What studies say about running when you’re pregnant, and some important things to watch out for
Photo by Rodnae Productions/Pexels
Pregnancy is a very sensitive state. A lot can happen without you realizing it. Some people consider pregnant women too fragile to perform any physical task, but research in the past years have found otherwise.
Now, you can see more and more pregnant women engage in physical activities and exercise. Some people have even been known to compete in the Olympics while pregnant, or in the case of Serena Williams win Grand Slams. If you’re curious about whether you should run during your pregnancy, here are some things to consider:
Should you run while pregnant?
If you don’t have any serious complications or health issues, the answer is usually yes. But it’s best to consult with your doctor to be sure on this one. If you’re good to go, you can run around the same pace and mileage as you did before. Around the first trimester, you’ll hardly feel any changes that can affect your run. OB-GYN and marathoner Julie Levitt tells Runner’s World that you can run or be active for “an hour or longer if you feel up to it
There are a lot of benefits to pregnant running. It has been said to make the rest of your pregnancy more bearable. According to a study in Switzerland, physical activity during pregnancy improves cardiovascular function, limits weight gain, and reduces musculoskeletal discomfort.
The improved cardiovascular function makes for a faster and smoother labor since you’ve already practiced breathing from running. It’s also said to reduce muscle cramps, lessen morning sickness, and improve overall mood.
Despite its benefits, be alert about any changes in your body. Pregnant women tend to overheat more, so make sure you hydrate and stay cool as much as possible
Safety warnings
Despite the benefits, you should still be alert about changes in your body. Pregnant women tend to overheat more, so hydrate and stay cool as much as possible. The American Pregnancy Association says there’s a higher risk of birth defects if you overheat in the first trimester. Body temperature that’s too high at any point can also have the risk of miscarriage.
Around the second trimester, you should also be more cautious of the trail you’re running. As your belly grows, your center of balance is shifting, so you’re more at risk of tripping and falling over. Also, your body would produce more of the hormone relaxin, which loosens joints and ligaments.
In the third trimester, some people run a lot slower and others stop altogether. Running can become too uncomfortable at this point, but you can switch to lighter exercises such as swimming or walking to maintain fitness. While it differs for every person, if you experience intense pain and exhaustion, take a break.
Just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you can’t do what you usually do. There’s no problem with running or exercising during pregnancy, but you should also realize the limitations it faces. Don’t ignore the signs your body is telling you because there are real risks for you and your baby.