I’ve Reached My Third Trimester—Now What? Can I Still Workout?
Congrats, mama! You’ve made it to the third trimester! Whether you’re feeling a little exhausted, a little excited, or a whole lot of both, you’re getting closer to meeting your sweet baby. But one question on your mind is probably:
Can I still work out? The answer is YES, absolutely! Fitness during the third trimester is not just safe, it’s essential for both you and baby.
At ABC Fit, we believe that the training goal in the third trimester should be about maintaining the strength you’ve built during the first and second trimesters. You’ll need all that strength and power for the big day—labor and delivery. So, let’s break it down! Here's how to keep moving, stay strong, and prepare your body for the main event: birth.
What can I do?
The good news?
You can do a LOT! Most of the exercises you’ve been doing in your first and second trimesters can continue into your third trimester, with a few tweaks here and there to keep you feeling your best.
Lower Body Strength Training: Squats and Deadlifts, Oh My!
Yes, you can (and should) keep up with lower body strength training. Trust us—squats and deadlifts are your best friends right now. Why? Because you’re going to be squatting and deadlifting a lot once the baby is here. Think about it: every time you pick up your little one from their crib, bathtub, or car seat, you’re basically doing a squat or deadlift. So, why not perfect your form now, mama?
If squats and deadlifts still feel good to you, keep them in your routine. Single-leg exercises like lunges and step-ups are also great, as long as they don’t cause pelvic girdle pain. If that’s the case, no worries! Stick to exercises where both feet are planted firmly on the ground. Alignment and comfort are key!
Upper Body Strength: You’re Going to Need It
Your upper body strength is going to be crucial once your little one arrives. Babies grow fast, and so does their “baggage”! From diaper bags to car seats to baby carriers, you’re going to be carrying a lot. So, continue doing your pulling (like rows), pushing (like chest presses), and carrying (like farmer’s carries) exercises. These moves are fantastic for building the strength and posture you’ll need for all that baby-holding action.
Cardio: Let’s Dial It Back (Just a Little)
When it comes to cardio, you might want to ease up on the high-impact exercises. If you were running or doing high-intensity cycling, this is the time to slow down a bit. As your baby grows, it’s putting more pressure on your pelvic floor, and that’s something we want to protect. If you’re a runner, try switching to walking instead. Love high-intensity classes? No worries—just dial back the high-impact movements like jumping or bounding.
What Can’t I Do?
Now that we’ve covered the good stuff, let’s talk about what you might want to avoid in the third trimester.
High-Impact Moves: Time for a Timeout
First, let’s talk about high-impact movements like jumping or running. We’ve already touched on this, but it bears repeating—the third trimester is not the time for high-impact cardio. Your pelvic floor is under more pressure, and you want to keep it safe and strong for labor and recovery.
Core Exercises: Keep It Safe and Strong
When it comes to core exercises, be mindful of anything that takes you out of neutral alignment or adds excessive pressure to your abdominal wall. Planks and certain core exercises may need to be dialed back, depending on how your body feels.
- Bird Dogs could be great for some mamas, while others might struggle with maintaining proper form in a kneeling position.
- Safer core exercises are ones that keep you upright, like banded Pallof holds, farmer’s carries, and suitcase carries. These movements challenge your core in the safest way possible.
Twisting Movements: Proceed with Caution
While twisting exercises can be great in general, be cautious with those in the third trimester. Twists that require your hips and shoulders to move separately can put too much strain on your abdominal muscles, especially if you’re dealing with diastasis recti (the separation of your abdominal muscles). Instead, if you love twists, try to move your hips and shoulders in unison to avoid adding unnecessary pressure to your abs.
Bottom Line? Keep Moving, Mama!
You are almost there! Listen to your body, and continue doing the movements that make you feel good and strong. Throughout this trimester, the focus is on alignment, breath, and core. Perfect your posture, avoid any discomfort, and do your best to eliminate anything that feels off. Remember, you’ve got this!
The third trimester is all about maintaining the strength and flexibility you’ve built during your pregnancy. Stay consistent with your workouts, but be mindful of what your body is telling you. Keep moving, keep breathing, and most importantly, keep feeling good as you prepare for labor.
Ready to Keep Moving with ABC Fit?
At ABC Fit, we’re all about making movement during your maternity and motherhood journey safe, fun, and accessible to every mama. Whether you’re in your third trimester or just starting your postpartum recovery, our virtual 1:1 training sessions are designed to give you personalized attention and expert guidance to help you feel your best.
Take the first step today! Reach out to book a consultation, and let’s work together to make your maternity fitness journey both empowering and fun.
You’re almost there, mama—let’s finish strong!






