What to Expect When Expecting | Fitness Edition

Kritie Alicea • April 2, 2025

Welcome, Mama! Let’s Talk About Fitness & Pregnancy


So, you’re expecting; congratulations! Whether this is your first pregnancy or you’re a seasoned pro, we know you’re feeling all the emotions: excitement, joy, a little nervousness (totally normal!), and maybe even some confusion about how to keep moving in a way that feels good for your body and baby.


Pregnancy brings incredible changes to your body, and your fitness routine will need some adjustments along the way. But here’s the good news; staying active during pregnancy isn’t just safe, it’s incredibly beneficial for both you and your little one! The key is knowing what changes to expect and how to modify your workouts so you feel strong, supported, and confident at every stage.


Let’s dive into the major changes to expect in your fitness journey during pregnancy and how you can adjust along the way.


Your Fitness Journey Through Pregnancy: What to Expect & How to Adjust

First Trimester: Laying the Foundation

What to Expect:

  • Fatigue and nausea may make it harder to stick to your usual routine.
  • Your body is already working overtime, even if you don’t see visible changes yet.
  • Hormonal shifts may cause dizziness or make you feel off-balance.


How to Adjust:

  • Give yourself grace…some days you’ll feel like moving, and other days you won’t. That’s okay!
  • Focus on low-impact movements like walking, gentle strength training, or prenatal yoga.
  • Stay hydrated and eat small snacks before workouts to help with nausea and energy dips.
  • Core engagement is still important, but start transitioning away from high-intensity core work like crunches.

Second Trimester: Energy Boost & Growing Belly

What to Expect:

  • Many moms-to-be feel an energy boost and can handle more activity.
  • Your belly starts to grow, affecting balance and posture.
  • Ligaments begin loosening due to the hormone relaxin, increasing flexibility but also the risk of injury.


How to Adjust:

  • Continue strength training with a focus on posture and stability. Squats, lunges, and resistance band workouts are great choices!
  • Avoid lying flat on your back for long periods; opt for an incline instead.
  • Modify core work to focus on deep core engagement (think breathing exercises and gentle pelvic floor work).
  • Swimming or water workouts can feel amazing as your bump grows!

Third Trimester: Preparing for Birth

What to Expect:

  • Your center of gravity shifts even more, making balance trickier.
  • You may experience back pain, swelling, or shortness of breath.
  • Your body is preparing for labor, so flexibility and endurance become key.


How to Adjust:

  • Emphasize mobility and stretching to keep your body feeling good. Hip openers and gentle yoga can help with labor prep.
  • Strengthen your pelvic floor and core with breathwork and functional movements.
  • Switch to lower-impact exercises like seated strength moves or side-lying workouts.
  • Listen to your body—if something doesn’t feel right, modify or take a break.

Time to Take Action: 5 Must-Know Tips for Staying Active During Pregnancy

  1. Listen to Your Body
    Your body is working overtime! Move when it feels good, rest when needed, and don’t push through exhaustion.
  2. Adjust, Don’t Quit
    You don’t have to stop working out—just modify. Swap high-impact moves for low-impact alternatives and focus on stability.
  3. Prioritize Strength & Mobility
    Strength training and stretching will support your changing body, reduce discomfort, and prepare you for labor and postpartum recovery.
  4. Stay Hydrated & Fuel Up
    Proper hydration and balanced nutrition will keep your energy up and prevent dizziness during workouts.
  5. Find a Supportive Community
    Staying active is easier with a support system! Join a prenatal-friendly program like the ABC Fit Virtual Gym to stay motivated.


Real-Life Success: Meet Molly

“Kristie has been an absolute godsend throughout my pregnancy and postpartum journey! I've had the pleasure of working with her for nearly a year and a half, and I couldn't be more grateful for her expertise, kindness, and patient-centered approach. From the very beginning, Kristie took the time to understand my needs and concerns. Each session is carefully tailored to address my specific goals and challenges, and I have always felt supported and empowered under her guidance. Whether it was during pregnancy or postpartum, Kristie's insights into how my body was experiencing these stages were incredibly valuable. One of the things I appreciate most about Kristie is her genuine positivity. She makes every session enjoyable and engaging. We'd chat about books, life, and everything in between, all while building strength and stamina. It has truly become my designated "me time" and I look forward to it every week. Kristie not only taught me how to properly support my body during pregnancy and postpartum but also provided invaluable tips for making adjustments to my daily activities to prevent unintentional harm. Her dedication to my well-being extended far beyond our sessions, and I am grateful for the positive impact she has had on my whole workout routine and overall mindset. For anyone looking for support during the pre- or postnatal journey, or has a mama-to-be in their life, I can't recommend a session with Kristie (or Sabrina) enough. It truly is the best gift you can give yourself. Thank you, Kristie, for everything!!!” - Molly



The Bottom Line: You Deserve to Feel Strong & Supported

Mama, you are doing something incredible. Taking care of yourself is not just about fitness, it’s about self-care, confidence, and preparing for the journey ahead. And the best part? You don’t have to do it alone.

If you’re ready to move in a way that feels good, build strength, and connect with a community of amazing moms, we’d love to have you in the ABC Fit Virtual Gym! Sign up today and let’s move through this journey together. 💪✨


Join the Virtual Gym Now!


You got this, mama! 💖

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