Gym Workouts when pregnant

[KIWIFTM]

I am 12 weeks pregnant and want to make sure I don't gain to much weight during my pregnancy ( I was already showing at 10 weeks!) What is a good Gym workout that will help keep me healthy and fit for the birth?

Gentle exercise such as walking where you are not exerting your body.

Have you used the gym regularly before pregnancy? Assuming you are ok to exercise as per MW, I would ask for a properly qualified instructor a gym to guide you on a routine. I did light exercise throughout pg with dd1.

I think the rule is, if you're a gym regular, keep it up. Don't overheat.

Don't start doing anything vigorous if you're not used to it.

I kept up my gym routine of 5x per week but took it a bit easier towards the end, although I was still going at 39 weeks.

I had an incredibly easy labour and recovery and minimal weight gain. I'm sue it's because I kept really fit.

As others have said, it depends on how much you are used to doing. If you have find nothing beforw now then don't leap in. If you are used it exercise then carry on but don't push yourself. You need uk be particularly careful with abs exercises so take advice there. I ran up to 6 months (did a 10 k race at 25 weeks and then stopped.) I did lights weights throughout. When I couldn't run anymore I walked uphill on the treadmill, used the crosstrainer and bike. I also had s Pilates for Pregnancy DVD that was good for a gentle abs workout throughout.

If you're already working out then you only need to gently maintain your fitness, not overheat or go for the burn. My instructor wrote the word 'MAINTENANCE' in big letters on my gym programme as a not very subtle reminder to take it easy.

I worked out non-stop during both pregnancies but I had to gain weight as I was skinny to start with. I managed to gain 3 stone but keep my fitness.

Made bugger all difference to the births as I ended up with sections both times.

But back at the gym 12 weeks post sections and managed to scrape back a reasonable amount of fitness and most the weight went pretty fast. Last stone took until about month 9 to drop off though.

Thanks everyone! yes I am a gym regular and have no trouble running for long periods ( which I have stopped doing as I know I am not supposed to do high impact or anything jarring)
I am now doing a more pared back workout using the Swiss ball and intermittent cardio such as rowing machine, treadmill and stepper. I have also started Yoga again - but obviously there are some poses that are a no no.
Meglet - my aim to try try and increase my stamina for labour and try to avoid a C section - but totally understand your body makes the decisions in the end!
PorkyandBess - I hope I am as lucky as you and fitness helps me get through labour!
Gigondas - good idea I will follow up with the Gym and get a more tailored workout