Hi there everyone!

I just have a question that I hope someone can help me with. I'm currently 16 weeks pregnant with my second child and I'm a mother of an energetic 11 month old little princess. I had some trouble towards the end of my first pregnancy with preeclampsia and I have slightly high blood pressure with this one. Since it's so early in my pregnancy, my doctor told me to incorporate some exercises into my daily routine. When he said that, I looked at him as if to say, "Are you CRAZY?? Do you even KNOW my schedule? Where am I going to find the time to EXERCISE?"...

But, as it turns out, I must do SOMETHING. I would it very much if I didn't have to go on bed rest for two weeks before delivery, especially since my daughter will be 16 months by then and more energetic than ever.

I guess what I'm getting at is, does anyone know any good prenatal exercise videos that don't take too much time to do and that are easy to get into...especially for a mom that does more chasing after the baby than anything else? Keep in mind that I work three days a week and baby accompanies me so by the time Thursday comes around I'm pretty wiped...

Thanks for any and all suggestions!!

I truly believe that one of the best low impact exercises you can do is walk. Maybe on the days you don't work, make an effort to take a walk. Since you work 3 days/week, that leaves 4 days to walk. Either get up first thing in the morning so you can go by yourself, or head out after dinner with the family. It doesn't have to be miles and miles, a 20-30 minute walk will do you wonders. When you get home, maybe do some free weights for arm and back strength. Do you have a stationary bike? That's another great way to get a low impact workout in 20 minutes. On the weekends, do family activities like going to the zoo, that's a good amount of walking and fun.

I know where you are coming from. I had mild preeclampsia at the end of my pregnancy with ds and am scared I will develop it in this pregnancy. I have my first appt tomorrow (9 weeks) and am nervous about my BP. The walking will help your blood pressure, as well as make sure you relax and put your feet up when you get home on work days. Plus, stay away from the salt and drink a lot of water!! (I'm sure you know this already, but it's so important! )

I agree, walking is the best form of exercise during pregnancy. Maybe try checking out the library to see if they have any dvd's specific to pregnancy so you won't have to buy any. I was just at mine and saw they had one that I was interested in, so tomorrow I am planning on walking/running up there to get it.

If you are used to doing any form of exercise, you should be ok to keep on doing them, you may need to modify them a bit though. I have always been told you shouldn't lay flat on your back to do anything after 20 weeks.

Good luck!

__________________

Thanks a lot ladies. I will definately try the walking idea. I used to do it religiously before I had kids. Now, it's such a struggle getting back into it.

I will definately give it a go, though. I actually had a friend of mine give me a DVD of Leslie Sansone's Walk Away the Pounds. She said it did wonders for her, so I'll give it a try and let y'all know.

Thanks again!

Walking and swimming are great!