work out or take it easy at 33 weeks?

[JenS]

I've lurked here for a while and gotten lots of good info, now I have a question of my own.
I'm at 33 weeks and I am so uncomfortable, mostly with back pain. I can't decide if exercising will help or make things worse. Some background- I was in pretty good shape when I got pregnant, I'm no Cathe but I'm a fitness instructor and personal trainer at our local YMCA. I've been working out (with increasing modifications) until about two weeks ago when the summer class session at the Y ended and I've been pretty inactive since then, other than some walking. I've been mostly getting caught up with work and getting the baby's room ready! I've visited the chiropractor once, which was helpful. I'll go again in a couple weeks.
So for the past two weeks I've been walking occasionally, but that seems to bring on uncomfortable Braxton Hicks and also aggravates my back pain. But I can barely sit at my desk to work for more than a short stretch at time, because that hurts my back, too. Trying to relax on the couch or whatever is difficult also, it's hard to find a position that isn't uncomfortable.
So what will make me feel better, short of giving birth? A massage? Take some Tylenol? Get a better desk chair? Get some exercise? Or try to take it easy, despite the fact that it's hard to get confortable?

 

[FiddleFit]

This is completely a personal call, Jen. If you find that walking brings on more discomfort than you started with, then it might not be such a good idea to continue. Exercise is not going cause you to go into labour, if your body is not ready for it, but if it makes you feel worse rather than better, then what's the point of doing it? Have you tried any pregnancy yoga workouts? That might help alleviate the back pain.

Good luck!
Sandra

 

[kristan]

I'd agree that yoga/pilates for pregnancy may be appropriate. Also, consider swimming or a water aerobics class- that's what I've been doing because walking can be uncomfortable for me too. Hope you feel better.

kristan, due 11-1 with #3

 

[JenS]

Thanks for the input and for letting me just kind of vent!
The pool, what a wonderful idea!! Why didn't I think of that sooner? I think that sounds delightful. Now if I can find something to wear... I just feel like I'm turning into a blob, with no weight training, but at the same time, I'm tired and my back hurts no matter what I do, it seems. My husband keeps telling me I should just rest but I wonder if my body is telling me to do something...or is it telling me not to? I just think that I should be training for a really hard workout- childbirth! I guess I'll just take it day by day!
thanks again!

 

[MSJ]

Hi there--my back began to hurt this last week (I'm only 21 weeks 5 days along) and I was afraid of aggrevating it further and really injuring myself, so I took a rest week this week (I'd really been pushing myself hard).

My back does feel better. I've been stretching frequently, which was the advice my ob gave me and really working on my posture (sitting up straight--I tend to slouch, not "sitting" into my hips when I stand--a hard habit to break, and making sure I don't sway my back when I walk). These things have really helped my back feel better.

I will start working out again on Monday, but will use the stationary bike more, will lower my step height to 4 inches and will not jump at all.

If you have access to a pool, that sounds like a fantastic idea.

Maggie

 

[melanalyus]

If possible, I would do low impact exercises. Remember, after the baby is born you won't be able to workout for several weeks. If you add that to the time you take off prior to delivery it could be months! At least this was the angle I took when deciding whether to continue during last pg. Even if you do a very very low impact, or stretching workout you've done SOMETHING!!
Good luck!

**Melanie**
baby to be 11/28/05
Justin born 1/17/04
Jory born 4/9/94

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