I have this underlying fear of not being able to continue my training and racing once I have 2+ kids. This is a similar fear I had with my first pregnancy. That proved to be false. I have found that whatever the circumstance, I just make it happen. So from personal experience, I am convinced that it is possible for anyone to get back into or maintain a decent level of fitness, if you really want to.
One life saver that made this possible for me is my treadmill. I have grown to really appreciate and love the treadmill. The other very important part of this routine is the support of my loving and understanding husband :) Without his support and understanding my love for running, and I would be a pretty grumpy mom. And likewise, with the demands of medical school, I have learned to be flexible and encouraging of his goals and success.
So far, my pregnancy of 4 months has been just like the first. Tired and at times dizzy. I tried out a couple of different doctors last time, and still never really loved any of them. With my water breaking at 34 1/2 weeks, we rushed to the emergency at the U of U hospital. Intense labor quickly followed, and stress proved to be too much for the little babe to undergo, where a c-section was needed. Not part of the plan of course, but a truly amazing experience that has been a blessing to our family. After living at the hospital for 2 1/2 weeks with baby Lee in the incubator, I found a stronger part of me that stepped it up when it became necessary. Being a mom has been better than I could have imagined because of the kind person it challenges me to be and the joy that comes from family.
I have been able to find a specialized doctor in high risk pregnancy and delivery, who has extensive knowledge on exercise during pregnancy. There is nothing but good that can come from exercise during pregnancy. No max heart rate, no limit to miles or duration. If you're use to it, you can do it. Your body lets you know how it feels. You will naturally slow down and may need to adapt to different exercises that fit your comfort level (from running to walking, or elliptical, or cycling, or yoga).
I have been able to maintain my same routine of running so far. Which is what I did last time. Shortly, this will not be the case. I will naturally continue slowing down and run less, and eventually supplement lower impact exercises that will be more enjoyable and comfortable with a growing baby.
I consider my pregnancies a huge blessing, as I know so many others have much harder and difficult ones.
Pregnancy is so individual and very different for everyone. You know yourself better than anyone. With the advice and guidance of a experienced and qualified doctor, and the use of good judgement, you give yourself the assurance that you've done your best and the rest is in God's hands.
