Heart rate fast during exercise! « Back to Group Discussions

[SingingBirth]

I know that the topic of exercise has already come up, but I was wondering what you all think about raising your heart rate HIGH.

I workout every morning, doing cardio for about 25 minutes (either bike or elliptical) then strength training (usually on circuit training weight machines, but some free weights) ending with stretching and some ab exercises. I have been doing this on a regular basis since before I was pregnant.

I am not worried about the weight lifting, because I know what I am doing and I will know when it's time to move the weight down and take it easy. Working the abs...I actually wanted to get your opinion about this too. I was planning on doing my normal routine, until the muscles start to separate and become too weak to put strain on them. I thought I would continue the ab exercises for at least a few more months.

But what I am really concerned about is the cardio. I tend to really workout hard. I get my music pumpin', and my heart rate and pulse go way above what they say is "safe" during pregnancy. I am always able to breath well, and I stay well hydrated, and I am never dizzy or lightheaded. I remember other mamas in previous DDCs saying that their heart rates went above the recommended number, but they weren't concerned because they felt their bodies were used to it.

Dr. Sears, in their Pregnancy Book, says "To avoid accelerating your baby's heart rate, keep your heart rate below 140 beats per minute." I haven't actually tested my HR in a while. I rely more on how I feel. If I had to guess, on a good day when I am at the peak of cardio, my HR might be around 170-180?? But not really sure, to be honest.

I really enjoy my workouts, and I don't want to water them down, especially when I am still feeling so great! If I could keep it up, I know the exercise will help me have a healthier pregnancy and quicker recovery.

What do you all think?

[tetiana]

I used to work out 7 days a week before this pregnancy. I did it all- Insanity, taebo, bikram yoga, long distance running, spinning etc. First about abs, if your abs were strong pre preganancy then thats what will help with the shape of your tummy during pregnancy. I read somewhere, that doing abs in pregnacy strain your lower stomach and lower back, so there is more harm then benefit to it. Instead focus on strengethning your core, maybe do a plank and hold it for as long as you can.

When it comes to cardio your baby's heart rate is around 160-180 beats a minute and its the size of a sesame seed, when your heart rate goes up so does your baby's,  and it can only handle so much, hence the recommeded 140. I heard some docs say if you are in good enough shape you can let yours go up to 160, but do not over do it. Lastly, the reason why they donot recommend hot yoga, sauna, or very hot baths is because the baby has no sweat glads, so wen we heat up our sweat glands work overtime to ensure that our body temperature does not elevate, baby in the whomb does not have that mechanism and have to absorb all the heat with their little bodies.

Its important to work out while pregnant, but its also important to remember that you have a growing baby inside of you :)  Excercise with care no need to over exert yourself, you will have your whole life to do that once the baby is born.

[mamadiamond]

there is also the issue of oxygen. you're not supposed to work out to where you are gasping for breath, because that means your baby is also gasping for breath. with my first pregnancy my doctor told me aerobic exercise only...no heavy panting or crazy sweating. you are now sharing your blood and lungs with a tiny person who is really not equipped for exercise. at the very least, get a heart rate monitor and keep a close eye on it while you are working out. the exercise guidelines in pregnancy really are about keeping the baby safe and healthy. maybe a longer workout with slightly gentler cardio? or 10 minutes hard and fast and then 15 light aerobics? hopefully you can find a balance where you are still feeling good, but your baby is able to get the oxygen and heart rate and heat regulation it needs.