Put on weight, 9+2 pregnant, not feeling good...

[KirbyCane]

Long story short (ish), I used to have a great body. Went to the gym all the time. Had a six pack etc etc. I've put on a couple of stone over the past two years. I leave for work at 6:50am and get back at 7pm, gym has been neglected.

I'm now pregnant and really want to start exercising again as I would like to 'bounce back' as soon as possible after the birth. I'm only a size 10-12 but have quite a high body fat and am very flabby. Where do I start?

I have awful morning sickness, am in bed half the day when I'm not at work, when I am at work I'm exhausted by the end of the day... any advice? DP has the attitude of 'just because you're pregnant doesn't mean you can't work out, it's good for you' (he says this in a supportive way). I agree, and want to tone my arms, legs and bum.

I am suffering with joint pains so weights are quite difficult. I've always done weight based exercise (usually very heavy) and not sure where to start in regards to toning it down.

Anyone got any good routines/exercises/advice?

Thanks in advance. KC

Stick with what your body is used to and can tolerate now. I hate the expression "pregnancy is not an illness" as there's so many ways it can make you feel bloody ill!

Your body is currently exhausted because it's growing another human being. That deserves some respect! Do what you need to do to keep going be it rest, gentle activity or eating what your body wants.

Your energy may come back soon and you might feel up to gently increasing your activity level. If you don't feel up to it, there's always gently building back up once baby has been born.

I found DH underestimated just how much impact the toll of early pregnancy had on me. I felt utterly drained and could barely eat for 3+ months. I'm normally fit and active, but I could barely stay awake for work and couldn't manage any extra energy usage.