Preggo and The Heart Rate

Okay, my previous post brought up the 145bpm HR bar that my Doc set. I've had a few responses to it, and I've started doing some research online. I'd like to open this up as a forum if any are interested, to discuss heart rates in pregnancy.

To start, I have fall into the "Fit" category by exercise frequency, duration, and intensity, however my BMI throws me in the "Overweight/Sedentary" category. I'm by far a skinny woman, but I also do my best to avoid sitting on my ass stuffing Cheetos in my mouth while watching reruns of For the Love of RayJ (usually).

I'm looking for information, both pro's and con's of exercising at a higher HR for a duration of no more than and hour at a time. I feel like working in the 155-165 range is more adequate. For example, my HR during the Kansas City Marathon (which I was right around the old date o' conception) averaged 163 for just over 5 hours. This is a very comfortable HR for me to hold for any given time (duh). Well, it was 12 weeks ago. Now, as I am about 14 weeks I can feel HR spikes and understand that I will have a higher HR at lower intensity, and open myself up for greater cardiac drift after any bursts (climbing on the bike, for instance).

I found this article, via FitPregnancy.com, which is more up to date than several dating back over 15 years ago. Thoughts?

Should I monitor my heart rate when exercising?
That may depend on your exercise intensity and workout goals.
By Carole Anderson Lucia

Q: Should I monitor my heart rate when exercising?
A: That may depend on your exercise intensity and workout goals. As long as you have a low-risk pregnancy with no contraindications, such as high blood pressure or symptoms of premature labor, exercise is good for you, and aiming for a target heart rate can help you work out at an appropriate level. While the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that pregnant women use the "talk test" when exercising (if you can talk normally, your heart rate is acceptable), in 2002 Canadian experts suggested utilizing target heart rates. But since those rates were based solely on age, they are inappropriate for some women, including those who are sedentary or very fit, says Michelle F. Mottola, Ph.D., director of the Exercise and Pregnancy Lab at the University of Western Ontario in London, Canada. The new guidelines establish target rates according to age and fitness level."Women can still use the talk test to stay in the correct range, but now they can be even more precise with their workout goals," Mottola says. The best way to determine your heart rate is to wear a monitor, or you can measure your pulse for six seconds and multiply by 10.

Fitness Level
Target heart rate: ages 20-29

Unfit (sedentary and/or overweight)
129-144

Active (exercise occasionally)
132-152

Fit (exercise regularly at high intensity)
145-160

February/March 2007