working out against dr advice?

Question

I'm going to be 10 weeks tomorrow. I've had one previous pregnancy that ended in miscarriage. My OB told me that I shouldn't lift heavier than 25 lbs. Before getting pregnant I lifted heavy (205 squat and deadlift when I'm 120). I was also told to keep my heart rate under 140.

Has anyone else gone against their doctors suggestions? They seem a bit ridiculous. I'm also a Martial Arts and fitness instructor. My life is active and the restrictions don't make sense to me.

Answer

You're dr sets restrictions for a reason. I would follow them. If you're super bummed about it ask them why they have such restrictions and if it would be ok for you to do otherwise. I wouldn't take any chances with my child though

Answer

That really doesn't sound like the doctor is aware of your fitness level. The rule of thumb everyone says is if you were doing it before you were pregnant you can keep doing it after you are pregnant. Just be smart, listen to your body and be willing to slow down or make accommodations as necessary. Don't push too hard because your body is different now. Hormones and muscles relaxing and stretching in prep for baby to grow. That sounds like a guideline for getting into strength training from the couch potato more than it does a recommendation for a fit person like yourself. I personally would keep doing what I was doing and not worry about the doctor. Now just isn't the time for going for new PRs. 
Not that this even compares, but When I was pregnant with my second, my first weighed more than 30 lbs, I never stopped picking him up the whole pregnancy. And my second pregnancy was better than my first.

Answer

This recommendation was based upon old research and didn't look at high performance athletes. If you are lifting 205lbs then you probably aren't the type of patient your doctor usually gets. Do a bit of searching for professional athletes pregnancy and you should get more relevant research results to show your doctor. There are lots of women who continue to lift heavy while pregnant  (look up Birthfit) with some modification as pregnancy progresses.
 I myself haven't told my doctor that I still do rock climbing because  most people haven't tried it and don't understand the low risk involved in top rope climbing. I've switched to a pregnancy specific harness and modify my climbing to how I'm feeling. I have no shame about ending a climb early if I can't do it.

Answer

I would never go against what my doctor said in these circumstances. You are risking an additional miscarriage. Clearly she thought that it was a contributing factor to the first miscarriage.

Answer

Hi! This thread is old but my two cents- my OB said anything I was doing prior to getting pregnant is still cool, so crossfitting I shall go. She recommended just chilling a little by doing the "talk test" throughout the workout and making sure I hydrate a ton and eat protein at every meal. Obviously, as time has gone on-I've modified movements (no inversions and I hate laying on my stomach to do burpees). I've also had one previous early loss at 6 weeks and a miscarriage at 9 weeks and I'm sill getting the "ok". I'm now almost 15 weeks.

Answer

I wouldn't go against Dr orders if you've lost a baby before.  they might clear you later in pregnancy if they see you're doing well.  but honestly. .. I wouldn't risk it

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The weightlifting limit is to prevent injury because your body is producing a hormone that loosens your body up and you are at more risk for tears and sprains. Machines instead of free weights is a good idea if you still want to lift more. I would still lower your weight by 25-50% just to be safe. And you can workout and keep your heart rate under 140. I have a Fitbit Charge 2 and watch my heartbreak fairly constantly while working out.

Answer

Some doctors recommendations seem ridiculous, but they're purely for your safety as well as the safety of your child. You can still exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle while also following your doctors advice. Lifting 25 pounds maximum is plenty to help keep your muscles toned and tight! 😊 I wouldn't stress about it too much, now is the time to focus on your little one and yourself! Just keep up your healthy habits without overdoing it until you hear back! 
Best wishes for you and your little one!

Answer

My doctor said no more than 10lbs but I was doing way more before I was pregnant and have always been active.  I haven't listened.  I know my body and I think I can feel if it's too much.  It's up to you.  I would just listen to your body.

Answer

Docs also want to minimize liability. Saying you can lift 30 then something happened and you blamed her causes more risk to the doctor. Don't blame her for protecting herself but you know your body and unless you have a known cervix complication I don't see the risk

working out against dr advice?

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