Second Trimester Exercise: The Dos & Don’ts (Let’s Get Moving, Mama!)

Kritie Alicea • January 13, 2025

Oh hey, mama! You've made it to your second trimester, and we’ve got some great news: It’s time to get moving!  Your body is starting to settle into the groove of pregnancy, and now is the perfect time to engage in a safe and fun exercise routine. The morning sickness is fading, your energy is coming back, and that “pregnancy glow” is real—let's take full advantage of it!


Whether you’ve been active before or are just starting your fitness journey, exercise in the second trimester is a game-changer. But, like everything else in pregnancy, it’s important to listen to your body, go slow, and always prioritize alignment, breath, and core. We’re here to help you get the most out of this time while keeping both you and baby safe and strong!



Ready to learn the do’s and don’ts of a safe, fun prenatal exercise routine? Let’s dive in!

The Do’s: Time to Move, Mama!

Exercise Moderately (Let’s Get That Heart Pumping!)

Aim to move for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. It’s all about moderation, mama! You don’t need to break any records, just keep your body active in a way that feels good. Whether you’re walking, swimming, or doing a gentle workout, getting your body moving is key to maintaining strength and flexibility for the big day. Remember, the goal is to feel strong and energized, not exhausted.

Warm Up & Cool Down (Protect That Body!)

Warming up and cooling down aren’t just nice—they’re essential! Start your workouts with a good 5-10 minute warm-up to get your blood flowing. Focus on your breath and do some gentle mobility exercises, like hip circles or shoulder rolls. After your workout, cool down with stretches and relaxation to help your body recover.

Stay Cool & Hydrated (Drink Up, Mama!)

Dehydration is no joke, especially when you're pregnant! Always drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout. Overheating is not something we want to mess with, so make sure you're drinking up and keeping your body temperature comfortable. If you're sweating a lot, take breaks and make sure you’re sipping water regularly.

Wear Comfortable Clothes (It’s All About Comfort!)

Say goodbye to tight, restrictive clothes! Choose comfortable clothing that allows you to breathe and move freely. Your ribcage needs room to expand as your body grows, so make sure your clothes don’t get in the way of your breath and movement. Bonus: Feeling comfy makes everything more enjoyable!

Adjust Your Expectations (Progress, Not Perfection!)

Pregnancy isn’t about going for personal bests. This is a time to gradually build strength and flexibility—especially in the back, shoulders, chest, and lower body. Alignment and safety come first, so focus on small wins and keep the long-term benefits in mind.

Keagels for Pelvic Floor Strength (You Got This, Mama!)

Your pelvic floor is working hard right now, so show it some love! Kegel exercises are a great way to promote pelvic floor strength and support your body as it adjusts to pregnancy. Practice them regularly and feel confident knowing you’re preparing for labor and postpartum recovery.

Breathing Is Key (Breathe Deep, Mama!)

You’re growing a human—no small feat! So don’t forget to breathe. Deep diaphragmatic breathing helps activate your core muscles, which are essential for stability and strength during pregnancy. Whether you're doing strength training or just stretching, remember to breathe deeply and stay connected to your core.

Protect Your Back (Roll, Don’t Sit!)

As your belly grows, it’s easy to put extra strain on your back. When getting up from a lying position, roll onto your side first, then use your legs to push yourself into a sitting position. This little adjustment can save your back and keep you comfortable during and after your workout.

Snack Smart (Fuel Up, Mama!)

It’s no secret that pregnancy makes you hungry! Eating small, frequent meals and healthy snacks will keep your blood sugar steady and your energy up. Fuel your workouts with nourishing foods, and you’ll feel your best before, during, and after your sweat session!

The Don’ts: Take It Easy, Mama!

No Hot or Humid Workouts (Stay Cool, Keep Calm!)

Don’t work out in hot or humid environments—your body is already doing a lot of work! Consider exercising in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. If you’re doing indoor workouts, crank up the air conditioning or fan to keep your body comfortable.

Don’t Push to Exhaustion (Keep It Fun!)

Exercise should leave you feeling energized, not drained. Stop if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or exhausted. If you can’t carry on a conversation while exercising, it’s time to slow down. Always remember: no personal bests right now, just safe, consistent movement.

Avoid Twisting Movements (Keep It Gentle!)

Twisting movements, like those in certain yoga poses or abdominal exercises, can put too much pressure on your belly. Instead, focus on exercises that maintain good alignment and support your core. Think side leg raises or gentle stretching—anything that keeps your spine neutral and doesn’t overstretch your muscles.

Don’t Lift Too Heavy (Strength, Not Strain!)

Now is not the time to go for heavy lifting. Stick with light to moderate weights or bodyweight exercises. If you're not sure, always err on the side of caution. Your goal is to build strength gradually and safely, not to challenge your limits.

No Holding Your Breath (Breathe, Mama, Breathe!)

Holding your breath can cause unnecessary stress on your body and baby. Instead, practice consistent breathing throughout your workout. If you’re lifting weights, exhale during the exertion phase and inhale as you return to the starting position. Keep that air flowing!

Skip Risky Sports (Safety First!)

Activities where there’s a risk of falling—like ice skating, skiing, or soccer—should be avoided during pregnancy. Instead, focus on safer options like walking, swimming, or cycling on a stationary bike.

Avoid Bouncy Stretches (Take It Slow!)

Pregnancy hormones like relaxin can make your joints and muscles more flexible than usual. But that doesn’t mean it’s time for deep, bouncy stretches! Stretch gently, never to the point of pain, and avoid jerking movements.

Bottom Line: Move, But Listen to Your Body!

Pregnancy is an exciting and sometimes challenging time. But by staying active in the second trimester, you’re not only building strength but also preparing your body for labor and postpartum recovery. Exercise can ease many common pregnancy discomforts, from back pain to swollen feet, and it can even shorten labor!


Before you lace up your sneakers, though, always get the green light from your doctor. And once you’ve got the go-ahead, make sure you stay connected to your body and listen to what it’s telling you. With ABC Fit by your side, you’ve got the expert guidance you need to keep your pregnancy fitness journey safe, fun, and energizing.


Ready to keep moving with us? Let’s make this pregnancy glow even brighter—align, breathe, and strengthen together.

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