Staying active while pregnant can certainly be easier said than done… Every stage of pregnancy presents new changes and challenges that don’t always having you feeling your best or the most motivated. While I’ve consistently gone to the gym for well over a decade and consider myself a decently fit/active person – a lot has changed in my body over the past year between fertility treatment, pregnancy, and miscarriage. While I would have loved to be at my peak fitness going into pregnancy it just was not in the cards for me.
But, I knew I still wanted to do whatever I could to stay active during pregnancy. That will look different for every person during each stage of pregnancy and even in carrying different babies. I am not fitness or health expert, but here is what has worked for me so far during this pregnancy to stay active while also not pushing myself over the edge.
Walking
Walking has been a key component in my health journey for pregnancy. While in the past my main form of exercise has been weight lifting and HIIT workouts, that certainly shifted post miscarriage and in this pregnancy. During my two week wait I walked around 8k-10k steps a day all on a walking pad since it was February and I live in Pittsburgh. I continued to walk a lot after finding out I was pregnant until I was too sick to do so around week 7-9.
At week 9 we went on a trip to Disney World with family – this encouraged a lot of walking plus I got some vitamin D both of which were much needed! While I took breaks when necessary and stayed well hydrated, I’m glad this trip fell when it did because it encouraged me to get back into light exercise as I slowly but surely felt better.
Comfortable walking shoes are definitely key! It’s common for feet to change during pregnancy, plus as your body naturally gains weight your stride will be different. I’d recommend getting shoe inserts if necessary from a brand such as PowerStep. They offer a variety of inserts that can been pinpoint certain problem areas. So whether you just need some more cushion for comfort, are experiencing knee pain, or you are like me and had early pregnancy pain in the ball of your foot – you can get an insert that will work for you!
Pregnancy-Friendly Workout Videos
YouTube has been my favorite spot to find pregnancy workouts! As soon as I was up for exercising again in the first trimester, I instantly started videos from Lauren Fitter. I loved that she has videos for each trimester, as well as different offerings from weights to stretching to pilates. She offers videos that require weights or no equipment at all, making them easy to do wherever you are.
I also love that her videos are shorter so I can stack different ones for a longer workout, or just knock something out quickly depending on how I’m feeling that day. She also has offerings to strengthen your core during pregnancy which is so important for recovery. Lauren also has videos for postpartum, including ones safe for those who had c-sections.
My first pregnancy I did do some Peloton prenatal workouts, however those were a lot more aggressive in a lot of ways. This time around in an excess of caution, I decided to opt for videos I felt more comfortable with since I took a break from HIIT after my miscarriage. But, if you are going into pregnancy with a higher fitness level, I do love the Peloton pregnancy workouts!
Recently, I started pelvic floor therapy and the PT also recommended Pregnancy and Postpartum TV so I plan to try some of their videos as well.
Workout Wardrobe Essentials for Pregnancy
As my body has changed during pregnancy, so has my clothing! While some of my pre-pregnancy options still work for me, there are a few things I’ve bought that are maternity-friendly.
Maternity Biker Shorts
These biker shorts have been great as the temperature has started to rise. I wear them both for working out and just day-to-day. They come in 5″ or 8″ and a variety of color packs. I purchased a size large right around the time I started my 2nd trimester. While I don’t think I needed to size up to the large, they work and will definitely last me until the end of pregnancy.
Maternity Racerback Tank
I purchased two of these tanks and love them! They’re so comfy and flattering, plus they have pretty good built in padding in the chest. I pair them with the biker shorts or regular pre-pregnancy leggings. These are a must if you’re expecting during the summer!
Lululemon Track That 5″ Short
These Lululemon shorts were my go-to pre-pregnancy. I am taller and have longer legs so 5″ inseam is always a must for me, but I know they can be helpful during pregnancy in general if things are starting to rub together. They have built-in underwear as well which I love. I sized up 1 from my normal Lululemon size, and I wear them below my bump.
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I hope you all enjoyed this insight on what I’ve been doing to stay active during pregnancy! Pregnancy can be long and tough on the body and mind – but even moving your body a little can help tremendously. Be sure to follow me on Instagram for more content. And make sure to subscribe to my email list below to be notified the next time I post.
Cheers!
xoxo
Jayme
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