Keeping fit/getting in shape when pregnant?

[kitkat321]

Is it possible?

I'd put about a stone on weight on in the last few months for a variety of reasons - over indulging on holiday, quitting the gym etc.

About 4 weeks ago, I started jogging (or plodding as I like to call it - I think I could probably walk quicker). I've only been doing about 1.5 to 2 miles at a steady pace but had a week off for various reasons including lot of stitch like feelings in my tummy. Instead, I was doing 7 to 10k on the exercise bike a few times a week.

Would it be safe to continue doing this? I'm going to get a dr's appointment scheduled soon and discuss this with him but it would be good to understand what my limits are as I'd really like to loose some of that excess weight from my legs + bum and get as fit as possible.

Also planning on taking up pilates again which I know will be fine :)

There are lots of guidelines on excercise. Mainly, you should continue excercise as it helps prepare for labour and helps you cope with the physical changes pregnancy puts your body through.

Don't start anything you weren't doing before. I have been doing spin for a whie, so was able to continue. But listen to your body and take your foot off the throttle. You shouldn't go beyond 7/10 on effort. Make sure you stay hydrated and avoid high impact. So be very careful with running. You might be better off with fast walking!

If you are a member of a gym, booking a consultation to build a plan.

Remember, your focus is not too lose weight or get fitter, it is to make sure you keep your fitness for helping you male and deliver a baby.

Check out the NHS advice on excercise in pregnacy (google it)

Listen to your body. You will have good days and bad days.

Be sensible and don't overdo it. I am stopping spin and gym now and moving to swimming as I have a low lying placenta and I don't want to aggrevate it after a bleed, but absoltuly must do excercise to keep my back strong and fitness up.

I hope this helps

Seconding the advice above.
There are a lot of changes in early preg that mean your body responds differently to exercise. For instance, you might be breathing faster for a level of effort which wouldn't have troubled you before. Also you're making new blood and likely to be more sensitive to hypoglycemia, dehydration and overheating.
All this means don't push yourself!
I did a 28 mile bike ride in week 6 or so and was barely able to walk that evening - you really do respond differently.

Advice online about what you should/ shouldn't do is hugely mixed, so don't let it freak you out and stick to one source (NHS?) for peace of mind. I was scared off continuing to exercise in my first tri, and now at 19 weeks I regret that. Make the decision that works for you.

Hit kitkat I have also been wondering about this. I was running 3 x 4 miles a week building up to train for a half marathon. I then got bfp and really bad ms so from weeks 5 -11 did nothing. I now feel uncomfortable/wrong (if that makes sense?!) running so I do a 30 min walk every other day and have an appointment at the gym to make a new gentle program that I can follow. There is also a baby centre near me that offers antenatal yoga and aqua natal classes which I am on a waiting list for... when the gym gets too much I plan to do the yoga and aquanatal and walking as Ive put a lot on already and I want to keep fit and strong rather than lose weight. But I second the others about listening to your body and dont push it too far! If when exercising you cant hold a conversation as so out of breath, you are pushing it too far.