Weight training

The ‘buts’ to which you are referring usually relate to women at risk of miscarriage or premature labour. If you have any history of pregnancy loss or have experienced any spotting, I would abstain from aerobic exercise and weight training until after 20 weeks. In your case, because you are already in pretty good shape and are currently doing training, all you have to remember is that the ligaments and tendons are softer and more prone to injury. Stretching and warm-up is especially important. There are no absolute guidelines for the amount of weights, but you may have to back off if you find yourself tiring easily or you sense that the muscles are not as supportive as they once were. The rectus abdominal muscles separate at the mid-plane in order to accommodate the enlarging uterus, so you should expect these muscles to fell ‘weaker’. They could be more prone to injury during the second and third trimester.

Walking and swimming are ideal exercises for pregnancy, especially beyond the second trimester. I would consider it safe to continue with your routines with some modifications. If exercise increases uterine contractions or causes back or pelvic pain, stop. You should also rest more and space your exercise throughout the day rather than one longer work out.

Peg