Pregnancy Is a Marathon — Are You Training for Yours?

Imagine This:

You’ve just registered for a marathon happening in 9 months. What would you do? 

You’d grab a training plan. You’d start building your mileage. You’d commit to strengthening your body, little by little, so that on race day you’re ready — not just to survive, but to thrive. 

Now here’s the thing: pregnancy is a marathon. 

It may not be 26.2 miles, but it is a full-body, full-life transformation. It’s powerful. It’s intense. It’s physical. So why don’t we treat it like the major event it is? 

Pregnancy is an Event. 

Birth is Game Day. 

Are You Training for It?

Why Aren’t More Women Training for Pregnancy?

Let’s look at the three most common reasons I see — and why they matter.

1. It’s Not Even on the Radar

Between OB visits, baby showers, nesting projects, and figuring out life with a growing belly, most moms-to-be aren’t thinking about “training.” It’s not that they’re uninterested — they’re just not told it matters. 

The culture around pregnancy often focuses more on baby prep than body prep. The quiet message sounds like: “Here’s your due date — good luck.” 

But here’s what I want you to know: You are the athlete. Pregnancy is the event. Birth is game day. 

Your body is undergoing major changes — stretching, shifting, adapting. Training for those changes isn’t extra — it’s essential.

2. The Confusion and Uncertainty

Even moms who want to move their bodies during pregnancy often get stuck in the “do this, but don’t do that” noise. It can feel safer to do nothing — or stick to light walking (which, yes, is a fantastic starting point). 

But think about it: If you were training for a swim meet, you wouldn’t only shoot basketballs. You’d swim laps. 

That’s what pregnancy-specific movement is: training that matches the event. Not random workouts, but intentional movement that supports your breath, your core, your pelvic floor, your mobility — everything you need for birth and recovery. 

Strong. Connected. Ready. Pregnancy is a journey. Train for it.

This Is What Body Prep Looks Like. 

Because You’re the One Doing the Work.

3. Pregnancy Can Feel Exhausting

Let’s be real — some days, just existing during pregnancy takes everything you’ve got. Between fatigue, poor sleep, aches, and discomfort, exercise may feel like the last thing you want to do. 

But here’s the truth: 

Even if you don’t train… the marathon is still scheduled. 

Not preparing doesn’t cancel labor. It just makes the recovery harder. And training doesn’t have to be intense. It can be gentle. Intentional. Breath-focused. Supportive. 

It’s not about getting a six-pack. It’s about building strength for the moments that matter — and honoring what your body can do, even when energy is low.

Not Just Baby Prep. Body Prep.

Train for the Transformation.

Let’s Talk About You

Have you ever thought of pregnancy as a marathon? 

If you’ve already been through it, how did you prepare your body? And if you’re currently expecting, what kind of training would help you feel ready — not just for birth, but for what comes after? 

You are strong. You are capable. And you were made for this. Let’s move like it.

Written by Sarnia Ogidan — NASM certified personal trainer, pregnancy and postpartum exercise specialist, health coach, and educator. Sarnia empowers moms to move with strength, confidence, and purpose throughout pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. Connect at sarniainspires.com or on Instagram: @sarniainspires.