnancy. The users are mostly American /Canadian and it seems to be a bit more accepted over there

[GingerHanna]

Do what feels right to you.

Exercise, and weights especially, are known to be good for a healthy pregnancy, easier (relatively) childbirth and post-natal recovery.

However, listen to your body and act accordingly. You will need to gradually dial it down but no need to dial off unless your body is complaining in a non-oh that's hard work but I will feel good for it later way.

Also, post childbirth you will need to come back to it slowly. Let your body rest for 2-6 weeks then start off with gentle bodyweight work, focusing on pelvic area and core to bring that all back together. Do that for a month or two and then, having listened to your body again, gradually add in more resistance and free weights if that is your thing.

Disclaimer - I am not a doctor or professional. Just someone who has read and researched A LOT including various real life stories and case studies of the good, bad and ugly.

Oh, and plan a few one liners for the idiots at the gym.