pregnancy and max hr

[vigg]

Hi Everybody,
I've been off this list for a while and just checked back to see some additional recomendations. Thanks to all. I have already read James Clapp's book cover to cover, and have spoken with a partner from the same group as my OBgyn who recomended support belts should the cycling become a balance issue and I need to switch to running. While I have yet to meet an OBgyn who will explicitly say that 140 is an arbitrary number for someone who's been excercising at higher hr.s for years, I've got enough info under my belt to listen to my own body.
I'm just finishing my 21st week and 140 is becoming an easier guideline to stick to. Anything beyond that and I begin to feel like I'm "breathing for two." Although amazingly still, after a significant warm-up I still comfortably exceed 140 without even realizing it.
To hsmpcycle, thanks for your advice and if you've already had your baby congratulations! I can't wait to meet mine.
Vigg

[ladyfish]

I think Limewave has it pretty right. If you are fit before pregnancy and exercise regularly, then you can do the same (less intensity) while pregnant. I exercised before I got pregnant with my first son. I continued to exercise while pregnant. I ran until that became uncomfortable, then switched to biking. I had to transfer from my regular bike to an exercise bike when my belly got bigger (remember your ligaments are more "stretchy" when you are pregnant) and the feeling of my belly hanging down when I rode my bike became uncomfortable (my stationary bike had an upright position, so no discomfort).

Listen to your body. Stay hydrated. Don't overexert. If it feels uncomfortable, stop doing it.

By the way, I'm convinced that my labor was easier because of my fitness, and even more convinced that I had less pain and an easier time because of all the time in the saddle! By the way, both my boys were born naturally. My 1st OB was shocked and amazed when she arrived to deliver my first born and asked about medications and the nurse told her "none". I went in with the attitude that I would only take meds if I really needed them. I didn't!

I'm sure Lise our resident Midwife can give you more info on the delivery part of your new adventure! Stay healthy and enjoy!

[hsmpcycle]

Hi Everybody,
I've been off this list for a while and just checked back to see some additional recomendations. Thanks to all. I have already read James Clapp's book cover to cover, and have spoken with a partner from the same group as my OBgyn who recomended support belts should the cycling become a balance issue and I need to switch to running. While I have yet to meet an OBgyn who will explicitly say that 140 is an arbitrary number for someone who's been excercising at higher hr.s for years, I've got enough info under my belt to listen to my own body.
I'm just finishing my 21st week and 140 is becoming an easier guideline to stick to. Anything beyond that and I begin to feel like I'm "breathing for two." Although amazingly still, after a significant warm-up I still comfortably exceed 140 without even realizing it.
To hsmpcycle, thanks for your advice and if you've already had your baby congratulations! I can't wait to meet mine.
Vigg

You are welcome and best wishes to you. You will enjoy motherhood, but enjoy your freedom now, because your life will CHANGE. I miss being able to sleep 8 hrs.

Just to let you know, I had a baby boy on August 2nd. It was a very easy labor. I gave two pushes and out he came. And just like the book said, the baby weight at 6 lb. 15 oz. was a lot less than his older brother (7 lbs. 9 oz.). After 2 weeks of life, the baby is holding his head up a little and throws very strong punches. I was able to start riding 2 weeks after the delivery. To date, I lost all of my pregnancy weight!!! YEAH!!!

Take care.

[susiej]

Vigg,

Congrats! And keep going.

A close friend of ours trained for a triathalon up until her eighth month. She'd run the triathalon the year before, and was in excellent shape. She just kept doing the training she'd always done.

I'd love to say we have fabu pictures of her crossing the finish line with a giant belly, but five days before the race, she just couldn't get through her normal, two hour workout. After 45 minutes, she was exhausted. I was nearly as disappointed as she! Baby was 7 pounds, and is beautiful. (The only complication is that she was TOO concious of her weight during and after pregnancy, and became a bit underweight while breastfeeding. She was told to eat more fat/protein.)

I found that my usal early-morning commute helped a lot with the nausea and exhaustion, until I was too exhausted to get up in time.

SJ