Working Out in First Trimester?

Updated on February 04, 2011
A.K. asks from Los Angeles, CA
9 answers

I havent been to my OBGYN yet, and I want to know what kind of work outs are safe for me to do? I am addicted to doing abs, is that still safe for me to do> Im only 6 weeks. I have been experiencing mild cramping, nothing to really be alarmed about, considering that I heard it was normal. But im afraid to do crunches, i dont want to cause on strain on those muscles. What do you moms think I can do in the mean time before seeing my doctor?

Thanks!!!

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C.W.

answers from Washington DC on

I did pilates until almost the end. Placenta previa at 33 weeks meant I had to stop, but my doc said do what you do until you can't

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M.M.

answers from Chicago on

Whatever you've been doing up until this point is fine to continue until the very end.
Throughout both of my pregnancies I kick boxed (tae Bo), lifted heavy weights (squatting 40#), did circuit weight work as well as step aerobics. I'm a very fit person to begin with. be aware that doctors are GROSSLY uneducated with regard to exercise and pregnancy. Most will tell you that. The age old guidelines of "don't get your heart rate over 140" is a completely arbitrary #.
Do what feels good, and stop if it doesn't. You'll recover 100x faster if you keep it up.

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R.L.

answers from Houston on

I agree, if you already have a work out routine you do regularly, keeping it up won't hurt. Of course you want to listen to your body and maybe take it a bit easier, but I know my OB is of this same mindset. I continued taking my belly dance class right up to 5 1/2 months or so, and that is almost all abs. I only stopped because I'm so darn tired!! and now at 7 mos I'm feeling a bit large for dance class lol. Definitely check with your OB, but I'm sure you will be fine!

Congrats and good luck!

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L.K.

answers from Austin on

I am a midwife. It is perfectly safe for you to continue to work out until your uterus comes up over the pubic bone which will happen in the second trimester. At that time cut out the crunches, only because it can cause the abdominal muscles to split apart. Everything else you can continue to do until the day you deliver.

LIsa

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T.B.

answers from Miami on

I worked out with my pregnancies. Crunches are totally fine. About 4 months or so, however, your body will let you know it's too uncomfortable to do. Not the crunch itself, but lying on the floor on your back...the weight of the baby will cause you discomfort but if you can tolerate it, then crunch away.

I did step aerobics with all 3 of my pregnancies. I am currently 27 weeks along with my 4th but my energy is no match for where it was with my previous pregnancies. I am listening to my body, as you should as well too. Do not push yourself to exhaustion. Pregnancy is exhausting work and you need to rest when your body tells you to. DO make sure that you discuss your plans to work out with your doctor. He/she must be aware of your physical activities. Good luck!

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Y.Y.

answers from New York on

of course crunches are not good when you are pregnant.. anything that may cause pressure in your tummy is bad... if you like working out you may shift to doing light aerobics or yoga.. yoga is good for your baby as well.. i did yoga during my 1st and 2nd trimester...

A.F.

answers from Chicago on

Keep doing what you have been doing. I am 25 weeks and still do abs (I just don't lie flat on my back -- I use a fitness ball or do planks) and run 3 miles a couple of times a week, lift, do zumba, and take bootcamp classes. I ran till 30 weeks with #2 (I am currently prego with #3). If you are not considered high risk, there aren't really any reasons to decrease your workouts or change them. Of course, I stopped benchpressing 105 lbs and cut down to 75 in the first trimester, then went to dumbells on the fitness ball once it wasn't Ok to be flat on my back....but I obviously do not listen to the archaic 140 bpm heart rate garbage and do not lift over 10 lbs that they used to feed women in the mid 20th century :) If you are considered high risk or put on pelvic rest due to bleeding or placenta previa or something, that is one thing. If you are healthy and having a normal pregnancy -- keep up the workouts! you will feel better and bounce back MUCH faster! Best wishes!

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A.P.

answers from Los Angeles on

If you've been doing it its usually safe to continue your normal regimen unless advised otherwise. My HS PE teacher ran 4-6 miles until she was about 8 months.

C.C.

answers from Sacramento on

Congrats!

Whatever you're already used to doing, you can continue doing. The only thing that you might want to think twice about is inverted poses in yoga; I was advised by my OB not to do that. But running, walking, pilates, weights, whatever... all fine as long as you were doing them before your pregnancy.

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