Working out is NOT working out (venting)

[jcm]

... and I feel like a slob! I was so pleased with my fitness level before this pregnancy (#2) and it has just tanked. At 31 weeks I've only gained 8 pounds so I know it's psychological but this is sooo frustrating. Last time I worked out the whole pregnancy and this time, at this point, I think I've officially given up. The last time I ran (three months ago) I pulled a ligament or muscle or something and everything in that whole pelvic area is so uncomfortable I can't even walk on the treadmill. And because of that strain it's leading to bad back problems, which my chiropractor can't fix very well until after delivery. And when I've tried to do Muscle Endurance it just aggravates everything and I feel soooooo weak. Push ups are a joke.

Just tell me someone else out there had to walk away from the fitness thing completely. And I dread having to get back into the routine/habit again after this kid comes. It will happen - I know that. But it's going to be one long road back.

 

[noc529]

I'm confused about something here....You're 31 weeks along and you've only gained 8 pounds throughout your pregnancy? That is very, very little weight gain and it's not healthy. Is your baby only 1/2 a pound or something?

 

[cjbate]

I had the same problem with my 3rd, who is now 4 months old. I had had 3 kids in five years, and my pelvis/pelvic floor just couldn't take the working out. I stopped after the first trimester. My pelvis just seemed too tempermental. Even a lot of standing/walking made my pelvic floor region feel...droopy. I had done step and some weights with the other two pregnancies. I consider myself a fit person, generally.

So...I didn't lift a finger for the next two trimesters for the 3rd pregnancy. It is hard but after holding myself back from working out for so "long", it felt really good to start back in a few months ago! And I have lost the weight completely, already, by watching my diet.

You aren't alone! (Sometimes I felt wimpy checking this board and finding all these wonderful gals who hadn't seemed to have had to hardly cut back at all!) It is temporary and I would bet you will bounce back quicker than you think. Try and enjoy the excused time off! Listen to your body or you might risk injury.

Congratulations on your up coming precious bundle!!

Best,
Jen

 

[jcm]

I know - the weight thing. My doc was more concerned the first time (gained 18 pounds total and measured small the whole time) and this time around they figure that's just how things are with me. My daughter was a healthy 6 lb. 9 oz. My mom never gained much either. My appetite has been down for months but I do make myself eat three meals a day and I focus on protein (steak, nuts and the like). And because of that low weight gain I've been enjoying bowls of icecream several nights a week. Topped off with a scoop of peanutbutter - for the extra protein

I am talking myself into enjoying the time off. I've been sleeping until 7:30/8:00 (used to be up at 5:30 to run or do weights) and figure that come the beginning of October the days of sleeping will be long gone. And after this I won't have an excuse to not work out. But I do feel guilty every time I get on this web site and see others being sooooo good.

 

[LizN]

I have had severe pelvic problems with both my kids - pregnancy 1 - stopped exercising at 28 weeks, pregnancy 2 - taught step and Bodypump until week 36, swam for remainder of pregnancy. My second baby is 11 months old and I am still suffering the result of having very hypermobile joints (breastfeeding doesn't help this, but I'm planning on weaning Georgia when she turns one). My recovery has taken 11 months and I'm about 70% there, but have still been able to teach Step, Pump and now BodyCombat (but I have to be extremely careful!). I did a lot of physical therapy which helps immensely, but you need to see someone who specialises in pelvic trauma for the best results. I would tread carefully with chiropractic treatment, unless your chiro has extensive experience with pelvic problems.

It is really frustrating, there is no short term fix, but you do get back to things (I'm just grateful I can move sometimes!)

Take care,
Liz N
(B.Sc-Exercise Science)