https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 22 May 2026 01:37:01 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-youdid-you-work-out-while-pregnant#post-191665 Fri, 15 Jun 2012 14:29:40 +0000 septca 191665@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@J - I personally think you look fantastic, but I know you are scared (aren't we all?). My husband is terrified of me getting huge, and is already concerned about how much weight I should gain. Lovely, right? (Although, to be fair, one of our good friends gained 60 lbs. with her first and 80 with her second and has decided she'll work on losing the last 15lbs. after her third... so I understand where he is coming from.)</p> <p>That said, I have seriously SO many friends (even the one mentioned above - after her first) that looked AMAZING after they had the kid - even better than pre-pregnancy. Some magic combo of breastfeeding and sleep deprivation, maybe?</p> <p>And, lastly, I already have my stomach reducer tight thingy on order for after delivery - I have heard that helps a lot. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-youdid-you-work-out-while-pregnant#post-186624 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 03:00:21 +0000 Chastenet 186624@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Props to those of you doing several hardcore workouts a week! I don't event do that when I'm not pregnant, I get bored at the gym :) I live in a very compact city and don't own a car so I walk a lot, that is probably my main form of exercise. Recently, since my feet have been swelling, I've starting swimming laps once or twice a week as well. I am 32 wks and have gained about 25lbs at this point. It's a little more than I would have wanted, but I feel like I haven't developed any excessive eating habits, I am healthy and active, so I try not to worry about it. I agree with JessieJo17's advice of "try to embrace it". As hard as it may be, I think accepting it and not fighting it is the way to go. Let's face it, your body is going to continue to change until the baby is born. So I think it's better to try and enjoy it without putting pressure on yourself to be perfect, you'll only be disappointed when you gain more weight every week...Once the baby arrives then you can get serious about getting your shape back :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-youdid-you-work-out-while-pregnant#post-186610 Tue, 12 Jun 2012 01:34:39 +0000 lemondrop 186610@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Props to anyone who can workout while pregnant, I'm not worthy! My butt met couch and didn't leave it for the duration of the pregnancy. The most I did was walk the dog every day for half an hour, but my doctor was fine with that so I took advantage of it. I saw the extra padding that I put on as insurance keeping the baby nourished. </p> <p>Just remember that no matter how you see yourself in the mirror, you really are beautiful, and once your baby arrives your entire world will revolve around them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-youdid-you-work-out-while-pregnant#post-186280 Mon, 11 Jun 2012 18:15:48 +0000 MrsMccarthy 186280@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MsLipGloss: wow! boy do we ever have some similarities. yeah it's so hard. I think most of us, or i know i did, we think that we will embrace it all because we are pregnant or we expect to be "Barbie Pregnant". I never knew before when i would talk about how huge a pregnant person i knew and love was that i might hurt them. I thought being huge was great because it meant being pregnant. I think what has helped me is to focus on being healthy and on how temporary it is. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-youdid-you-work-out-while-pregnant#post-186235 Mon, 11 Jun 2012 17:33:56 +0000 MsLipGloss 186235@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsMcCarthy: Plus or minus a few pounds (and a few other small differences, i.e., I am 36 and am almost 28 weeks), this could have been my post. I have really struggled with not obsessing over every pound and every change, because I know it will be worth it, but nonetheless I sometimes can't help but resent the lack of control and all of the changes. It is a tall order some days to allow myself to be *present* during this process without thinking about how to get things back to the way they were as quickly as possible. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-youdid-you-work-out-while-pregnant#post-186163 Mon, 11 Jun 2012 16:32:19 +0000 Mrsbells 186163@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didnt work out at all whilst pregnant, I tried to use our exercise bike at home and my thighs were sore for days so I stopped. The only real exercise I got was plenty of walking. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-youdid-you-work-out-while-pregnant#post-186160 Mon, 11 Jun 2012 16:30:47 +0000 MrsMccarthy 186160@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Well this could be a good thing because boys are supposed to be bigger and make one grow bigger. also these airbrushed images or the few anomolies might make us forget but most women gain weight in their butts, thighs and retain a lot of water in pregnancy so it's pretty normal.</p> <p>i too have struggled with this. I was 110 lbs at 5'7" at my wedding last year. probably too skinny even for me but i was working out like crazy and have always been below 130. when i went off the pill i gained combined with preparing my 34 year old body by eating some foods that were supposed to help one concieve. I was roughly 140lbs when i became pregnant in December and i am now 176lbs with 12 weeks to go. I walk everyday and i try to eat healthy but i do have an appetite. I also feel the pressure and really hope to get back to a slimmer me post baby but i have to be super careful whilst i am pregnant not to overdo it or risk baby losing any organ building nutrients. I hate the fact that my legs and butt now have cellulite which i never had before but i still think it is worth it for my little son. </p> <p>you are doing a great job staying fit. just make sure you allow yourself some space to give in to the changes in your body a bit. you may not enjoy them but since we are all gonna change some with pregnancy and grow old i think its good to pull back a bit on what we expect for ourselves long term. mens bodies dont go through as much as ours do but we are also not meant to be fat free. we are meant to be curvy and lucious and softer. they are meant to be the hard bodies. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-youdid-you-work-out-while-pregnant#post-185980 Mon, 11 Jun 2012 14:51:40 +0000 Mrs Green Grass 185980@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm having a lot of trouble with this too. I've already gained 4 pounds at 8 1/2 weeks (maybe because there were 4 - now 3 babies?). Before IVF I played soccer twice a week and would run or do yoga. But I really haven't felt able to do much besides walk.</p> <p>My stomach muscles are really sore all the time (without doing anything). </p> <p>I feel totally disgusting right now. I think it's worse because there is no real bump there - just weight. I hope everything will redistribute as I progress. I have also been basically the same weight for basically forever. I fluctuate within 3 pounds up or down at most and when I am at the high range of that, I totally know it. It's really hard to let it go. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-youdid-you-work-out-while-pregnant#post-185951 Mon, 11 Jun 2012 14:39:42 +0000 twinmama 185951@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just a quick note to say that ALL the extra 'storage' weight I've gained was around the begining of the 2nd tri. It sucked to go up a pant size bc my thighs had grown, but since then the pounds have gone completely to my belly......even with my required higher gain with twins. So while you may not be able to change the storage factor, take heart in knowing its not necessarily going to continue. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-youdid-you-work-out-while-pregnant#post-185879 Mon, 11 Jun 2012 14:09:05 +0000 CupQuakeWalk 185879@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>um, is it sad that I had to look up from my big bowl of Alfredo to answer this question? First of all: I don't do anything right now. I feel so bad about it because I used to be all into fitness (I'm a coach for God's sake!). Anyways---ever since getting pregnant i've had one reason after another to not work out and now i'm just too out of shape to get back into it. Recently i've been walking....and then i'll get up to a slow jog in a few weeks, that's about it.<br /> However, far as weight gain: I've been doing really well! I am all belly and gained 9-10lbs at 22w3d. I think its from watching my portions. I don't eat the healthiest of foods sometimes (hence the alfredo) but I do watch my portions and try to make good choices when offered to me. I'll NEVER be that preggo lady that eats an entire pizza on her own If we go out for steak...I won't get the fully loaded mashed potato. I'll JUST get the steak and a side salad if it comes with (no ranch!).<br /> I know everything says not to "diet" while pregnant but its not a diet. I just have oatmeal in the mornings instead of a poptart! And if I do want the poptart: I'll have 1 not both pieces that come in the wrapper. </p> <p>All that being said: I've seen some women blow up during pregnancy and loose it ALL and then some through walking with stroller, breastfeeding and general genetics. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-youdid-you-work-out-while-pregnant#post-185839 Mon, 11 Jun 2012 13:40:08 +0000 Running Elley 185839@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs. bird: That post was beautiful. It totally made me tear up. Thank you for that perspective! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-youdid-you-work-out-while-pregnant#post-185834 Mon, 11 Jun 2012 13:37:50 +0000 chrispygal 185834@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had such a great workout routine for the past 2 1/2 years. I am far from having a great body, but I was in great shape for me and I loved it. I loved my classes and my gym friends and exercise had definitely become part of my life. My first two trimesters I was gaining weight, but it was all belly and I wasn't getting it in my bum, thighs, arms or face. I was psyched. And then I hit the third trimester and that all changed. I feel ENORMOUS. The gym has become too much for me. I can make it maybe once or twice a week but it's all I can do to make it through work (granted I walk a bit with work to/from where I park) and regular household duties. I feel gross, puffy and huge - and HATE it. I also hate not being able to do the things I want to do, or the things I am used to doing. It's so tough for a type-A person! It's challenging, but I'm really trying to cut myself some slack and I have little mental pep talks with myself all the time. I know I am filled with fluid because I can feel it, literally, in my hands. I know there is only so much control we have over our bodies when we're pregnant and at the end of the day, I can only focus on what I can control. I am eating fairly well and doing my best to be active but honestly, I am at 34 weeks and it's become really challenging for me. My eye is now on the prize. I know that the challenges I have felt these past 8+ months are only a part of the sacrafices I will have to make for my LO and that is how I am (somewhat) rationalizing things to myself. I have such a desire to get back to exercising that I know I will do it and it will be good for me and the baby. Being a "hot" pregnant woman is different than being a "hot" mamma and without doubt you will be one hot mamma. I think it's hard to control if you'll be a "hot" pregnant woman or not. Do the best you can to feel as good as you can about yourself, but know that whatever happens you are beautiful and will remain a beautiful and stunning pregnant woman. I know your hubby would agree. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-youdid-you-work-out-while-pregnant#post-185832 Mon, 11 Jun 2012 13:37:05 +0000 mrs. bird 185832@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>not pregnant yet, but i think i can relate on some level. **warning, long story ahead**</p> <p>DH is a super fit &amp; kinda a gorgeous man (SCORE! hehe), he's at the gym for 3 hours 5 times a week and has trophies from the few natural body building competitions he's done. we met when he was my personal trainer. at that time, i was in amazing shape, but was struggling with BDD and a mild eating disorder. </p> <p>after abusing my body, i ended up contracting a virus that wrecked havoc on my immune system &amp; triggered some autoimmune issues that had never been a problem before. i wasn't allowed to workout, or lift anything over 20lbs, if i overdid it i suffered from unilateral paralysis and would lose function on my right side, that side of my face would droop, i've fallen, choked on food- even drinking water, i've lost control of my bladder (fortunately that only happened a couple of times!) and wet myself without feeling like i needed to go, basically this body that i had worked so hard to achieve turned against me &amp; became my worst enemy. the harder i worked to keep it, the harder it punished me. slowly, it's gotten better, not all better, but better.</p> <p> i've gained an insane amount of weight since then and never regained the body i wanted or the strength i'd worked so hard for. i still resent my body for what it did to me, i resent myself for having this body, but DH loves my body! when i needed him to take care of me, he was there to carry me to bed and hold my hand through it all. i never wanted to be a fat bride or an ugly wife. i often feel like i don't deserve DH and that people look at us and wonder why he's with me, but he sees none of it. he sees the beautiful woman he fell in love with, the struggles we've gone through together, how all of it brought us so much closer and how we are more in love now than we were before- when we both had perfect bodies!! </p> <p>all of that was leading up to this: whatever negative feelings you might have towards the changes in your body- your DH will love you not just despite them, but BECAUSE of them! because of this journey your on together and all it's gone through and for the amazing gift it is going to give him in the form of a LO. be healthy, but please try to forgive your body, i promise he will!! &lt;hugs&gt; </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-youdid-you-work-out-while-pregnant#post-185826 Mon, 11 Jun 2012 13:31:51 +0000 kml636 185826@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm also having a hard time. Last dr appt, I had gained 5 lbs between week 12 and 16. I know it's normal and all, but I looked down and my THIGHS were also HUGE! I'm getting the rub when I wear skirts and it brings back flashbacks from when I was overweight. </p> <p>Pre Pregnancy I worked out a lot, was training for a half marathon and 2 personal training sessions per week. Now I'm doing weights and running/walking at home. Much less than before but I'm okay with that. Add in the nonstop appetite and I'm just hoping to not get HUGE! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-youdid-you-work-out-while-pregnant#post-185801 Mon, 11 Jun 2012 13:15:09 +0000 hilsy85 185801@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jholler25: Yup I feel ya. I hold my breath every time I get on the scale. And they will definitely tell you if there's a problem, which I am sure there won't be! </p> <p>@hellobeeboston: Yeah it was pretty ridiculous. I think she actually meant it as a compliment though? In some weird way...? But a comment like that two years ago would have had me hiding in the bathroom in tears. Now I'm really just trying to take it in stride (but am amazed at the way people feel like pregnant bodies are fair game for any sort of commentary! i've heard not so nice things from my dad and FIL as well, although I'm sure they didn't mean them in a mean way). And yes Dh is loving the boobs. I hate them and am really hoping they go away at some point in the future! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-youdid-you-work-out-while-pregnant#post-185792 Mon, 11 Jun 2012 13:08:14 +0000 LuLu Mom 185792@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I feel like this is a time on our lives when we have to let our fears of gaining weight be put the back burner and concentrate on the health of that little person (or people) inside of us. Yes, no one wants to get fat/expand but in reality pregnant women retain water, we put on weight in areas that we might not in normal day life. I say we embrace it and deal with it after giving birth! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-youdid-you-work-out-while-pregnant#post-185782 Mon, 11 Jun 2012 13:01:13 +0000 matador84 185782@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jholler25 no kidding, right!! ugh. We still don't know if it completely passed or not and I am at 28 weeks now. I have another u/s at 30 weeks and they are going to take a closer look at the placenta and see if there is a problem there or not. My doctor put me on Prometrium as soon as I got out of the ER and I took it for two weeks and my bleeding stopped @ 10-11 weeks and I haven't had any since. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-youdid-you-work-out-while-pregnant#post-185776 Mon, 11 Jun 2012 12:59:55 +0000 hellobeeboston 185776@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hilsy85: whaaaat? Someone said that to you at work?! NOT OK. What is wrong with people?? And wow on the boob growth! My husband would love that - i've only gone up about a size and a half in bra's and he's hoping they get bigger - ha!</p> <p>@jholler25: I'm sure you look amazing. It's definitely tough to hear about the weight gain - but, it's temporary. It's healthy for our growing babes, and you're lucky to have a fit-focused husband that can help you get back on track after baby. I'm sure he understands and doesn't expect you to be a perfect preggo -- no one is, it's totally different for all. you know all this... Oh - and my thighs are totally getting wider. Ugh -- i'm just wearing flowy skirts and maxi's all summer and ignoring them....</p> <p>In terms of working out - you are a rockstar - i've been a super slacker... My gym membership expired &amp; I decided not to renew -- so I'm walking more on my commute, so I think I walk about 2 miles a day... I've been having some painful ligament stretching pain, so if I walk to fast I have to slow down and wait for it to go away, then can move again... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-youdid-you-work-out-while-pregnant#post-185766 Mon, 11 Jun 2012 12:57:07 +0000 PrincessBaby 185766@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hilsy85: Former ED girl here- can you tell?!? Also don't own a scale and I actually tell the nurse not to tell me my weight. Numbers fuel obsession, and I just don't want to live that way ever again. I just want her to tell me if there's a problem, which I'm sure my thighs will have already alerted me!!! And maybe at the end of my pregnancy find out a number so that I know the final verdict. I'm so fearful:)</p> <p>@lydg: Wow, Thanks Mom! You sure know how to make a girl feel good!!! Lol! Did your SCH dissolve out of curiosity? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-youdid-you-work-out-while-pregnant#post-185757 Mon, 11 Jun 2012 12:51:12 +0000 mrs. wagon 185757@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jholler25: lol! I know what you mean... Wagon Sr. is not exactly the most fit guy, and he loves food, but if he works out just a little bit his body looks good. He knows, though, that if I'm not feeling good about my body he's not really "allowed" to get fit at that time. Haha. We're the same height and usually right around the same weight so I have huge issues with looking like his "big" wife, so he's sensitive to it. We'll both work on looking good after this baby is outta me!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-youdid-you-work-out-while-pregnant#post-185756 Mon, 11 Jun 2012 12:51:06 +0000 DillonLion 185756@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jholler25: It took A LOT of therapy to get here, I promise you that! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-youdid-you-work-out-while-pregnant#post-185755 Mon, 11 Jun 2012 12:51:06 +0000 heffalump 185755@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Luckily my dh gained weight with me so I didn't have to worry as much:) I couldn't really work out at all. Exercise gives me migraines, and migraines mean taking meds, so I wanted to do everything I could not to do that. All I did was water zumba.</p> <p>Try not to let it get you down though. You're body is going through so much right now. Growing a baby is hard! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-youdid-you-work-out-while-pregnant#post-185749 Mon, 11 Jun 2012 12:49:20 +0000 PrincessBaby 185749@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Coco Bee: Your last part about your DH made my eyes water!!! I didnt know all of those benefits- that's really helpful! I know the body is grabbing fat right now (traitor!!!!) and I guess my thighs are a little greedier (!), but You make GREAT points about all the reasons aside from having Suzanne Somers thighs to just suck it up and stay with it! Thank you!</p> <p>@mrs. wagon: Literally made me LOL!!! The problem is that he can eat what he wants and he's still perfect- ugh! He's such a turd!!!!! This is so awful, but I really wish that he would go downhill...just a little? That is so mean, but damn it would help me not feel so awful!</p> <p>@highwire: I need to just read and re-read your post and maybe some of it will stick to my brain for good- lol! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-youdid-you-work-out-while-pregnant#post-185747 Mon, 11 Jun 2012 12:48:09 +0000 mamimami 185747@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is not really an answer but I am WAY impressed by all of you who work out like four times a week!! I think that's pretty great!</p> <p>Also, during my first pregnancy people constantly told me I looked great and I always chalked it up to them being nice because I gained a ton of weight and felt like a beached whale. I didn't want to take a bunch of bump or maternity pics for this reason. But you know what? Now that I look back at the photos I did allow, I can see that I DID look pretty good. So I am trying to hold on to that belief for this pregnancy too. </p> <p>So keep in mind our perceptions of ourselves often don't match what others see! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-youdid-you-work-out-while-pregnant#post-185746 Mon, 11 Jun 2012 12:47:48 +0000 matador84 185746@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I can totally relate. I was a workout queen before PG, until I had a SCH at 9 weeks. Since then, I have slowly watched my formerly muscular legs dissolve into total fat and it grosses me out so bad. </p> <p>My doctor told me it's okay to work out, only light walking--but I am so wiped out that the gym has been pretty far from my mind. I keep thinking only 12 weeks to go and then I am dying to get back to the gym (eventually) after baby. Did I mention I have put on nearly 30 lbs at 28 weeks? I am ALL belly, no boobs, and my mom even commented how my butt is getting really big along with my legs. :-( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-youdid-you-work-out-while-pregnant#post-185744 Mon, 11 Jun 2012 12:46:51 +0000 volksgirl64 185744@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I completely understand but I didn't let it affect my pregnancy at all. I actually didn't work out at all during pregnancy mainly because we're pretty sure this is our last kid so I tried not to care for 9 months. Of course, now I'm 3 weeks PP and hating my body but I think that would have happened working out or not. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-youdid-you-work-out-while-pregnant#post-185736 Mon, 11 Jun 2012 12:42:48 +0000 hilsy85 185736@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jholler25: At 18 weeks I had gained about 6 pounds (I only get weighed at doctor's appts, don't own a scale due to past ED). It's pretty much all in my belly and boobs I think (I went from a 32B to a 32DD!)--although someone at work told me I was "getting chunky" and "spreading out" (?!?!). I do think that my hips are probably spreading a bit as well...but again, unfortunately, there's nothing we can do about our bone structure/ligaments loosening. I've been told that I still look pretty small for 21 weeks, so that's a bit of a boost to my ego, I guess. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-youdid-you-work-out-while-pregnant#post-185729 Mon, 11 Jun 2012 12:38:52 +0000 PrincessBaby 185729@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hilsy85: did you gain weight everywhere? Dedpite all the walking? Thank you for understanding:)</p> <p>@Running Elley: You look amazing!!! And you always inspire me:) Thank you for ALWAYS being there and making me feel better/more normal. Somedays I feel like a lunatic!</p> <p>@Alivoo01: Thank you! I have been blocking the "post-baby" fat situation out of my brain- lol! But I'm also scared to death of that too!!!</p> <p>@autumnlove: Thank you! Make no mistake, I am a master at cropping fat out of photos! One of the last ones I just completely cut myself off from the above the butt down. It is not flattering to include "all of that" in the photo! If I could stay under 35lbs, I'd really be thrilled with that! So you inspired me to drag these thighs to the gym today:). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-youdid-you-work-out-while-pregnant#post-185718 Mon, 11 Jun 2012 12:35:53 +0000 DillonLion 185718@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I work out about between 1 and 4 times per week depending on what is going on. After years of being extremely hard on myself, obsessing about my weight, and restricting what I eat, I'm not letting any of that shit creep in and ruin my pregnancy. I'm allowing myself to just enjoy taking it easy and resting whenever I want to while I grow this baby. And that's the end of it. </p> <p>I have my whole life to kill myself at the gym and keep myself in tip top shape once the baby is born. For now, I'm just going to enjoy this special time exactly how I want to, which is, mostly relaxing :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-do-youdid-you-work-out-while-pregnant#post-185717 Mon, 11 Jun 2012 12:35:39 +0000 Running Elley 185717@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs. wagon: LOL at sneaking in some butter and cheese.</p> <p>J, I can TOTALLY see you doing that to K hahaha. </p>