Here’s a little photo collage of pictures of each week throughout my pregnancy from when I first found out until about 28 weeks. My next blog post shares more about the 3rd trimester.
What helped me most with my pregnancy and staying active?
**It helped that I was already into a good workout and nutrition routine.
**My supportive Group of women in my Virtual Boot Camp Group, it’s all about support!! They’re always there to motivate and encourage.
**My mindset was so different for this pregnancy compared to when I was pregnant with baby #2. I embraced the changes that were happening, the weight gain and muscle loss as well as other changes. Praise God for healing!!! I can go more into this in another post.
**Continuing to do what I was normally doing with my workouts, I didn’t start a new workout routine when I was pregnant
**Reminder: You can still get a great workout but modify it!!
**Protect your pelvic floor, learn about this, it’s worth it!
**I didn’t run at all during this pregnancy with the girls I ran until I was about 30 weeks. Not good for my pelvic floor!! I actually went to PT for my pelvic floor last year and it really helped.
**Nutrition is key!!! Is it easy to stay on track while pregnant? Heck no? Do you need to give yourself a lot of grace? Yes!!!! Was I perfect? Not at all! But, I did the best I could and wasn’t hard on myself when I couldn’t eat exactly how I wanted. Because if you’re pregnant especially in the first trimester you can’t always eat what you normally eat, some food makes you feel sick and you have to listen to your body!
**Enjoy the treat or craving but in moderation make sure you don’t go overboard and get back on track ASAP. And, don’t feel bad to enjoy the treat, ENJOY!!
**Make sure you drink lots of water and eat your veggies!!! I really think drinking a lot of water helped keep me from swelling this Summer.
What was most important?
I think it was really important with this pregnancy the knowledge I gained about Fitness and Nutrition. It empowered me!!! So, gaining knowledge of nutrition and fitness before you’re pregnant are extremely helpful. I was so anxious to get back in shape after having the girls (I felt this way when I was still pregnant) but haven’t felt that way with this one because I know it’s more about nutrition and I know it will take time and it’s not a race!!
I also think mentoring other women with their Health & Fitness goals was huge for my mindset as well!! It was great pouring out into others in areas that I excel in, (since I couldn’t fully participate myself) it helped too. Have you joined one of our Virtual Boot Camp Groups yet? If you haven’t, why not? They make a huge positive impact on your life!!!
What have I been doing the last few weeks to stay active?
At 40 weeks + pregnant I’m walking the dog as my exercise. lol It feels really good to be able to get outside, listen to a sermon, praise music, or something about childbirth and walk the dog. Usually it’s a mile but sometimes I get in two walks a day so 2 miles on the rare occasion. My dog is getting most walks in his entire life right now so he must be thrilled lol.
I’d say I stopped actively working out at about 37 weeks with all 3 pregnancies. All pregnancies are different and you have to listen to your doctor. But, at about 35-36 weeks pregnant workouts made me really tired. Keep in mind I was modifying and only doing about 30-40 minutes tops of low impact workouts. But, keeping up with 2 kids while your house is being renovated and working as a Health & Fitness Coach has kept me busy (so I needed rest on days I would workout). So, I began to ease back because I knew my body needed the rest more.
Plus, we all know it’s more about the food we are putting into our bodies than the workouts themselves.
My final thoughts:
Enjoy this pregnancy and the ride you’ll partake, there will be bumps along the way, but that’s why it’s a journey. Know each week is different and what works for you one week may not work for you the next. Be flexible, take naps, get a pedicure, be kind to yourself. You are beautiful!!! Don’t say discouraging things to yourself at all!!! Be you’re own cheerleader and talk positive, encouraging words to yourself and your beautiful baby that is growing inside you. Words are powerful and they do affect your mindset!
**Remember always consult your physician with advice on what you should do throughout your pregnancy**
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