All I can manage is a STROLL! Is this OK?

[goggles43]

Hi all,

I’m 29 weeks pregnant (2nd) and wasn't physically active (ie. working out) prior to conceiving. DC1s pregnancy was tough and I was urged to consider epidural at the time of birth, as I physically couldn’t cope with the labour. I didn’t want to but ended up having the epidural and have no memories of feeling of the birth itself. I had Hyperemisis Gravidarum early on and then my diet wasn’t the healthiest and I did no exercise.

With this pregnancy, I also got HG but once that eased off, I have ensured that my diet is much healthier, drinking only water, and been going for walks since about 20 weeks.

The problem is, I’m not physically fit as it is, I have always just been a slow walker, and now with the pregnancy, I am literally going for a stroll - not a brisk walk as I should be - for about 40 minutes.

I know that any movement is good, but should I push to go faster? I’m really getting tired and out of breath quickly. And now lower back has started to ache.
I’m not sure if I should just continue as it is or push myself harder.

Any suggestions or experiences please?

Thank you

bump!

Don't push yourself harder. They say not to take up any new exercise in pregnancy as this is not a time to be putting your body under additional strain. You have one DC already so I imagine you're already doing a fair amount of exercise running around after him/her. Go easy on yourself. As you're getting bigger and more uncomfortable you need to be focusing on resting instead of pushing yourself.

Yup, I would second this - if you're getting out of breath, that's plenty of cardio (or too much?!). Have you considered any yoga, pilates or basic stretching? If you've never done it before now is probablynot the time to start as you really need a good instructor to be there with you, but if you've got an idea of what you're doing, that would supplement the walking well.

Thank you for your responses @allthesharks and @coolnomore. I am just going to continue my 30-40 minute slow walk. Hopefully I will still be able to benefit in some way even if it’s not to the max. Thanks again, have a good day!

@goggles43 if it makes you feel better I'm the same.

Was reasonably fit pre pregnancy and enjoyed running (all be it slowly) but then had a horrible cold in the first few weeks, then horrible morning sickness till 20 weeks, then tried running a few times but couldn't cope with the jiggling so strolls (and a bit of gardening and occasional yoga) it is.

I think it's good to keep joints moving and get outside in the fresh air but pushing it too hard makes me feel awful, so I'm not.

(I'm also 29 weeks)

Aw when is your due date @fernegreene? I’m Aug 2nd and am now constantly thinking about giving birth. My waters broke at 36 weeks for DC1 and she ended up being a tiny baby and we stayed in hospital for almost 2 weeks. Now I’m terrified the same thing is going to happen this time round. Statistically too, I am likely to give birth earlier due this happening in a previous pregnancy

29th July. Eek! It's my first so generally feeling terrified of the birth!

I hope this one stays in a bit longer for you. Tbh it sounds like an additional reason not to push too hard with the physical exercise

I think the general rule is that you should be able to hold a conversation with whatever exercise you decide to do. So if you're breathless from walking then I wouldn't push yourself x

Thanks for the advice @BabyDancer x