Yes, I Worked Out Through All 3 of My Pregnancies — Here’s Why….
Let me just say this upfront: every pregnancy is different, every body is different, and every mama has to do what feels right for her. But as a mom of three who worked out through all three pregnancies (with some adjustments, of course), I can honestly sayit made a world of difference for me.
And no, I wasn’t training for a triathlon or trying to “bounce back.” I just wanted to feel good in my body, stay connected to myself, and do what I could to support a smoother pregnancy, labor, and recovery. Spoiler alert: it helped a lot.
Here’s what I learned, and why I’ll always encourage other mamas (seasoned athletes or total beginners) to move their bodies during pregnancy if they’re able.
1. Energy Is Gold When You’re Growing a Human
Especially during my first pregnancy, I thought rest would be the answer to my exhaustion. And don’t get me wrong, rest is essential. But I noticed that on days I moved, even just for 15-20 minutes, I actually had more energy. It felt like giving my body a gentle “reset.” Walks became my therapy. Short strength sessions gave me confidence. Moving reminded me that I was still me, even as everything was changing.
2. Less Aches, Better Sleep (Mostly)
By baby #2, I already had a toddler to chase, and let me tell you, movement became my secret weapon. Staying active helped keep the back pain, hip tightness, and swelling at bay. I also slept better (when I wasn’t up with my toddler or the baby wasn’t doing gymnastics in my belly at 2 a.m.). I stuck to prenatal yoga, walking, and light lifting, and it honestly felt like my body thanked me for it every day.
3. Labor Felt More Manageable
Each of my labors was different, but having strength and stamina made a huge difference. I remember my nurse during my third delivery saying, “You’re handling this like a champ,” and I genuinely credit the prep work I did in the gym, core work, squats, mobility, for helping me stay calm and in control, and pushing each kid out in less than 15 minutes.
4. Faster Postpartum Recovery
This was something I didn’t expect the first time around, but after each baby, my body bounced back a bit easier. Not just in terms of appearance (which honestly wasn’t the focus at all), but in energy, movement, and comfort. I was able to return to light workouts sooner, my core felt stronger, and I had fewer aches and pains after delivery.
5. It Was My Time
With each pregnancy, working out became less about “fitness goals” and more about carving out time for me. It was my moment to breathe, to feel strong, to connect with my changing body. And especially with two kids already at home during my third pregnancy, that little pocket of time became sacred.
Some Real-Life Tips from a Been-There Mom:
● Listen to your body. Some days I crushed a 30-minute strength workout. Other days, a slow walk or deep stretching was plenty. It’s all movement. It all counts.
● Stay hydrated and eat enough. Fueling yourself well makes movement feel way better.
● Modify as needed. I had to adjust my lifts, swap planks for wall sits, and skip a lot of core moves, but there are always pregnancy-safe alternatives.
● Don’t stress perfection. Missing a workout doesn’t mean anything. You’re still showing up for yourself in so many ways.
Final Thought: If you’re pregnant and wondering whether to keep working out—or start for the first time, just know this: movement can be a gift, not a chore. It can help you feel strong, supported, and more in tune with yourself during one of life’s most transformational seasons.
And if you need ideas, encouragement, or just someone to say “you’ve got this”, I’m here. From one mom to another 
