I do wonder how normal Ellen is, though. Did anyone see her on that episode of Punk’d where she was talking about killing her waitress for flirting with her husband? Lol…

I gained 50 lbs but was in excellent shape when I delivered. I slept through most of early labor, and popped out our son in two in a half hours naturally (labor was roughly 7 hours, but he was born a half hour after we arrived at the hospital). While some of that was genetic luck I truly believe that being in good shape helped speed things up, and I know it helped me get through the pain, as well as relax, and take direction. I was also with in 8 pounds of my pre-pregnancy weight by 9 weeks (course 3 years later I’m still there – uhg.).

I strongly suggest a heart rate monitor if you do any exercise that is more than easy walking or yoga. Also know at least a little what you are capable before pregnancy. I *think* the general recommendation is to not get your hr above 140, but that was too low for me in bursts.

Now that I’m into the second trimester and have some more energy, I am planning to head back to the gym with her and to go swimming once or twice a week, which is extremely low-impact.

However, I also want say that every woman and pregnancy is different. Some women are able to continue running until they run right into the delivery room. Other women are NOT as lucky. I was unable to work-out during any of my pregnancies. Any kind of strenuous or even moderate exertion would cause me to have contractions. I took easy walks when I could, but I also spent a great deal of time on modified bed rest.

I’m sharing this because I think women can get stuck on how their pregnancies “should” go. It’s important to remember that we’re not in control and that we should focus on enjoying the time for what it is-not what we think it should be like!

Anyways…thank you for this special segment on Ellen CBB….I was definitely interested! Keep the Ellen coming!

I think she’s a great example of having a fit pregnancy. Just because the photos we normally see of her are in workout clothes doesn’t mean that’s all she does. I think some women who gain excess weight during pregnancy and don’t workout might be inclined to bash those who stay slender and athletic. The truth is, only she and her doctor know what’s best for her body, not those of us who see snippets of her life in photos.