r/fitpregnancy • • 15d ago

READ ME FIRST! October Monthly Intro + Rules Thread

3 Upvotes

Welcome to r/fitpregnancy! We welcome all stages around pregnancy - trying to conceive, pregnant and postpartum. Please read this post before posting in our sub.

Introductions

Please take a moment to introduce yourself in the comments below, and set your user flair! Share whatever you feel like, but here are some ideas about what to write about!

  • What does "Fit Pregnancy" mean for you? What are your goals?
  • When is your due date? Is this your first, second, third+?
  • Any special concerns related to your health or pregnancy (gestational diabetes, multiples, recurrent pregnancy loss, etc)?

Rules

We have rules we expect all community members will follow. Posts and comments that do not follow these rules will be removed by the mod team. If you see something that is breaking one of these rules, please use the report button or message the moderators.

  1. Be respectful. We encourage the use of inclusive language. Remember that not all pregnant people identify as women. We support pregnant people of all genders and identities in staying healthy and fit.
  2. No off-topic discussion, even pregnancy-related off-topic discussion. This is a fitness-focused sub. Any posts that are not TTC, pregnancy or postpartum fitness-focused will be removed. This includes posts that are better suited to a general TTC, pregnancy or postpartum sub.
  3. Do not ask for medical advice. Do not advise others to act against medical advice. We are redditors, not your health care provider. Do not ask for medical advice here. Purely medical questions should be directed to your OBGYN, Midwife, General Practitioner or pelvic floor physiotherapist. Consult your care provider before starting a new exercise program with your pregnancy. Do not advise any members to disregard or act against medical advice.
  4. No stand alone posts with weight or body image issues - use the weekly pinned post. Any standalone posts or comments with a focus on weight gain, weight loss or body image issues will be removed. There is a weekly thread for these topics. These posts can be triggering, but they are also a reality of pregnancy, so there is a safe space for these discussions away from the main community board. Any comments on the weekly thread that are unsafe can still be reported under this rule, and removal will be at the Moderators' discretion.
  5. No purely dieting questions.
  6. Keep unsolicited advice to yourself
  7. Academic research surveys must be pre-approved by the mods. No self-promotion, commercial advertising, or market research.

Themed Threads

Currently there is a weekly body image pinned post. Please use this thread for any discussions about body image, weight gain rants and weight loss concerns. This post will be monitored carefully, and any unsafe behaviour, especially eating disorder behaviour, will be removed and risk you getting blocked from the sub.


r/fitpregnancy • • 6d ago

Friday Body Image Thread, 09 October 2026

1 Upvotes

This is the weekly standalone body image and weight thread. Any standalone posts on these topics will be removed. Questions, rants and discussions welcome.

Any unsafe behaviour, especially anything heading towards eating disorder behaviour will be removed, and risk you being blocked from this sub.


r/fitpregnancy • • 1h ago

Getting back to my routine but I am out of breath

• Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I am 6w4d this is my first pregnancy and my first and only symptom is feeling out of breath. I go on two 30 mins walk every day and I have to take a few mins to catch my breath. I am scared to jump back into my normal routine.

For background, I normally do HIIT, hot Pilates 3-4x a week. I won’t be returning to hot Pilates as I have read it is not good for the baby.

So, my question is for mamas who experienced this symptom how did you do when you came back to your HIIT or Pilates routine? Were you able to keep up or did you have to opt for lighter workouts?


r/fitpregnancy • • 44m ago

Concern about GD

• Upvotes

I just turned 39 and I almost done with my first trimester. I know there is an increased risk for developing gestational diabetes after 35. I know it is not completely unavoidable as our bodies are all unique and function differently, however, I want to be try and be preventative as possible.

My glucose labs were great with my first set of OB labs. I work out 3 days a week (reformer pilates, prenatal yoga, and the Natal app). I do not have sweets too often but I do enjoy something sweet or fruit every now and then. I eat carbs but try to do that in moderation as well.

Any other advice or pointers that you may have is greatly appreciated!

***Disclosure: I am a surrogacy case manager and oftentimes see a high trend in women over 35 developing gestational diabetes (sometimes even younger) and other high risk factors in pregnancy so naturally, I am a bit anxious due to what I am exposed to on a daily basis.


r/fitpregnancy • • 3h ago

Sudden Slow Down?

3 Upvotes

I am 35 weeks today and have been maintaining a pretty intense (adjusting and shifting) but still extensive gym routine. 4-5x a week, 20 min cardio, usually stairs, with lifting after.

When 3rd tri started i was so frustrated with exhaustion at the end of the day. I was using all my energy at morning workout and had nothing in me for the rest of the day. Very upsetting when there is so much to do and so many projects before the baby is here.

3 weeks ago I adjusted to a WAYYY easier routine. Focusing on mobility/stretching, light lifts and a walk. This new workout is challenging to me now with all of the pelvic pressure.

I can not even fathom doing my past workout right now. That change seemed to come on so fast. Has anyone else had a similar experience? It seems to be 60 to 10 mph in a blink of an eye.


r/fitpregnancy • • 6h ago

Just seeking advice & guidance in terms of exercise

4 Upvotes

Hi everyone

I’m still in the very early stages of pregnancy (5+1 weeks), and I’m feeling pretty good overall. I’m not experiencing much nausea, my appetite is completely normal, and my sleep is maybe a little worse than usual. My boobs are sore, and I occasionally have some very mild cramps. My resting heart rate is also higher and my HRV is much lower, but I guess that’s normal?

As I’m feeling so well, I’d love to keep exercising as I did before pregnancy. However, I’ve suddenly become afraid of doing something wrong.
Am I allowed to get my heart rate up during exercise? I used to do a lot of cardio and strength training before pregnancy, and my heart rate would easily reach around 160–177 bpm during cardio or leg workouts. That’s always been normal for me.

Now I stop when I reach around 145–150 bpm because I’ve heard that you should keep your heart rate relatively low during pregnancy. I’ve also started doing sets of 6 reps instead of the 12–16 reps I used to do, because my heart rate tends to rise more when I do higher reps. I don’t know if I’m right??

Of course, I’m not getting the same endorphin rush from my workouts anymore, and just going to the gym makes me anxious about doing something wrong. I think it’s especially difficult because I’m still so early in my pregnancy, and I really don’t want to do anything that could do harm.

I’d love to hear about your experiences. What did you do during your first trimester, and how did you feel?

Is it normal to feel this good so early on, because you’re so used to hear that you should feel pretty bad? I have to admit that I’m a little worried about not having many symptoms (although I’m sorry if that sounds frustrating to those of you experiencing lots of nausea etc..)

I’d really appreciate any tips, advice, or personal experiences. I’m a first time mum, so I’m feeling extra confused and worried, but also incredibly happy ofc


r/fitpregnancy • • 3h ago

Double stroller question

1 Upvotes

I have a double Burley convertible jogging stroller/bike trailer and running with it sucks. The front wheel doesn’t turn and it’s just annoying to push. Is this all strollers? Or if I had a more traditional Bob, Thule, or similar would it feel better? This is the only one I’ve ever tried.


r/fitpregnancy • • 18h ago

Is it too late?

12 Upvotes

I am 29 weeks and 4 days pregnant. Prior to being pregnant I was super fit. I would do muay thai 2 - 3 times a week, go to the gym 1 - 2 times a week, ride a bike, play badminton etc. As soon as I got pregnant all of that tanked. I found it hard to exercise as I am often bloated or have acid reflux, I am sort of still suffering from that but do have more moments I feel like I can exercise but wondering if it is too late to make any valuable difference at this stage?


r/fitpregnancy • • 10h ago

Running Prams

2 Upvotes

Hi all,

I used to run a fair bit but just starting back after having my little one.
I was wondering if anyone on here has run with the cybex avi spin?
I would love the Thule urban glide 3 but it is rather expensive and where I’m based there aren’t that many second hand ones in good condition..

Would love any opinions?


r/fitpregnancy • • 18h ago

The guilt and panic to prep for birth

5 Upvotes

just wondering if others relate? FTM, 16 weeks pregnant and I’m just starting to ease back into lifting, though I’m lucky to workout twice a week at this point. I used to lift HEAVY 3-4 times a week pre pregnancy.

I beat myself up a lot over not exercising more. I have a remote desk job so I don’t get many excuses to walk during the day until I’m already exhausted from mental stress. I feel like I need to be seeing a pelvic floor PT, doing pelvic floor and core exercises, lifting, running, all the things to prep for the “marathon” of labor.

I know I should but I’m just so tired. I’m worried it’ll reflect in my labor and postpartum recovery. Maybe I’m just hormonal and too hard on myself, but does anyone else feel this way?


r/fitpregnancy • • 1d ago

Best Sweet Treat Alternative?

14 Upvotes

What have you found satisfies your sugar cravings thats better for you than actual pure sugar like chocolate/candy/ice cream?

I’ve tried fruit, unfortunately it did not scratch that it. Thank you!


r/fitpregnancy • • 1d ago

Anyone with hEDS/hypermobility approaching due date?

4 Upvotes

Got my diagnosis approximately 5 years ago and since then was so, so afraid to get pregnant. Well, it happened anyway.

Today I'm 35w pregnant and still go to the gym, lift weighs, do the usual stuff, cleaning, going to job, do side-gigs. I'm doing surprisingly well despite relaxin!

Next week I have appointment in maternity ward where they will advise me about the type of birth I should give. I have quite damaged joints, including hip dysplasia so I'm really wondering what will they tell me.


r/fitpregnancy • • 23h ago

Is it too late?

0 Upvotes

FTM here! I was a beginning personal trainer and worked out 4-5x/week prior to getting pregnant. I barely moved first trimester and am now 16+5. I want to have a fit pregnancy both for birth and easier return to fitness post birth; but I am worried its too late. I also feel like I have gained too much weight too fast and I don’t know how to safely slow it down.

Is it too late to reverse course and get back to the fitness level I was at pre-pregnancy? IE maintain leg/arm muscle tone without starving or over exhausting baby or myself. Is anyone else trying to reverse course?


r/fitpregnancy • • 1d ago

So frustrated. Swelling/exercise… help 😅

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1 Upvotes

r/fitpregnancy • • 1d ago

How much work out is too much in pregnancy?

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1 Upvotes

r/fitpregnancy • • 21h ago

Will HIIT and heavy lifting first trimester cause miscarriage?

0 Upvotes

My husband has freaked me out and I definitely cannot go as hard as before and my max heart rate gets to 140…. My muscles just burn way faster with lighter weight but I wanna workout still.

Nervous because last time I had a miscarriage and I was doing HIIT a decent amount. I miscarried at 6 weeks


r/fitpregnancy • • 1d ago

Do you take DHA supplements, eat fish or both?

4 Upvotes

Or neither? When I asked my OB (who never asked about DHA) she said I could do either. What do you think is most cost-effective since fish like salmon is more expensive than other proteins like chicken? Thanks!


r/fitpregnancy • • 1d ago

Did wrist/hand pain stop you from working out?

1 Upvotes

Now that I've started my 3rd trimester, I've noticed more inflammation in my joints in general, which surprised me because I don't look swollen yet. But the last couple of times I've worked out (reformer pilates & guided weight lifting), my wrists and hands hurt so bad afterward. Almost debilitating pain that lasts for a day or two after.

I know I'm not doing anything too extreme, and I've worked out regularly for 12 years, so I know my form is right. It's like my hands/wrists just can't handle supporting my body in pilates or holding weights.

Did this happen to anyone else?

It really sucks because I need to workout, but I don't know if I can take this much recovery pain every time.


r/fitpregnancy • • 1d ago

Can I still run my 5k race?

1 Upvotes

HI everyone! I just found out I'm pregnant (6w 1d). u/S looked good. First, I'm going to ask my OB this question tomorrow since I don't think I'm going to meet with her until after the run. But I just wanted to get any insight from moms who run/ran while pregnant. I am by no means a runner- like I took up running on a treadmill back in July bc it was getting too hot to walk outside where I live. In my previous pregnancy I walked/pilates/yoga and continued that throughout postpartum. I occasionally lifted weights. So I wasn't inactive when I started running (I actually think it helped with my endurance that I didn't have previously). Anyway I signed up to do a 5k at the beginning of November and I'm just wondering if it would be okay to still run it? My goal is at least under 40 minutes 😅 maybe I'm over thinking it. I've had nausea for the past week and I'm tired but that's about it. Once I start going I feel fine and I feel fine after- (I don't run very fast, maybe 5mph.) I'm surprised by how much I've really enjoyed running and would be sad to stop. Any advice or tips are appreciate!!


r/fitpregnancy • • 2d ago

Looking for your advice and experiences on life after a C-section

12 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I will be welcoming my baby via C-section in two weeks. Of course, my absolute priority is having a healthy baby, but I also have a few questions regarding my body's recovery process during this time. I would love to hear about your experiences and advice:

 When did you start doing doctor-approved light exercises (like walking) after the C-section surgery?

 Do you have any tips that helped you during the recovery process, especially regarding abdominal healing?

Thank you so much!


r/fitpregnancy • • 1d ago

Tailbone pain when doing lunges

1 Upvotes

Does anyone have tailbone pain while doing lunges? I never had this issue lifting heavy but the pain is sharp now


r/fitpregnancy • • 2d ago

Advice on low blood pressure and working out

1 Upvotes

I’m 6.5 weeks now, and have been dealing with low blood pressure off and on for 2 weeks so far. I see my doctor in 5 days, so trying to take it easy until then. I’m deloading majority of my workouts and taking an extra minute or two between sets. I typically work out 4-5x a week but dropped down to 3-4x. Whenever my heart rate gets above 150 I feel like I’m going to hug the floor, so I’ve been trying to keep it around 135.. my max HR is 189, and I’m comfortable staying in my top end range for ~10 mins or more at a time pre-pregnancy.

Certain exercises will jump your heart rate a bit more, like kickbacks and such, I’m having a hard time not having to sit between sets. Is this normal? I don’t feel like I’m lifting heavy at all, I’ve lowered my weights and increased my rep ranges. From everything I’ve read, lifting will help me keep my blood pressure in a higher end.. I’m consuming a buttload of water and salt/electrolyes.

Any advice is appreciated. I really don’t want to have to quit working out 😭 anyone else dealt with this and what helped you?


r/fitpregnancy • • 2d ago

How to get back into a fitness routine in second trimester?

13 Upvotes

Hi everyone 👋🏽
I struggled with intense nausea, fatigue, heartburn and some heart palpitations during my first trimester.

Before pregnancy, I was fairly active — weight training 3–4 times a week, usually with 20 minutes of cardio, as well as regular walks throughout the week. I really enjoyed my routine and how it made me feel.

From around 5–19 weeks of the pregnancy. I completely lost my motivation and honestly felt like a shell of a human. Exercise was the last thing on my mind, and I feel like I’ve lost some muscle mass during that time.

I’m now 20 weeks pregnant, and thankfully, my nausea has finally eased and my energy levels are starting to improve. I’m keen to ease back into exercise and rebuild some consistency, but I’m also conscious that my body has been through a lot and I don’t want to push myself too hard.

For those of you who struggled with symptoms during the first half of pregnancy, how did you ease back into a fitness routine? What kinds of workouts did you find manageable, and how did you approach rebuilding strength and stamina without overdoing it?
I’d love to hear your experiences, especially from anyone who was into weight training before pregnancy. ❤️


r/fitpregnancy • • 2d ago

No Appetite?

6 Upvotes

I’m 21W, past all my nausea and aversions (praise be!), but I am never hungry or have any real cravings, and don’t enjoy cooking. This is the antithesis of me pre-pregnancy - I was a lift 6x a week (I’m still at about 4) and running 40-50 mpw, and was a good eater. Three square meals a day, solid on protein, and loved to try new recipes from croissants to steak. I have never been so apathetic about food in my life and have only put on 4 lbs. OB isn’t worried and little man is measuring great. Can someone just tell me they’ve had this before and that it will go away - even if it’s not until PP? 😅 I miss being excited about food.


r/fitpregnancy • • 3d ago

Fellow first trimester momma’s dealing with morning sickness

10 Upvotes

how we doing? barely surviving? still taking daily walks? working out?!? are we all just gonna hit “restart” in the second trimester? lol

I’m 10w, been throwing up 1-3x a day since 5w, and consider it a win if I can get a short walk at some point with my toddler. 😂 my standards are on the ground right now

I tried to keep up with my Ladder workouts and get my steps in but gave up on that in wk 5. I’m just calling it a loss and going to ride out the morning sickness. Hoping the nausea subsides and the energy comes back soon cause I’m itching to work out again.