So I know I missed a week updating the blog, my apologies. I actually took off a week from training due to a persistent cold and the nagging injuries I mentioned last post. Funny how being sick while pregnant takes so much out of you, I'm actually still nursing this cold going into week 3, but I decided last week that I wouldn't stop working out just because of an upper respiratory virus. I managed to get in 4 workouts last week, and as of this writing I'm 33 weeks pregnant! I'll have another doctors visit this week so I'll update on weight gain, etc. on my next post. Some of my workouts are as follows:

5 rounds: front squats 65#, 10 kettlebell swings 35#, 10 single-arm clean & press with 15# dumbbells

3 rounds: 30 kettlebell swings 35#, 25 air squats, 15 pull-ups

Overhead squat 5x1 got up to 125# (amazed at that one), front squat 5x1 only did 125# just because of some lower back tightness, back squat 5x1 got up to 135# also because of the back discomfort

5 rounds: 10 Deadlifts 135#, 10 20" step-ups, 8 ring dips (banded)

Felt pretty good throughout all the workouts despite having a stuffy/runny nose and sore throat and feeling overall kinda crappy. I am getting seriously winded these days since my lungs are now shoved up into my upper chest! However, I really can't say enough how staying active and strong has made so much of a difference in the way I feel. My pelvic floor muscles feel very strong. I remember my pregnancy with my son and how towards the end I would cough and either pee myself or feel like I was going to! I think when it comes time to get this baby girl out she's going to shoot across the room!

Another 3rd Trimester Concern

A normal healthy pregnancy only requires an increase of about 300kcal/day. However, during the last trimester, pre-workout meals and/or nutrient intake during the workout may need to be adjusted and increased. The reason for this is because during the last trimester women are more at risk for hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. The advanced gestational age leads to more glucose uptake by the fetus and mother, and the mothers liver glycogen stores may be decreased due to altered liver function in pregnancy. Increasing carbohydrate (CHO) intake by 30-50 grams prior to exercise either by food or a sports drink is a good way to prevent any unsafe drops in blood sugar.

Signs/Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar

-dizziness, hand tremors, clamminess or increased sweat, feeling faint, excessive hunger, irritability and fatigue are a few but early signs indicating possible low blood sugar. If you notice any of these signs, STOP exercising and either eat some simple CHO's or preferably drink either juice or a sports drink containing sufficient amounts of CHO. Prevention is truly the best medicine in this case, always have adequate pre-workout nutrient intake and you should be fine (see previous post on Pre-workout nutrition).