I Had High Hopes for Staying Fit While Pregnant. Here’s What Really Happened.
As a personal trainer, health and fitness have always been big priorities in my life. I’ve spent years educating my clients on how to stay active, eat right, and push through tough workouts. So, when I found out I was pregnant, I had high hopes for maintaining my fitness routine with specific modifications I learned through my prenatal coaching certification.
I imagined myself being one of those women who continues to work out through all three trimesters, eating perfectly healthy, only gaining the recommended 25–30 lbs, and barely experiencing any pregnancy symptoms. In my mind, I’d be like those CrossFit girls I see on Instagram, lifting heavy and doing box jumps at 8 months pregnant.
But as we all know, life doesn’t always go according to plan, and pregnancy is no exception.
The Reality Check
The first thing I quickly realized was that my body was not the same as it had been pre-pregnancy. In the first trimester, I was hit with such deep fatigue that just taking my dog for a walk felt harder than running the Chicago Marathon. One day I cried in the kitchen because my arms were too tired to lift a bowl of soup into the microwave.
My strong, capable body that once ran a marathon was suddenly struggling to go for a walk. Arms that could lift 40 lb dumbbells a few months ago now couldn’t fathom lifting a bowl of soup.
The nausea and fatigue that so many pregnant women talk about became my new reality. And as someone who has always valued what my body could do, it was hard to accept that gone were the days of feeling invincible.
Adjusting Expectations
I quickly came to realize that I had an unrealistic expectation of being able to “do it all.” We see so many women on social media, especially in the fitness space, who seem to effortlessly juggle pregnancy with intense workouts. And I’ll admit, I compared myself to them a lot in the beginning.
But the truth is, every pregnancy is different. Being a personal trainer doesn’t make me immune to the normal changes that come with growing a human. And being disappointed in myself for not being able to keep up with pre-pregnancy Amy was really just unfair to my body. The audacity of me - to expect my body to build an entire human from scratch while also maintaining my pre-pregnancy level of training and movement? How rude.
Instead of setting strict goals or expectations, I had to learn to adapt and take it day by day. Some days I felt great and could make it to the gym. Other days I could barely get through a 20-minute walk with my very slow, geriatric French bulldog.
Some days I could hit my protein goals and eat nutritiously. Other days, the only thing I could stomach was plain butter noodles or cereal. And that was okay. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to pregnancy workouts or prenatal fitness.
Letting Go of My Ego
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned so far is the importance of letting go of my ego.
One of the things I LOVE about strength training is how it teaches women to value what our bodies can DO rather than just what our bodies look like. That mindset shift can be transformative because it takes pressure off fitting a narrow beauty standard.
A lot of my confidence comes from the gym, proving I can do hard things and surprising myself with new levels of strength year after year. But now, instead of progressing, I am steadily regressing and needing more modifications. It’s humbling, but also necessary.
I had to learn to embrace this new phase of my prenatal fitness journey—one where I’m not pushing my body to its limits, but instead listening to it and honoring what it needs.
Embracing the Process
Pregnancy is a time of transformation, both physically and mentally. There are so many changes happening in your body, and the idea of sticking to the exact fitness routine you had pre-pregnancy can feel like unnecessary pressure.
I had to remind myself that I’m growing a human, and that alone is an accomplishment.
The goal is not to maintain the same level of fitness I had before, but to stay active in a way that supports both me and my baby. Safe exercise during pregnancy looks different for everyone, and that’s something I’ve truly come to respect.
I’ve come to terms with the fact that my body needs rest, and that’s okay. I’ve embraced the slower pace, the extra naps, and the gentle movement that helps me stay connected to myself. It’s not about intensity anymore, it’s about listening and adjusting to this new chapter.
Now I know that being kind to myself, letting go of perfection, and honoring what my body needs are just as important as staying active. Pregnancy is a journey, and I’m learning to enjoy the ride.
Work With Trainers Who Understand Prenatal Fitness
If you’re navigating pregnancy and want support with safe, effective, and realistic prenatal workouts, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our team includes certified trainers who specialize in prenatal fitness and can help you move in a way that supports your changing body, without pressure, guilt, or unrealistic expectations.
Whether you’re looking for guidance on staying active, modifying workouts, or simply feeling more confident in your movement during pregnancy, working with a knowledgeable coach can make all the difference.
👉 Check out our trainers who are certified in pregnancy and prenatal training to get personalized support that meets you exactly where you are in your journey.
