Asos was a life-saver this last pregnancy for me- and I think Ash would say the same for hers. They have great maternity stuff at super affordable prices- which is a must for me when I have a really hard time spending money on something that I am only going to fit in for a short amount of time.
Here were some of my ASOS maternity favs:
xox
aj
Well, it’s almost time so that means I needed to pack my bag for the hospital. I have scheduled csections so my bag is a little different than those mama’s doing it the “traditional” way. I’ve also been through this song and dance twice now, so I know what I like/don’t like and need/don’t need for this journey.
Here are my must-haves for the big day and days following, in the hospital:
toiletries:
Anything that will make you feel “normal”. For me this is my own shampoo/conditioner and soap- but in travel size. Now, they don’t sell my normal stuff in travel size so I just get whatever sounds good during my target run 🙂 Also, toothbrush, toothpaste, makeup remover/face wipes, razor, hair brush, rubber band / bobby pins, hairdryer, & my make up. Yes, you read that right- I take my makeup. For me, personally, the first day they let me, I love to shower, fix my hair and put on makeup. It makes me feel normal and refreshed.
clothes:
I take a few different things: comfy sweat pants, loose comfy tops/tshirts, a robe, house slippers, regular shoes (think comfy- birkenstocks, sneakers, etc) Also – Â I don’t breastfeed so I pack several tight sports bras to keep ‘the girls’ contained! Then, if you like to get dressed up when you go home- maybe a loose dress or leggings and cute top.
my belly bandit:
You’ve heard me rave bout it before here. It is a must for a csection mama. This will just make your life that much easier. Clothes won’t be able to rub on your incision and overtime you laugh, cough, or sneeze you won’t double over in pain. It’s a game changer for csection recovery.
my own pillow.
cell phone & charger.
good book / iPad / magazines
That’s it! Simple, straight forward, and not too much unnecessary stuff.
Here are some of the things/ some similar things to what I have packed:
Bring on the big day!
xox
aj
Alright ladies- the last segment in our pregnant & fit-ish journey: Legs!
Now, I’ll admit- at 37weeks pregnant my workout routine is pretty non-existent. I found a few weeks ago that when I would work out in the morning the rest of my day was SHOT and with a 2 year old and 5 year old, laying around in bed all day really wasn’t an option. I don’t know why this is or why it came on so suddenly, but when it came down to mothering or working out, I couldn’t really skip mothering for the next several weeks… Like I’ve said before in my pregnant and fit-ish posts- listen to your body and do what you feel is best. My body amazed me at keeping up with running/working out for close to 9 months so I guess I’ll cut it some slack these last few weeks.
So, other than chasing my littles around, I think my workouts have come to an end until post baby.
BUT- this was my go-to leg workout for the last several months. It’ll kick your pregnant booty – just enough 🙂 Now, you can do these with our without weights- whichever you feel most comfortable with.
squats x 15
plie/sumo squats x 15
calf raises x 25
clamshells (each side) x 12
Leg lifts (each side) x 12
repeat x 4 (or 5!) times!
enjoy the burn!
xox
aj
Alright- the honest truth- this week, I am now 34weeks pregnant and I’m lacking motivation. Motivation to shower, get myself dressed, and definitely to work out. The fatigue has set back in, I’m not sleeping well, and let’s face it- around 4:30 every day it’s like I’m suddenly hauling around an incredibly heavy cinder block. Gravity wins by that point every day and my muscles and ligaments just seem to give up.
tank similar here | shorts similar here | shoes
BUT, I’ve told myself, as of today, GET OVER IT! 6 more weeks and I’ve done so well up to this point maintaining a healthy-ish, fit-ish pregnancy so I can’t stop now! What have I said before about one of the ways to get your motivation back when you’ve lost it with working out/running?
New gear! 🙂
Here are some of my favorites right now that are sure to get you motivated if you’ve lost your UMPH like I have!
happy shopping!
xox
aj
Continuing on our pregnant & fit-ish journey:
30 weeks and counting people!
On the days I run, I typically do arm day. The incline walking days I do legs. Today we will chat about arm day!
I’ll preface this like I do all our pregnant & fit-ish posts: I am not a doctor, or a professional, or a super fit chick! Â Just a mom/gal who likes to sweat to feel better- so, please consult with your doctor if you are pregnant and wanting to start a workout routine.
Some days I do 10 reps, other days I bump it up to 15. Just depends on the day!
Here are examples of some of them- if you don’t know how to do one that isn’t pictured- just google it and I’m sure you will get tons of examples!:
Inside curls
Outside curls
Hammers
Butterfly
Upright row
Shoulder press
Front raise
Palms in – shoulder press
Shrugs
– hang your arms by your sides and shrug your shoulders up towards your ears.
Lateral raise
    – same as front raise above except out to your side vs the front
Triceps
Now, what I am comfortable with, may be completely different than what you are comfortable with! The main thing is keeping your heart rate in check (Can you talk in a complete sentence?) Staying hydrated, and not overdoing it! As my doctor told me, think more reps, less weight. Longer distance, less incline & speed. etc. But please—consult with your doctor and figure out what is best for you and your babe!
There have been weeks I’ve done nothing and weeks I’ve worked out every day- I just listen to my body and go with it!
happy arm day!
xox
aj
I thought during this pregnancy, I would start a series called ‘Pregnant and Fit-ish’. This is my third pregnancy, and even though I am FAR from a super fit pregnant chick, I do try and stay active. I consider myself a middle of the road pregnant chick when it comes to working out. With my first babe, I did nothing but eat and maybe some walking. With my second, I kept up spin classes through most of the pregnancy and lots of arm workouts. With this one, well, read on and you will see!
watch | tank | shorts | support belt | headband similar here| shoes | socks | sunglasses
Today, let’s chat about Running while Pregnant
Let me start by saying- I never ran during my other two pregnancies. With my first, I really didn’t do anything and with my second, I did some weights and spin classes. This time, however, I wanted to keep up running to help with the horrific anxiety I get during pregnancy. Running is a release for me- so I thought I would try it.
A little background: I had to stop running the month before getting pregnant because my body was basically revolting against me. I took the month off, found out the next month I was pregnant. My doctor advised me at this point to hold off on running until the end of the first trimester – due to various reasons – which really wasn’t a problem because I felt like CRAP… Plus I was having to organize our out of state move which sucked up any amount of energy I could possibly muster. So, at my 12 week appointment, I got the green light from my doctor to start easing back in to running. She suggested I start just like I was a new runner- which is what I did.
Fast forward to now: I try and run Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays. I do incline treadmill walking on Tuesdays and Thursdays. My weekday runs range from 3-4 miles and my Saturday run ranges from 4-6 miles. My incline treadmill walking goes about 2.5 miles. After I complete the run or incline walking is when I then do either my arm workout or my leg workout (more on these workouts to come!)
Now, this is what I am comfortable with. This is what makes me feel like I am getting in a good little workout without overdoing it. It is slow, steady, and with lots of bathroom breaks- but I am loving it. I keep my pace comfortable – and something that allows me to complete a full sentence if I were to try and talk. That way I know I am keeping my heart rate in check. This is not something I am doing to keep my weight down, or anything like that – because gosh knows I am weighing WAY more this pregnancy than I did in my other two at this point…(10lbs more to be exact).
FAQ’s
Is it ok to start running if I wasn’t running before pregnancy?
My first response: talk with your doctor. Generally speaking, don’t start anything new during pregnancy, but this also depends on your fitness level before. Start walking and gradually increase how fast and far you are going and see how it goes!
Are there benefits to running during pregnancy?
Yes!! Increased energy, easier labor & delivery, quicker postpartum recovery- and for me a sense of calmness and decreased anxiety! Exercising during pregnancy has also been shown to positively affect baby!
Any special things I need to run while pregnant?
Yes, and no. If your pre-pregnancy running stuff still fits you- Great- but for me that’s just not the case. I’ve needed a bigger bra first and foremost (keep the girls nice and tight!) and now a couple maternity running tops- just because they are more comfy. I also highly recommend a support belt. These help take the pressure off of your back, belly, and bladder as you run! This is the one I use, and so far, I love it. I highly recommend not running without one during pregnancy. Bonus, you can wear it post baby as well while your core is healing! Also, make sure your shoes are not worn out. You want supportive, good shoes always- but especially when running. See my post about shoes, here. And lastly, a water bottle! You need to carry water with you on your run. Non-negotiable! See my favorite water bottle here. Here is my favorite sports bra– when I’m pregnant and before! Here are the tops I’ve ordered and am loving thus far.
| fitsplint |
What should I eat after a run?
While what you eat is important, the most important thing is your hydration. You HAVE to stay hydrated when pregnant- especially if you are working out. It is dangerous if you do not- for yourself and baby. Post workout nutrition food wise should consist of something healthy and nutritious. Think- green/fruit smoothie or some greek yogurt with some homemade granola. Or some of our favorite protein fudge!
How much should I run and how fast?
I personally don’t have any hard and fast rules I follow on this- I have a generally mileage I like to stay near but if I’m not feeling it that day- I stop. Or if I feel great, I keep going! This will primarily depend on your fitness level before and how comfortable you feel during your pregnancy. Fighting through pain is something we do when we are NOT pregnant- to push ourselves to get stronger. Pregnancy is not the time to do this. My doctor told me to use the ‘talk test’- This means if I am struggling getting out a sentence, then I am pushing it too hard. I should be able to get out a sentence. Or, if you have already gone pee two times in a 2.5 mile run- you might just call it quits for the day like I had to today! Just go with it.
When should I stop running during pregnancy?
The answer to this is: when it doesn’t feel good or beneficial anymore. If every time you go out, it sucks and you feel awful. Try switching to walking instead. Listen. To. Your. Body. It is the best gauge of whether or not you should be doing something. Again, pregnancy is not the time to push through something.
Enjoy this time with your babe! Get outside, get some fresh air! Get sweaty! All while knowing you are bonding with you babe and helping you both out.
happy running!
xox
aj
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