In the third trimester (weeks 27–40), depending on how you feel, you may need to switch to low-impact activities, such as walking, swimming, and indoor cycling. In fact, some women are so fatigued and have so much difficulty moving around that they aren't able to exercise at all during the third trimester, but if you can, keep it up.
Studies show that women who exercise during the third trimester achieve the greatest benefits from that exercise: reduced fat gain, shorter and less complicated labor and delivery, and shorter recovery after delivery from exercise.
As you go through your third trimester, keep the following potential modifications and tips in mind:- As with the second trimester, avoid overstretching. And if you haven't already discontinued outdoor cycling, now is definitely the time to begin cycling indoors.
- In addition to needing a new sports bra, you may need a support belt or belly brace.
- If you've been running, you may decide to stop that activity and walk instead. If you're doing aerobics, avoid jumps in the last trimester. If you've been cycling indoors on a traditional indoor bike and didn't switch to a recumbent bike in the second trimester, you may need to do so now.
