Getting in shape while pregnant?

[slgt]

I'm 29 weeks - by this time last pregnancy, I had been sick for 22 weeks, and then seriously pulled a muscle at 28 weeks, so there was no hope of staying in shape.

This time, I was sick for about 18 weeks, started exercising again, and then was knocked down with a sinus infection for about 3 weeks. The lack of exercise has resulted in loss of muscle tone, and some fat that I'm not happy about coming to rest in my thighs & butt.

I'm working on maintaining a regular exercise routine - getting at least 30 minutes of focused cardio 3-4 times a week (hiking or elliptical), and going to try to do yoga 2x a week.

Can I hope to build muscle/reduce flab at all while pregnant, or should I just be content with staying in some semblance of condition, and deal with the "extra bits" post-partum? I'm fairly active and in reasonable condition when not pregnant, so I'm not starting from ground zero.

Whatever expectations are reasonable, I'm comfortable with - I just don't want to drive myself nuts trying for the impossible!

[slgt]

[GoBecGo]

I would focus on exercising as much as feels good and eating well (i.e. not pigging on junk "because i'm pregnant" and accept that in terms of the thighs and butt what will be will be until after the birth.

I was 95kg when i got PG with DD, and 101kg at term. My ideal weight is around 75-80kg. After she was born the weight i'd been carrying round due to an un-dx thyroid condition fell off after i got medicated, and i got down to 77kg.

When i got pregnant this time i expected to put on about 10kg, but nope, here i am at 35weeks, 100kg again! I guess my body just wants to be this heavy when i'm gestating. It all came off last time, so i'm focussing on walking a lot (doing a 10k next weekend, at walk) and eating well and not worrying about it. I'm looking forward to getting back to running too, which i know will help shift some kg's when the time comes.

So, yeah, i'm trying to focus on behaviour and not results, until this baby is out and my supply is established - then i'll see where i am WRT my body

[Lauren31]

NAK
I was in better shape during pregnancy then before! I did cardio everyday and was careful about form with weights, nutrition, water, etc. My labor was so quick and I felt strong through it and afterward. I strated at 140lbs and ended at 159 and 3 days after birth I was 130. I have maintained that since then which is a good weight for me. So yes, you can definitley build muscle tone while pregnant just be extra careful you get enough protein and calories!!! I was eating about 3000 and 100 g protein a day.

[karen1968]

Originally Posted by GoBecGo

focus on behaviour and not results

This is such awesome advice! I might have to post it on my fridge...