L.C.
Hi Kim! My name is L., and I am the mother of a beautiful and really healthy 13 month old. I too have always heard that birth defects can come with excessive exercise, tanning, etc. That's why I was very afraid when I found out I was pregnant.
I had been playing indoor soccer, doing rigorous cardio at the gym, tanning, weight lifting, etc. Not only that but had still been taking my birth control pills which have also been linked to birth defects. The scariest part was that I found out I was pregnant when I was 12 weeks along. I had done all of this through my entire 1st trimester.
I know that all of this can cause birth defects in some cases, but the wonderful thing is that it doesn't in all cases. Loic, my son, has a very strong heart and has no defects at all. He was a very healthy guy when he was born and even left the hospital before he was 24 hours old.
I was very afraid and prayed for him a lot. God is faithful! Keep your head up and focus on doing your part now.
On continuing exercise, I did continue to work out - not the same intensity of course. I've always heard that if you did it before you got pregnant than it is okay to continue, but if you feel tired, dizzy, etc. to slow down and take it easy for a minute (which I had to do several times :D ).
Good Luck, and I will be praying for your third bundle of joy!