More physically fit with the NEXT pregnancy?

[Southern_Belle]

Anyone feel more physically fit with a subsequent pregnancy? We just found out we are expecting #2, and I just feel better overall going into this pregnancy. I didn't workout hardly at all with #1. And ended up gaining 50+ lbs

Is there anyone who has more than one child (or about to) that found themselves better off AFTER #2 (or #3, or #4, etc)? If so, what do you attribute it to?

With this one, although I am "holding on" to about 12 lbs from #1, I'm already off to a better start physically. I'm off gluten and dairy, taking my prenatals, exercising, walking every day, and trying to fit in yoga/pilates (at home on DVD) in the mornings whenever I can.

[umsami]

That was definitely true for me--although I ended up giving birth at almost exactly the same weight.

I think a lot had to do with having moved from suburban Florida (drive everywhere, desk job)... to Brooklyn (walk everywhere, SAHM--always busy, 4th floor walk-up while pregnant w/#2).

With my first, I was really good about prenatal yoga and stuff... but still, I was much fitter with my other two.

For this pregnancy, we're back in suburbia, so I'm making a more conscious effort to be more active.

[COgirl19]

I was training for a marathon when I got pregnant with DD1. I wasn't up to that fitness level this time but I am about 15 lbs lighter this time from better habits overall.

[Sweetiemommy]

I was in decent shape with #1: I swam, went on hikes and did yoga - gained about 30 lbs and looked great after (until I gained a bunch of weight postpartum from not exercising and eating poorly!)

With #2, I had lost most of the postpartum weight, but I was only 10 months postpartum when I got pregnant! Due to tandem nursing, I didn't gain much more about 35 lbs of pregnancy, but I was not fit and did not exercise (too busy with the toddler!!) I looked like crap after that pregnancy for about 15 months.

With #3, I was smart and waited 2 years after the 2nd pregnancy and had lost all of the weight, was running a lot and eating well. I felt great. I got pregnant and kept running until about 35 weeks when I got a terrible chest cold and I stopped running for that reason. I switched to the eliptical and have lost some fitness, but am still pretty fit overall. I am due any time now!!

So, yes, my third pregnancy was my fittest! We'll see what happens postpartum! My plan is to push the baby in the jogging stroller while the boys (5 and 3) ride their bikes on the trail. That should keep me active!

[tngirl11]

Absolutely! I'm pregnant with number four, and I am a lot more fit than I was in the past. I've always been active, but two years ago I became a fitness instructor. So at almost 20 weeks now I'm still teaching three spinning classes and two pilates classes per week. My diet is sooo much healthier these days too. I've just recently (in the last year or so) gotten into eating a traditional foods diet, and that has made a big difference. I'm definitely hoping to avoid gaining 60lbs like I did last time! That took two years to get rid of--not fun.

[judybean]

Heading into this fourth pregnancy, I was probably the most fit I'd been going into a pregnancy. I was riding my bike all the time, had recently lost a bunch of weight and was generally making better dietary choices.

I've never gained much during pregnancy... it's just how my body works. That said, I *FEEL* so much better thus far. I'm 34w1d right now and I've been working part-time as a barista (on my feet and running around the whole time ) and still feel marvelous!

I can't tell you about the weight-gain part (I've gained one pound thus far... but I'm convinced I'm built backwards anyway since the most I ever gained was probably 12-15 pounds while pg), but I can tell you that I feel SO MUCH BETTER!

[Southern_Belle]

So good to read all of you kicking butt like you are!

I feel like I keep hearing people say "this is what 3 kids does to you" or what have you and I just feel like it doesn't have to be like that.

For me, in addition to going to the gym and staying in there, the eating habits have been key. Traded in my morning bagel and cream cheese for an apple with peanut butter (keeps me full for quite a while), leaner lunches, and just good "snacks" through the day make all the difference in the world.

With #1, I was indulging in EVERY craving I had. And I wonder how I gained 57 lbs!!

[brownskinchinee]

With my first baby I was 120lbs to start and I gained abt 35lbs...lost most of it but over the years I've gained abt 20lbs so going into this pregnancy I'm 140lbs. Not by any means overweight or unhealthy (heck I was 19 with the fisrt one 120lbs was normal at that age lol). I do feel generally healthier this time around though and I'm 21 weeks along and I've only gained abt 7lbs so far (is that weird?). Not too worried about weight gain this time though, by the time this baby comes I'll be in a tropical climate and mostly walking everywhere so I'll be ok.