Working out during pregnancy

I was always worried about working out during pregnancy, but I am also really worried that I will put on too much weight. A lot of people use pregnancy as an excuse to let themselves go and eat whatever they like (I am guilty of this) but we shouldn't! Sometimes cravings take over (mine being nutella on toast), but I really am trying not to eat cake everyday. However, I am eating worse than I would usually eat (it's hard when i'm totally off of vegetables), my diet is very carby so to counteract that and to keep my risk of gestational diabetes/ high blood pressure down - I workout regularly every week without fail.

From what I have read (I am not a doctor), the number 1 guideline for working out in pregnancy is to continue to do the workouts you are used to doing, but bring it down a notch. For instance - I used to do treadmill interval sprints which made me feel sick and dizzy - I wouldn't do those when pregnant, but I am doing a lighter form of cardio. To keep my paranoia and worries at bay, I have been following pregnancy workouts on YouTube. Because they are tailored to pregnant women, I don't worry about if i'm over doing it. If I do ever feel dizzy, I just click pause and sit for a minute and then get back to work. You have to listen to your own body. I have also been continuing to lift light weights once a week in between my cardio sessions. My midwife said not to workout more than 3 times a week, so my week looks a bit like this:

Monday - Pregnancy cardio workout with added arm exercises using light weights  (a few taken from strength regime)
Tuesday - Rest/ Dog walk
Wednesday - Strength training with light weights at home or at the gym - Bum/Arms
Thursday - Rest/ Dog walk
Friday - Pregnancy cardio workout with added bum workout (a few taken from strength regime)

I'll share my personal regime with you and I will link the pregnancy videos I follow below (I am in my second trimester - currently at 19 weeks, but I will continue with this regime until I feel heavily pregnant/ my body can't do it anymore. When that point comes I just plan to walk lots.)

Strength workout summary:

Squats: squat with shoulder press/ sumo squats/ pulse sumo squats I was squatting with 40kg on a smith machine but now 12kg - 14kg divided in to two weights and 8kg kettlebell for sumo squats. On average I do 15-20 reps x3 of each exercise.
Deadlift: I was using a 30kg bar but now I use 15kg - 15 reps x3
Mat workouts: Fire Hydrants/ kick backs no weights 15-20 reps each exercise x3
Cable side kicks: lowest weight or I use a black resistance band with a heel attachment at home - 10-15 reps x3
Arms: over head shoulder press/ bicep curls/ triceps kickbacks/ triceps extension all with 2.5kg weight - 12-15 reps x3

Pregnancy Cardio Workouts:





There are loads and loads of pregnancy workouts to follow on Youtube - but these particular 3 suited me as they are quick and snappy and challenge me without going over board!

If you have any questions or want to chat baby, feel free to get in touch - RobynJaneblog@gmail.com