Embracing the Journey: How Pregnancy Has Changed My Life and Fitness

Hi friends,

I hope this finds you in good health and high spirits. In case we haven’t met, my name is Brittaney Deitz. I’m a 36-year-old wife, first-time expecting mama, business owner, and full-time middle school teacher. Alongside my 14+ year career in education, I’m also the founder of Britt Deitz Fitness, an online workout platform that offers livestream and on-demand workouts—ranging from indoor cycling and strength training to prenatal workouts and stretching.

Today, I want to share a deeply personal story that has profoundly impacted both my life and my approach to fitness—the journey of becoming pregnant for the first time.

My Journey to Motherhood

The miracle of creating life is an extraordinary gift—one I’ll never take for granted. In September 2021, after 7 years of marriage, my husband Justin and I felt ready to begin our family journey. Justin has a complex health history that includes autoimmune disorders, and for a long time, we weren’t sure if having a baby would be realistic amidst treatments and recovery. But we finally reached a place where growing our family felt possible—and I couldn’t wait to see Justin as a dad (I’ve always known he’d be the best).

Because I was considered “advanced maternal age” and we dreamed of having a big family, we decided to explore fertility preservation through IVF.

I started IVF in October 2022 and had my egg retrieval at the end of the month. We retrieved 19 eggs—12 of which were good enough quality to be injected with sperm. Six were successfully fertilized. While we hoped for more, we remained optimistic. After genetic testing, we learned only one embryo was a mosaic—containing both normal and abnormal cells. While not ideal, it still held the possibility of becoming a healthy baby. Though I was initially crushed by the results, I stayed rooted in faith, believing there was a plan greater than mine.

Shortly after the retrieval, we decided to try naturally. On December 2, 2022, I took two pregnancy tests—and both were positive! I was pregnant! Whether it was the IVF hormones or divine timing, we may never know—but we are endlessly grateful.

How Pregnancy Has Changed My Life and Fitness

From the moment I found out I was expecting, my perspective on health, movement, and self-care completely shifted. Fitness was no longer just about me—it became about creating the healthiest environment for this new life growing inside me.

As a fitness professional, I’ve always seen workouts as a source of stress relief, confidence, and connection. Now, it’s about all that plus preparing for a smoother labor, better recovery, and giving my baby the healthiest start possible.

Here’s how pregnancy has reshaped my approach to life and fitness:

1. Embracing a Mindful Approach

Pregnancy introduced me to a whole new level of body awareness. I’ve learned to really listen—to rest when I need it, to honor what my body is capable of today, and to take things one moment at a time. Whether it’s walking, stretching, modifying strength workouts, or simply sitting still, I’ve learned to trust that being present is powerful.

2. Fitness, Reimagined

I’ve explored new ways to move that honor both my growing bump and my need to stay strong and mobile. Prenatal-friendly workouts have helped me stay connected to my body and empowered in my journey. Most importantly, I’ve connected with other mamas and found so much support in this beautiful community.

3. Navigating Challenges with Grace

Let’s be real—pregnancy isn’t all glowing skin and cute kicks. From nausea and fatigue to wardrobe struggles and mood swings, I’ve faced plenty of challenges. But I’ve learned to meet them with grace. I’ve leaned on my support system, opened up to other moms, and reminded myself that rest is not weakness—it’s wisdom.

4. A New Perspective on Nutrition

Nutrition has taken on a deeper meaning during pregnancy. I’ve always eaten intuitively, but now I think about nourishing both myself and my baby. I’m less rigid and more in tune—whether it’s reaching for protein, satisfying a craving, or simply staying hydrated. I’ve learned that cravings often reflect what our bodies truly need, and this is a season to honor that.

A Final Reflection

Pregnancy has been one of the most humbling and empowering journeys of my life. I’ve grown stronger—not just physically, but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. I’m filled with gratitude for the life growing within me, the lessons I’ve learned, and the deeper sense of connection I now have with my body and community.

If you’re an expecting mama (or hoping to be one someday), I hope you find encouragement and reassurance here. You are not alone. Your journey is valid, beautiful, and worth celebrating.

Want to connect more? You can reach out here or join my private Facebook group for support, tips, and community. You can also follow me on Instagram, sign up for my monthly newsletter, and explore my full library of workouts and programs at Britt Deitz Fitness.

Wishing you strength, health, and joy in every stage of your journey.

xoxo,
Brittaney Deitz