Pregnancy is hard work, and that’s a fact. But coupling pregnancy with fitness can seem like an insurmountable task, or something that may seem complicated when it comes to the health of the mother and the baby. DBS Member Meredith Berlin was certainly up for the task when she became pregnant. From the first trimester, she never stopped coming to the Shop. She was able to work with the coaches to find a fitness regimen that helped her keep in tip-top shape while also preserving the health of the baby inside her.

Here’s her story:

This is my first pregnancy. From the beginning, I planned on working out at long as I could. I’ve cut back on how many weekly classes I attend, and as I approach my due date, I’m really slowing down. But I’m surprised that I still feel good and want to work out!

During the first trimester, I had minimal morning sickness, which made it easier to come to class in the first few weeks. Exhaustion is also a common symptom of the first trimester, but I think going to the Shop helped motivate me to get off the couch and workout, when all I wanted to do was sleep. Now, I get short of breath easier, and it’s not that easy to move. My belly has definitely been getting in the way! I always make sure I have plenty of time to relax on workout days, since I become extremely tire afterward.

Since the beginning, I have lifted less weight and have not attempted one rep maxes. Sure, sometimes I feel I can do more, but I’ve been cautious not to over-exert myself. All of the coaches have been great at suggesting different modifications for movements. Burpees became sprawls, which are now step ups. Ab exercises are now squats, although I started with planks. Squats are just much more comfortable.

I still continued running throughout the pregnancy. I’ve run for many years and also planned to do it as long as I could. I actually ran a half marathon in my first trimester! During runs, I make sure to eat beforehand and stay hydrated. I run at a slower pace, and really just focus on running for the fun of it, rather than constantly timing myself.

My main motivation for working out during the pregnancy has been to keep myself healthy for to baby, and to have the best pregnancy possible. It’s very important to speak with your doctor before you decide to work out during your pregnancy. My doctor has been extremely supportive through this process. In fact, working out has really helped my mood and I’ve been able to stay positive the whole time – I’ve had no blood pressure issues, either!

Overall, this experience has been amazing. I think as long as you and your baby remain healthy, you can continue to work out as long as you can; but don’t push yourself. The health of the baby comes first. Your body needs proper rest, nutrition, and hydration to support the life growing inside of you. It’s perfectly okay to take days off or stop working out if you feel you can’t do it anymore. If you want to keep fit during your pregnancy, there are plenty of resources available. One that worked for me was Exercising Through Your Pregnancy by James Clapp, M.D.

I’m excited to tell my baby all of the things we did together while I was pregnant. I want to dress him or her in a DBS onesie!