Newly Pregnant Client Advice and Programming
I have a client who just found out she’s pregnant (about 3-4 weeks along). She’s been working with me twice a week for 45 minutes. She’s really built herself up to moderate-intense sessions every other week, so I think I can keep her working at a similar level, just slightly less intense. I mostly do circuit training with her, and from what I’ve read she should be able to keep that up with obvious modifications as the baby grows. Any suggestions for long-term pregnancy programming? This is my first one, so I want to know as much as I can!
Most pregnancies are healthy. We used to treat pregnant mothers as fragile creatures. Within the last few decades, the ACOG underscored its position that pregnancy is a modified state of health and that exercise is encouraged during pregnancy.
That said, I’ve had two miscarriages myself, thus tend to agree with Karin that you should not train her until she has clearance from her physician.
Hello Sarah Cullinan,
Congratulations…to you both, this is exciting. Yes, get the doctor approval and do another consultation with each change of trimester to stay on top of changes that are happening. Follow the ACSM Guidelines for pregnancy, listen to the body: do not push through uncomfortable feelings and enjoy the process. She should be able to continue working out as usual; since, she seems to have a good base.
Take care,
Natalie aka NAPS 2 B Fit.
Hi Sarah,
the first thing you need is a physician’s approval now. In all likelihood, she can continue to work out with the obvious modifications that are required in the later stages of the pregnancy.
Pregnancies, however, can be tricky business. She knows already very early that she is pregnant. Unfortunately, there is a significant risk of miscarriage in the first weeks, and you want to avoid even the hint of an appearance that your exercise had anything to do with it.
Karin Singleton
www.KarinSingleton.com