Active Community: Message List - running vs getting pregnant?

Re: running vs getting pregnant?

guest — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 20:41:00 GMT

first and foremost you should speak with your doctor about this... but JSYK this is what my doctor told me. I can keep on running (DH & I are currently trying). I can run about 10-15 miles a week with no problems.. I run a 5k 3-4 times a week so that's perfect and once I become pregnant to listen to my body and not to raise my heart rate over 140. which my highest HR Is 135 or something...and I was pushing myself big time!
If you were marathon training and missing your periods then I would say yeah it's probably going to effect your chances of getting pregnant but running 8 mins isn't going to do anything.

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-Jen
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Re: running vs getting pregnant?

guest — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 19:11:00 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by running ali:
...as I was running tonight, trying to finish the final 5 minute run, I began to wonder how this might be effecting my chances of getting pregnant. !http://www.coolrunning.com/forums/smile.gif|src=http://www.coolrunning.com/forums/smile.gif|border=0!

If you are trying to get pregnant WHILE running, that may be difficult. Plus the neighbors may complain! !http://www.coolrunning.com/forums/smile.gif|src=http://www.coolrunning.com/forums/smile.gif|border=0!

(You've had so many good solid responses, I thought I'd go for the silly one).

Shine on,
CrazyDiamond66

Re: running vs getting pregnant?

guest — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 17:38:00 GMT

I agree with a lot of what has been said. You know the exercise might actually increase your chances. I know I always feel sexier when I'm working out and taking care of myself and my DH always benefits from it! Unless you're running some major miles it shouldn't make that big of a difference. Last June I was running more miles then I ever have before. I'd mostly stuck to 5Ks previously but had run my first 10K and was up to 6 and 7 mile long runs...and I got pregnant. I'm now due in March.

I definitely agree with talking to your doctor and you must listen to your body. I've never really had a problem with nausea but your body releases a hormone that relaxes a lot of your joints (relaxin?). As a result for me, when I tried to run my hips and back HURT. It doesn't affect every woman this way, but I suppose I'm just lucky that way. Because of that I'm not running now, but I consistanly walk and do some very light strength training. Whatever happens I really believe that staying active is one of the best things you can do! The days where I get a workout in are always better then my lazy days.

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Jen[/URL" target="_blank">

Re: running vs getting pregnant?

guest — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 03:51:00 GMT

I got pregnant while marathon training, with a 39 day cycle, at age 36, and ran through week 40. So, as others have said, it can be done. (I didn't go through with the marathon, but did keep up weekly mileage of about 30 miles until week 30, then switching to indoor running and dropping down to about 20 mpw.)

Personally, I didn't bother talking to a doctor when I was thinking about getting pregnant b/c I was charting and had a very good grasp on what was going on with my cycle. Even if you do talk to a doctor, I'd recommend starting charting now, so you have actual information about your cycle when you go.

And an absolutely fabulous book about running and pregnancy is James Clapp, Exercising During Your Pregnancy. I think it's the best book on this subject out there - it gave me the information I needed to keep running until the end! (Now, getting a baby and myself out the door on time for a run before work is a whole 'nother story...)

Re: running vs getting pregnant?

guest — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 23:16:00 GMT

I completely agree with those who tell you to talk to your doctor. I don't know how running affects trying to conceive because I was a runner when I got pg with my oldest and we weren't trying to conceive at the time... But i do know that once you have conceived, most doctors will say that continuing a current program is fine (encouraged, even) but adding intensity isn't suggested.

I ran about 2 1/2 miles, 3 times a week with my first child. The doctor asked me to stop running at 7 1/2 months because I wasn't gaining enough weight. (Oh how I wish that was my problem today, almost 14 years later!) So you just have to keep an open dialog with your doctor. Most likely, you'll get the green light until you feel too big and heavy to continue!

Re: running vs getting pregnant?

guest — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 20:05:00 GMT

I am also new to running - I'm in week 7 of C25K and we are planning on baby #3 sometime next year. I really want to incorporate running into a more healthy pregnancy. I always have such a weight gain problem, I really think running will help. Here is a really good book on Amazon, Runner's World Guide to Running and Pregnancy:

http://www.amazon.com/Runners-World-Guide-Running-Pregnancy/dp/1579547478/ref=sr_1_1/002-4429617-2797655?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1191864349&sr=8-1[/URL" target="_blank">

I went ahead and bought a copy in preparation for the future. The bad thing is that we are heavy sellers on Amazon and we had several copies in the last year, but they all sold. All of the sudden, I am interested in them and there are none left, so I had to pay someone else for one, LOL Worth it though!

Good luck, I can't wait until we start trying also!
Melissa

Re: running vs getting pregnant?

guest — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 19:51:00 GMT

Hello
I've been going through this dilemma re running and trying to conceive for the past several months. I agree with a lot of the other replies in terms of getting this checked out with your doctor. The reason being how long you have been running, how often you run, irregular v regular cycle, age all come into play and what does not effect one may effect another.
I was a somewhat beginner runner (did C25K last year) and I was really working on increasing my miles. Got off the pill during this time period. As I began to increase my miles my menstrual cycle became longer and longer (ranging between 34 and 39 days). I actually missed a month. Thankfully my GYN is a runner and she suggested several things to me which resulted in cutting back on running.
I eventually put an end to running (which was SOOOO hard) but I'm 34 and my cycle is back to normal and it's what I have to do for now. I'll do some treadmill running for short spurts (which I was never into treadmill running but am okay with it now) but nothing compared to what I was doing.
Talk to your doctor and see what is your best plan of action would be my advice to you.
and have lots of fun trying to conceive!!!!
good luck !http://www.coolrunning.com/forums/smile.gif|src=http://www.coolrunning.com/forums/smile.gif|border=0!
B

Re: running vs getting pregnant?

guest — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 19:50:00 GMT

thank you all so much for the advice and the replies! i'm going to keep on, keepin' on until i do get pregnant and then i'll talk to my doc.
again, a huge THANK YOU!!

Re: running vs getting pregnant?

guest — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 17:04:00 GMT

Hi,

When I decided to get pregnant, I asked my doctor about starting the C25K plan (I'd done it before, but had stopped running after a knee problem). He suggested that as I wasn't active at the time, running may be too intense to start and I should stick to walking, swimming and yoga. I walked throughout the pregnancy and think it really helped!

No one here knows your health history, so to be sure and have some piece of mind, I'd check with your own doctor!

(BTW, I'm now on week 7 of C25K and have a wonderful 6-month old boy!)

Good Luck with both!

Re: running vs getting pregnant?

guest — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 12:57:00 GMT

I think this is a question for your doctor. I know many women who run while trying to get pregnant, but when it comes to serious health issues like this, a doc's input is the way to go.

My understanding is that moderate amounts of running will be fine, but extensive running like marathon training for example will decrease your chances of conceiving because the training stresses the body extensively. Where this trade off is, I have no idea. Again, ask your doc.

BIGEM's post is noteworthy, but just an anecdote of one person. I'd be reluctant to base major health decisions on an anonomous post.