exercising while pregnant

[scm]

Does anyone know, or could point out to me, how much energy should be put into your workouts?

I am now 17 weeks pregnant. This morning I started with LowMax. After Interval 1, I lowered by step to 6". Only because "I" was getting very hot. I could have blasted my fan on myself, but I don't know how the baby would feel in all that heat.

Also, I've read it is not good to perform exercises while lying on your back. It does get uncomfortable, but other than my comfort, is there any other reason?

I'd like to continue to use Cathe's workouts, but don't want to harm my baby in any way either.

Susan C.M.

 

[FiddleFit]

Hi Susan,

The reason for not being on your back after the twelfth week is because the weight of the uterus presses down on a very large artery and vein that shunts blood from the lower body (and the baby) to the heart. When the vein becomes compressed, oxygen and blood delivered to the placenta/baby is lowered significantly. Some people say it's okay to lay on your back for very brief periods of time, while others say stay off it altogether. I stay off it altogether because I feel soooo awful as soon as I go on my back. For a workout modification I've been doing all my on-your-back work by resting my upper body on my stability ball. I support myself with my legs in a table-top position. My back is not compressed, and I get some core stabilization work done at the same time. Other people modify by putting their steps/benches on an incline.

Regarding your level of exertion, stay within a range where you can still talk in 3-5 word sentances. Regarding your body temperature, I've read fitness recommendations that say that you shouldn't get your core temp up very high, and others that say that unless you are doing high-performance endurance exercise (like running a marathon), you aren't going to get your temp up high enough or long enough to actually harm the baby. Use your best judgement, and stay very well hydrated. Personally, I let the talk-test be my guide as to whether I'm over-exerting myself or not, and don't worry about my temperature. Baby seems to be have done just fine.

All the best,
Sandra

 

[autumn]

Hi Susan! Check out the aticle linked in my signature. It may answer your questions.

Take care!

 

[traveljenn]

Great article!