Getting in shape while pg

[Bumperlicious]

Can anyone give me any tips on getting into shape while pg (it's very early days).

I know the general rule is it's ok as long as you were doing it before pregnancy, but the thing is I have done very little since having DD (2.5). But I was pretty fit before DD so it's not a completely new thing.

Been on the 'I might be pg next month' diet (for 7 months) and it has taken it's toll, so with the new year I kick start my healthy eating and exercising and finally I am pg. If last time is anything to go by morning sickness hits and I have to eat through it. I'd really like to get a bit toned despite being pg. What can/should I do?

Congrats on the pregnancy!!

You could look for classes for pregnant ladies in your area for example aquanatal or pregnancy yoga (they also do mums to be yoga on the fitness chanel on sky if you can't find a class).

Walking is always good as is swimming - what i have always been advised is to listen to your body and don't push it or over do it.

Hope that helps a little

I would agree - aqua natal classes are meant to be good, even if you haven't done them before your pg. As is swimming, although nothing too strenuous I should think.

I am a massive fan of walking and if you dont do alot already I think this would be your best bet - tis free, and you can judge how much/little is right for you. I'm 35 wks now and can't walk for very long without feeling tired but that is only in the last few weeks. Prior to that i pretty much walked everywhere with DS and the buggy and I am still (very much squeezed!) in my size 8 jeans.

Remember as well though that the best thing for morning sickness is little and often, so don't make yourself feel ill all for the sake of what you might look like!

The difficulty is finding the time. I work 9 hour days 4 days a week and have a toddler, stuff I could do at home would be ideal, although I am going to look into aqua natal classes.

Still in size 8 jeans at 35 weeks, Chunka!!

Mucho respect.

This is something I need to do, having not shifted my baby weight from my 3 yo ( and am a good 3-4 stone over weight, going to try and lose one or 2 - not sure if pg yet, but have started walking and wonder about cycling as well?

I'm thinking about getting this

Lots of walking and swimming?

Cycling in gym would be ok, but probably not a good idea on roads after around 14 weeks as would have less balance.

If you used to go to gym before you had your DD probably could go back now, just have a session with a trainer who knows about pregnancy etc and don't overdo it - starting to run probably not a great idea but cross trainer or bike would be fine as they are low impact.

Low impact exercise class ok too even if not aimed as pg women just tell instructor before you start.

No lie on back stomach exercised after 12-14 weeks.

Try the Davina pre and postnatal work out dvd - take it easy and dont push yourself to feel the burn as you would have done pre-pregnancy. Walking, swimming, prenatal yoga and prenatal pilates are all good suggestions.

I used to be quite fit before I have my first, and never got back into it, so a year later, still had my baby weight (and a bit of a belly).
However, I did my back in whilst preggers with my 2nd. The physio has given me pilates exercises to do.
WOW !! my bingo wings and stomach are a lot smaller than before I was preggers! ( I am now 19 wks).
I have lost my love handles, and started to get toned.
It is all about building core strength, which to be honest I thought was a waste of time before I tried it.
Always thought running and gym work was the way forward?
Give a go, as you can do most of it whilst watching telly, in bed or even inbetween cooking!

Sounds good del1, any particular pointers? Did pregnancy yoga during my first pregnancy and found it not very good!

Yeah del1, where can we find examples of these exercises

Come on del1 share your magic tips....

Ha Ha, you will be expecting miricles now!
My physio showed me how to do them properly. She picked the ones that are better for pregnant women.

I've tried to look on the internet, but can't find many sites that show for pregnancy?

Basically, it is about keeping your pelvic floor muscles / lower stomach held in, whilst doing controled slow stretch type exercises. Deep breathing whilst doing this, and keeping balance to ensure your posture staight.

one exercise is kneeling on all fours (doing the above). keeping back straight. lift your right arm out straight to the front, and your left leg out sraight behind. then with opposite sides. do about 10 to start with. if your posture is right, it will build the deep core muscles.

The plank is another one. start on all fours again, but keeping you arms holding you up, level your legs out straight, keeping your back straight again, using the same muscles and breathing. try incresing the time that you hold yourself in the position.
I only do about 15 repetitions, on about 6/7 exercises. I do this in the morning and before I go to bed, whilst watching the tele.

(Be carefull, as ligaments in your stomach may be sore, due to growing bump).

If you are interested, I reckon going to one or two classes to get some ideas, and check your doing it right should get you started. I was doing it wrong at first, and it had no effect. Been doing it for about 6 wks now.

Fab, thanks!