Is it too late to workout during pregnancy?

[RuJuAs]

I used to go to the gym a few times a week, right up until about a month before i got pregnant. I went on holiday to see DP in July, got pregnant and here i am 10+3 weeks preggers. I’m a very heavy girl so didn’t think i could even get pregnant so easily (i weigh about 126kg, can’t remember what this is in stone).

I’m having terrible back pain and feel awful, it’s been a horrible 1st trimester with lots of trips to A&E because I’ve not been able to keep much down. As I head towards my 2nd trimester, i feel better. But all I’ve been able to think about since getting pregnant is the gym. I just want to workout again or do some kind of exercise. Is it too late to start exercising while pregnant?

I don't think it's too late but you obviously need to be careful. I think the advice is usually not to start anything new, so if you had always been a runner for instance, you can keep running but pay attention to your body. If you are now feeling well and your midwife is happy with you, you could go back to the gym but adapt what you are doing. Or change to something gentler like walking or swimming if those would suit you better. The important thing is to listen to your body and not carry on with a particular exercise if it is causing you problems. Congratulations on your pregnancy!

You need to avoid raising your core temperature, so I’d go for walking or swimming.

At our local gym you can get structured advice for the individual, might be worth enquiring

Go slow, and think about pregnancy yoga. I found it sooo helpful for aches and pains.

The advice I was given from a personal trainer when pregnant was don't do anything brand new or that I hadn't done before I was pregnant. I'd say have a go at the gym, see how you get on and decide from there.