Pregnancy Workout Guide -Third Trimester

You've entered your third trimester and just because your baby bump is growing doesn't mean you are ready to stop breaking a sweat, but it does mean you should start slowing the pace down a little with your pregnancy exercises.  

As with each trimester, entering the last third of pregnancy (most specifically after week 30) means you need to make some changes to your pregnancy exercises to make sure you keep yourself and baby safe.  If you've continued lifting weights throughout your pregnancy (even with those annoying side glares at the gym) it might be time to think about reducing the amount of weight you're pushing around, especially for lower body exercises.  

The closer you get to the end of your pregnancy, the more flexible your ligaments and joints become as your body gets ready for labor.  So not being cautious can easily result in an injury.  An easy way to make sure you're not doing too much with your pregnancy exercises, is to workout at a pace that challenges you without struggling to finish your sets.

CARDIO IS KEY when it comes to reducing the dreaded backaches, improving your mood, and helping your body get ready for labor.  30 minutes a day of walking, swimming, bike riding, elliptical... whatever you prefer is just fine as long as you're not over exerting yourself.

Last but not least, now is the time to start incorporating "birth prep" exercises.  Standing pelvic tilts, wide child's pose, bodyweight squats and cat cow are just a few exercises that will help reduce aches and pains in moms to be as well as help your baby position himself properly for the big day.

When it comes to working out while pregnant, the most important factor is to listen to your body.  If you are feeling faint, overly tired, becoming too sore after workouts or having a hard time keeping a conversation while exercising, it definitely means you're going too hard and need to reduce the pace a bit.

Stay healthy and enjoy your last trimester because before you know it, pregnancy will be over and you will actually miss having baby inside of you.

What has been your favorite form of exercise while pregnant?  

You may also enjoy: 8 Things All Pregnant Women Should Know and Working Out For Two.