What's the right level/kind of exercise for 9+ weeks?

[HabitualHobbyist]

I'm currently 9+3 and am a bit confused as to what exercise is recommended late in the first trimester.

I danced regularly until I found out I was expecting at 5 weeks so am not generally unfit; however, I've not really done any organised exercise since (although I do walk a lot). I've just rejoined the gym and am keen to stay healthy but I've read various things about avoiding certain activities until 12 weeks.

I don't want to do anything which is going to cause harm to my baby, but likewise common sense (and my own restlessness) tells me I can't just sit about waiting for 12 weeks!

Went for a good swim last night and not felt any ill effects and now just wondering how far to take this.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

listen to your body. i ran a 10 mile race at 8weeks but was careful not to let my heart rate get too high. not long after though running became uncomfortable and i stopped at about 22 weeks. my friend though ran until a few days until giving birth. if you're fit just keep going until you feel you need to wind down- you will know when this is the case. am now swimming at 32 weeks-is fine but im always whacked after!

I'm 11 weeks and I swim 4 times a week doing half a mile. Before I found out I was pregnant I swam twice a week and did a mile but I found I was really tired a few times before I found out I was pregnant so I decided to go more often and do less in the hope of staying fit (ish) but not being too tired. Now I'm beginning to feel better I think I'm going to try and increase how much I do but hopefully still go four times and try and make sure I make the most of the second trimester as far as being fit for the birth is concerned.

I also walk anytime I can and take stairs instead of lifts just like I did before. I am quite fit but also classed as obese so I'm trying to be as good as I have the energy to be

Good luck.

Thank you Christelle and Freeman. I feel quite comfortable with upping my swimming and perhaps adding some other light cardio into the mix. One concern I have is with Pilates as I really want to get back into this to help prepare my body for recovery post birth, but I know some places don't allow this until 12 weeks. I suppose I need to speak to the trainer and see what she's happy with me doing.