exercise tolerance as pregnancy progresses

[Anonymous]

I exercised throughout my first pregnancy and am doing it again. I would not even attempt to keep up my usual routine - I needed extra sleep, extra calories, why should exercise be different? I just toned it down. Still did cardio and strength training and prenatal yoga.

Remember your lung capacity is diminished from very early on, and you are carrying around more weight. I stopped using weight for squats for lunges once I had put on 15 or so pounds since my body was providing extra weight to squat with etc. I also didn't feel the need to run and preferred brisk walks and on the hills on the treadmill, but I know women who kept running. I personally have a very fast metabolism and had to work to put on weight so running would have been counter-productive for me.

[Anonymous]

I rode my bike for as long as I could, and finally got to a point somwhere in the second trimester where I needed to walk it up the serious hills. Listen to your body. It will tell you.

[Anonymous]

I am currently 36 weeks and still basically doing my normal exercise routine (pilates, swimming, walking). My OB told me to just listen to my body... much more reasonable than the 140 bpm heartrate rule. Everyone tells me I look great (no swelling, all belly) and I feel good; I totally credit staying active.

I am hoping it will lead to an easier labor and delivery...