Ilona, 36, Stay-at-home mum, 24 weeks pregnant

Pre-pregnancy fitness
“I’ve never been interested in going to the gym, but I used a weights set and cross trainer at home three times a week before I was pregnant.”

First trimester
“At the start of my pregnancy, I began on the cross trainer twice a week and swam once a week. My obstetrician was very supportive of my regime as long as my body temperature didn’t overheat for a prolonged period of time.”

Second trimester
“My exercise regime didn’t alter much during the second trimester. I stayed at the same moderation and intensity as the first trimester. Now that I’m 24 weeks, I’ve slowed down. I tend to get short of breath a lot more quickly. I’m still swimming and doing aquarobics, as it helps keep me cool in summer. During my first pregnancy, I gained 31 kilograms, so I’m watching my weight carefully this time. In this, my second pregnancy, I’ve only gained eight kilograms so far.”

Dr Yvette Miller, senior research fellow at the University of Queensland and deputy director of the Queensland Centre for Mothers and Babies, says:
“Swimming and aquarobics are great exercise options in the later stages of pregnancy. It’s also a good idea to monitor your weight gain, however, many women don’t realise that the amount you should gain actually depends on your individual pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). The at-home fitness options that Ilona used before her pregnancy will also be great to return to after her baby is born, when she might need a more flexible exercise routine.”

 For more food and fitness tips, check out the Autumn/Winter 2009 issue of Cosmopolitan Pregnancy, on sale now.