After our announcement, I thought I’d answer a few reader questions.
How far along are you?
I’m going on 18 weeks or the 2nd trimester. I found out I was pregnant right before the Runner’s World Half Marathon & Festival.
Can you see a bump? This was taken at 15.5 weeks or so, I think. I still need to get on those belly pics! But, honestly, my boobs are beating my belly for the time being. Spencer isn’t complaining-but I may need to upgrade my sports bras!
Knowing I was pregnant prior to the half marathon forced me to run a smart race. I knew the course was hilly, so it already was going to be challenging. I kept my breathing under control even on the steep hills, and felt strong–but I really was ready for the race to be over and completely satisfied with a 1:49 finish.
Do you have morning sickness?
Thankfully, no. I’ve been really lucky–but my mom never got sick either. I know many women experience nausea throughout their first trimester, but I have been proceeding as normal!
What are you craving?
Before I knew I was actually pregnant, I was craving eggs every day! For breakfast & lunch–my body wanted protein.
Eggs, turkey bacon, & avocado.
I would wake up so hungry and need something in my belly immediately. Normally, I workout in a fasted state–especially before intense CrossFit WOD’s, but I felt weak without at least a banana.
Once I found out I was pregnant, it made sense. Your body, or baby, seems to know best.
Cheese. I hardly ever ate cheese prior to being pregnant. But, now give me some cheese & crackers, and I will polish them off! Really loving Laughing Cow.
What supplements are you taking? Can you still take the GenetixHD line?
I switched my vitamin & supplement routine. Previously, I was taking the Women’s Ultra Mega Active vitapak. Now, I’m using the prenatal line for obvious reasons!
Longtime readers know how much I love the GenetixHD line. It jump started my Journey to Lean helping me shred body fat and boosting stamina. My physique changed from in-shape to lean. Sadly, I have to give up that and boy, am I missing it!!
Pregnancy means I’m battling some fatigue, so I would love to take Meta-Ignite or Pro-Sculpt to fire me up, but not till June!
Will you be sharing your prenatal workouts?
You bet I will! For the first trimester, I didn’t change much. I was more conscious of effort & intensity and have slowly started to accept a slower pace. Cue swallowing pride.
Now, that I am in the 2nd trimester, exercises like sit-ups and crunches are out, so I’ll be doing plenty of plank variations.
Many exercises like squats, lunges, and overhead lifts require an active core, so I won’t be neglecting it.
When teaching my circuit training, I will likely have to “coach” some moves as I get closer to June, but my goal is to remain active throughout.
With the frigid weather, I have to get creative at home as running outside on unstable footing isn’t appealing. Long walks (half jog) with Cooper are frequent, but that’s not enough everyday (some days it is, however).
For tabatas, you set the timer for 8 rounds of 20 seconds on and 10 seconds off for a total of 4 minutes. So, this workout is only 20 minutes but it’s about quality, not quantity. I demo the wood chops HERE.
Do you feel tired?
My biggest need right now is sleep. I think I have been averaging close to 10 hours a night! What the heck?! I know if we have another baby, 10 hours will be luxury.
Your turn?
Do you have questions? I’m no expert (obviously) but I will answer openly and honestly–within reason! 
Do you do New Year’s resolutions?
I’m so excited to see you go through this! I will be starting as a PT next month for a new gym and the owners are being asked by pregnant women for my services. Looking forward to learning some tips to share!
Erica { EricaDHouse.com } recently posted..Recipe for the perfect weekend
Thank you Erica! I will be learning along the way too!
When I was PG with my daughter, I was not exercising/fit but working full time in a technology department for my then-employer. I can’t say I have a lot of experience with being PG combined with pure fitness, but one thing I always remember is that I didn’t shy away from doing basically everything I had always done including hauling equipment like printers around. I really never felt PG during my first trimester much other than about 2 weeks of morning sickness. I became extremely tired during the 2nd trimester in the evenings but my day times were usually fine. Pregnancy is always so different for everyone! One thing I don’t think I could have done was the running that I see so many doing. My daughter lay in my belly straight forward somehow. She never spread to the side as much. I couldn’t have run during my 3rd trimester just because I had too much belly pointing forward. I had several friends PG at the same time and they did not pop as forward as much as I did. It is a fun journey
Christina recently posted..Marathon training starts today
There seem to be so many variations with pregnancy!
I know it will be a learning process and I must be patient! It certainly is a journey!!
Hey! Congrats on being pregnant! I am too! I have been reading your blog for a long time, it gives me good motivation to go workout every day. Since I got pregnant I’ve had to slow my runs down – they say you should be able to talk while you run so I’ve been trying to stick to like 8:15 minute miles. My doctor also said you shouldn’t do lifts that cause you to strain, and instead do more reps of lighter weights. Have you been doing that? I would love to know some good exercises I can incorporate because I’m so used to lifting weights where I’m straining! THANKS!
Thank you so much Breanna! Your “slow runs” are my fast ones!! WOW! I have read that strength training is one of the best ways to maintain lean muscle and prepare your body for labor and post-pregnancy. The best advice I have read, is to scale your weights so that your form is not compromised and there is no abdominal pain. I plan to keep lifting as long as I can and then turn body weight in the later months, but I won’t know till I get there! Congrats to you!!!
You’re doing great! It is hard to swallow the pride a bit when pregnant, but all worth it. I was fortunate enough to run until the bitter end w/ both of mine, but trust me, it was some slow, ugly running. Anyhow, I really believe that staying in shape during is so good for both mama and baby. And after, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you will bounce back!
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Thank you Amanda! I love hearing from mamas like you that have gone through it and remained active. Thank you for the encouragement to remain active!!
Congrats again on the wonderful news! It sounds like you’re doing awesome in your journey so far!!
Thank you Lisa!!
Looking good mama! I got a lot of questions about workouts too. My key to a Fitpregnancy is modification.
And my craving was Green Bean Casserole. I made it at 10:30 at night one night.
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Thank you Katie–following your lead!! Your craving cracks me up!! I’m waiting for that to happen with fro yo!!
AAACK so excited for you Jess!
Your baby has already run a half marathon, love it
Katherine @ Neon Blonde Runner recently posted..Top 10 Moments of 2012
Ha ha! A 10k and 2 halfs! And, lots of CrossFit WOD’s!
I’d love to know the story of how you found out and how you told your family etc! Those stories are always the best (if you’re willing to share ofcourse!).
Fizz @fizzsbizz.com recently posted..Holiday Flip!
Yes! I will share that shortly!!
Thanks for sharing and congratulations! You two must be really excited
I’ll be interested to watch your fitness journey as you progress in the pregnancy.
Thank you Amanda!! We feel very blessed!
Congrats! This is such a fun experience:) its fun learning how to alter what you do workout and running wise. I am 29 weeks now (and still running and doing circuit training) I have had to slow down a little the last week though as my body said so…thats the main thing to listen to your body:) Thats the only rule my dr gave me for working out while pregnant that and still being able to maintain a conversation while running. And you can still do crunches & stuff on your back in your 2nd tri. Lots of myths around that stuff..You should read “working out through your pregnancy” by Dr Clapp..he dispels tons of myths. My dr was on the same page too…said i could do crunches until it didnt feel right anymore. I did them until 22 weeks. I still do glute exercises on my back now. As long as you are moving it’s totally fine. its only actually bad to be on your back if you are stationary:) Good luck with your pregnancy and have fun with your modified workouts! It’s hard being slower but just think you are working out for 1.5 now! So of course it’s going to be harder!
That’s so awesome!! YOu are nearing the end! Thanks for the suggestions on exercises.
No problem:) Hope you enjoy the book if you get it! It was so informative and I’m glad i read it…i have done a ton of research on it so interesting and fun and motivating to be learning as you go! I look forward to reading up about your journey as well.
Thank you! I love the fact that it empowers movement rather than telling us to “take it easy”!
Ha ha OMG…worst advice ever…sit on your ass as your belly expands thus causing the “normal” pregnancy symptoms like back pain! No thanks…lol. I would have been the crankiest preggo lady ever if i had to stop working out and running. I am my normal cheerful self because i can still do these things:) Oh if you do keep running as well i highly recommend the Gabriella maternity support belt. It takes the pressure of your belly off your hips and pelvis and is magical! HA ha…even has an ice pack holder built in:) Great for icing your lower back as your pelvis starts to tilt forward etc. I started using mine at 22 weeks..but next time i’d start a little earlier now that i have it! Oh and once you get to the end of your 2nd tri start doing pelvic tilts even now wouldn’t hurt! They also make a huge difference for lower back pain! And help ensure that your pelvis doesn’t get too stiff:)
ha ha!! that would be the worst advice ever right!!
You’re going to be the cutest preggy ever!!! I am excited to learn about your journey so I can apply it to me way down the future. haha!
beka @ rebecca roams recently posted..Weekly Workouts Roundup + Rest
I hope “cute” can still be used for me down the road ha ha!!
A little late congrats!!
So happy for you. Excited to read all about it!
Corrie Anne recently posted..ice skating & caribou
Thank you Corrie Anne!!
Congrats to you!
Resolutions are great. The challenge is to stick to it and no that any change takes time and hard work!
Candice@allthingsyogi.com recently posted..Hot Body Holiday Rehab
That’s what I think–it has to be a sustainable goal–a lifestyle!!
Can’t be afraid to work hard!
Ah, yes…the boobs. I was a 34I when my milk came in. Just you wait, missy
XLMIC recently posted..2012: Making a silk purse out of a sow’s ear
ha ha!! Your perky boobs still look fabulous!! So, I need to prepare for some melons huh?
Be sure to invest in some good, supportive foundation garments
Don’t make your skin and soft tissue do all the work.
XLMIC recently posted..2012: Making a silk purse out of a sow’s ear
Noted! No need for sagging!
thank you for sharing this, I will be letting Lori know about this for her plans to start a family is soon.
Happy New Years Eve!
Oh how exciting! Definitely learning but I think we all do in this situation!
So excited for you! I just remember being sooooooo tired during my first trimester with both kids but I was lucky to be able to keep up with my workouts (modified as needed) until the end of both pregnancies. You are doing great! Congrats again and happy new year!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..Intentions for the New Year
Thanks for the encouragement Christine! I know I have to modify and listen to my body which is hard at times when you’re used to pushing past pain!
But, now I will be smart about it!
Gotta say how much I love a fit momma showing you can still train while pregnant. Way to represent!
PS – Can’t believe you were pregnant at RW and we had no clue!!!
Tina @ Best Body Fitness recently posted..Not Moving It Monday: Giving In, Not Giving Up
Thanks so much Tina! You are one of the mamas that inspires me! And, I wanted to tell everyone at RW but it was too early!
I continued to run slowly and for a shorter time when I was first pregnant with my son, but it got uncomfortable for me and I switched to walking. Then it was super hot (Los Angeles in summer) in my later months and I did still walk, but it was a struggle. I wish I had run more throughout now, but you live and learn. Then when I was pregnant with my daughter and asked my doc if I could keep running, he told me I should just worry about keeping the pregnancy because I had suffered a few miscarriages. Of course working out would have had NOTHING to do with that, but he was old school and preferred me to take it easy, and I was scared so that was what I did. At my 4 week post partum check up, he laughed when I asked if I could start running again and said I could as long as I started easy.
If I were to have another baby (and that is SO NOT in the cards LOL), I would definitely try to run longer and stay more active throughout. Good luck! I am sure you will rock the cutest bump ever and be all belly since you are in such great shape.
I never thought about how much temperature would affect pregnancy–but you really have to be careful!! And, thank you for your sweet comment!! I will roll with an active pregnancy as long as I can!!
I am only about 8 weeks pregnant.
What about Burpees? When should I stop doing them the “normal” way? What is a good scale for them?
I just started Crossfit a few months ago, but have always been active/athletic/runner. Is there a list somewhere (either on your website or someone else’s) of moves/exercises and when we should stop doing them or scale them?
Thanks!!
That I don’t know about!! Burpees are my next question and I have been doing them! I just discovered CrossFitmom.com That may help!! I will be developing a list too!
I recommend figuring out how to check “pride” at the door. You’re looking and feeling great, and you’re MAKING A PERSON inside of your body. No need for comparisons to what was happening at any other time in your life. Keep listening to your body (and the body inside it!) and not the little voices in your head! Lucky you with no nausea but with protein cravings! That right there will help you keep your diet very healthful and keep you fit even if you need to modify workouts.
Thanks
I of course intend to do no harm–just a mindset adjustment.
Exactly! You’re one smart, fit chick
Hey Ladies! I love this conversation! I’m almost 29 weeks along. I am passionate about group fitness classes that invovle a variety of strength training, cardio, dance etc. Your body will really start “talking to you” when you need to scale back! Within the last 3 weeks or so I’ve started “walking out” my burpees, stopped doing plank jacks or things of that nature simply because they didn’t feel comfortable anymore. I’ve found that my cardio endurance has taken a nosedive too. Everyone is just so different with their pregnancies. I’ve battled fatigue, nausea and really bad heartburn throughout this pregnancy. But, I love seeing people at the gym and hearing them tell me that I’m inspiring them! Which is crazy to hear, but it certainly keeps me going too! It’s a wonderful cicrle of encouragement
Jess – I’m so happy to hear you’re feeling well!
I think that’s a great point Jen–we are all so different that guidelines help to an extent but then its up to us to listen and learn!
So cool that you are inspiring others to stay fit during your pregnancy!!
I must have missed the announcement. Congratulations to you and your hubby! How exciting!
Ali @ WHOLEistically Fit recently posted..WIAW: New Years Eve + Day
I announced right before Christmas–so I’m sure lots of people were busy! Thank you!
Can I just tell you that I think it’s wonderful that not only are you pregnant but staying active and pregnant! I continued to workout fairly hard (or at least what felt hard at the time) through the very end of my second pregnancy, making modifications when needed and got lots of disapproving or questionable looks especially from women! As my doctor always said- you don’t have a disease/sickness, you’re pregnant! But, unfortunately many women think pregnancy is a time to relax and eat what they want. I know a lot of people look to your blog for motivation, inspiration and advice (including me) and I’m so happy now you can inspire mamas -to-be. Thank you!
WOW! Thank you so much for your comment Annie! That makes me so happy! I agree with your doc–pregnancy is NOT a disease or excuse to stop taking care of yourself. Hugs!
I just read this post and laughed. My baby is eight months old and I was just talking about all the eggs I ate while pregnant. A typical breakfast for me was boiled eggs and beef jerky, maybe some pumpkin seeds. I craved protein like crazy. I worked out until the day I had him and felt fabulous. You are looking great.
That’s awesome!! So may protein cravings aren’t all that weird right?! I hope our baby loves some eggs too eventually!!
Congratulations! So happy for you & definitely looking forward to learning about your pregnancy workouts. When I was pregnant, I totally craved protein too: eggs, milk, salmon. Couldn’t get enough. Now, my little guy loves all three of those foods!
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I love that! I wondered how much we crave/eat affected baby’s likes/dislikes in the future. Impressive that your guy likes salmon so young, but being in the PNW he has plenty of access to the best!!