Whoever invented morning sickness is a real asshole.

There’s nothing like getting up at 5:00a.m. to go train a client when you can’t even stomach breakfast. Those who know me know that eating is my life. Just as movement is my life. Taking both of these joys away is like shooting me in the knee. It sucks.

But, as my stomach gurgles and there seems to be an imminent grapefruit size gag reflex in my throat, I realize it is for a greater purpose. And it will all be worth it in the end. Right? (All you mothers out there… right?!?)

After training my client and feeling slightly better after water and my pre-natal (with a ginger mixture in it to soothe nausea – though the fact that the taste of the vitamin makes me want to die in itself is ironic) I headed to the gym for a modified shoulder/hamstring workout.

Today’s Workout:

5 minutes elliptical

21/15/9

military press

romanian dead lift

front raise

TABATA BIKE

5X5

d.b. punches

bear craws

rear delts

400 m rowing

21/15/9

reverse press

lateral raises

stability ball ham curls

TABATA BIKE

5×5

core work

400m rowing

21/15/9

scarecrows

s.l. hip raises

thumbs up

Sounds like a lot, but with scaled back weight and a close monitor on my heartrate, it felt good to do what I normally do. I’ve read so many different things about exercising while pregnant. To stop lifting, to keep lifting, to do low impact, to do no impact, to only do cardio, to do what you normally do, but take the intensity down… this last option is the camp I’m in. My body is so used to certain kinds of movements. While I’m not going to put myself or my child in danger, I’m also not happy just staying on the elliptical for 45 minutes. At least not yet.

If you want to lift, but are too afraid of weights, stick to resistance bands or your own body weight. I have been doing a lot of the same things with resistance bands and doing all leg work with only my body weight. And because I’m pregnant, I get out of breath more easily (annoying). Pay attention to yourself and listen to your body. You will know when you are doing the right level of intensity.

The most important thing to remember? Everyone is different. You see some pregnant women who run marathons at 8 months (and then give birth directly after, as demonstrated in this year’s Chicago Marathon). And others who do nothing. Some are in the weight room or on a spin bike. Others are walking on the treadmill. Much like anything in life, there’s no one-size fits all program for pregnant women. It’s a subject by subject basis. Talk to your doctor. Come up with a plan that makes sense and makes you feel good. However, one thing is for certain – movement is good for you. It will only help you after the baby comes and you never get to sit down again.

Ever.

And ironically enough, what helps my nausea is movement. It supplies me with quick energy, helps the sick feeling, and just makes me feel clear-headed for the day. I know I don’t need to be jumping and bounding, as my body is being flooded with relaxin, a hormone that does exactly what the name sounds like. Instead I am taking cues from Johnny Cooke, MAT certified specialist. He’s great at telling me what I can’t do. As far as what you can do, in terms of morning sickness (which for me means all day nausea – though I refuse to vomit), here are some quick tips to help you along the way.

Tips for nausea:

1. Eat. This may be the last thing you want to do, but eating every 2-3 hours will keep your blood sugar levels stable. Opt for bland foods or foods that you can stomach. Easily digestible foods, such as bread, oats, crackers, and even some fruit might help.

2. Drink. Dehydration can cause nausea. Make sure you are getting adequate water throughout the day (at least 12 cups).

3. Lemons and Ginger. Sniff, suck, or eat a lemon. Drink ginger ale or ginger tea or all natural ginger ale (made with agave and real ginger). Both lemons and ginger have been known to ease nausea.

4. Rest. If you’re tired, listen to your body. If you’re exhausted, but you’ve slept a ton, go for a brisk walk. Fresh air and a bit of sunshine will work wonders for the body and mind.

Have any good tips that helped you with nausea? I’m all ears – literally!