pregnancy and max hr

[doc]

I'm always envious of pregnant women who can exercise. I couldn't do anything at all while pregnant. I would immediately puke. Do a search on this website because this topic has come up many times before. But avoiding breathlessness is a very good guide. You should avoid being anaerobic. If you remain aerobic, you should be good to go for as long as you like.

[btchance]

I'd also watch carefully to make sure you don't overheat. As far as what you can do physically, I would go with what your body feels comfortable with. For example, I had two close friends who were pregnant at the same time, due within a month of each other, and they both were horse trainers. One had to quit by 4 months because it physically hurt her. The other was riding up until she delivered.

Otherwise, I would talk to another ob/gyn. I've heard numerous different recommendations, but from my understanding the main thing is to remain aerobic (which the threshold will lower during pregnancy I believe) and to stay cool. I hope you can find the answers you want.

[RoadRaven]

bt raises a good point about body temperature.

When you're growing a new life, your blood volume increases because you are catering for the child's life oxygen supply as well. The extra blood volume raises your core temperature as a matter of course. So def watch how hot you get.

I did low impact aerobics (video/telly - 1/2hour 3-4 times a week) right up til the week 4 of my 5 babies were born. Well worthwhile from my perspective in terms of aerobic fitness during labour, as well as overall fitness for recovery afterwards.

[doc]

Oh my gosh of course. Staying cool is critical. Studies have clearly shown that elevated temperatures (1st trimester I think) significantly increase the risk of birth defects. By which they mean temps over 101. Avoiding sauna, steam room, or whirlpool use is recommended.

[Jennifer]

vigg-

Congratulations!

I just had a baby, and while my MW was very laid back and realistic about the my almost everything (sushi, traveling, etc) she also felt pretty strongly about me not overdoing the excercise. She gave me a max HR of 135. I gave up riding around 5 months because I was more concerned about falling, and it wasn't really very comfortable. I did remain really active throughout. yard work, gardening, etc.

You may find in a month or two that the HR restriction doesn't really bother you that much. I thought it was rediculous at first, but once I hit about three months, it was no concern. 130-145 was as high as I could do comfortably anyway.

[vigg]

Thanks for the input everyone. I found an OB who is also a triathlete who, I assume, will be able to speak more specifically about issues such as frequency/duration/intensity of workouts and rides, instead of just handing me the number 140 and sending me on my way. Another thing my current OB told me was absolutely NO running (why? I don't know..). I don't want to be too hopeful that this new OB will tell me everything I want to hear, but I think I can count on advice that will be more specific to my current level of fitness.
Also found a good book that I have already ordered: Exercising Through Your Pregnancy by James Clapp. It's highly recomeneded by women athletes who are or who have been pregnant, so it looks like I've managed to find some guidance.
Thanks, Vigg

[winky-girl]

Vigg: Please give us an update when you come back from the new ob. I have just started riding and am trying to get pregnant. So advice for the future will be helpful.