Should I exercise more to get fit for labour?

[MissKGF]

So before I concieved I exercised 3 times a week, lifted weights & went running. So I considered myself moderately fit. Since getting pregnant I haven't done any exercise mostly because I was really sick up to about week 22. Now am feeling better should I start walking again, exercising more? I was really fit with my first & had a great quick labour, am scared now am so unfit I will have a terrible birth this time.... opinions please! is it to late to start again now am at week 26?

I think you shouldn't start anything heavy at this point.

What about pregnancy yoga?

One of the best things you can do is buy a pregnancy ball and sit on that when watching tv in the evening instead of the sofa. It will help to get baby in a good position for labour.

I did pregnancy yoga. I found it help with breathing, and my two flew out

I was exactly the same as you - was reasonably fit before conceiving but then had really bad sickness (with anti sickness medication) until c24 weeks and had to stop, except from aqua-natal yoga which was quite light going.

When feeling better I'd pick up the pace when walking around the office, climbing stairs etc and by the birth I felt ok. My dd is now 7 months and I've just restarted a class and I was surprised to find my fitness has stayed pretty high. I honestly thnk it takes a long time to lose it significantly....although my toning needs a bit of work, lol!

I did Pilates and Body Balance, FWIW the midwife for my first labour said "you do yoga or Pilates don't you?". She said she could tell it was helping me with breathing but also getting into the positions that were most effective.