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Click to view katherine70's profile Rookie 1 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

Feb 27, 2007 5:36 PM

Running while pregnant

I am five months pregnant and I just ran 4.5 miles last week. Feeling good. I love running. Not sure I should continue to run. Any feedback?

Katherine
Click to view californiacricket's profile Rookie 2 posts since
Jul 9, 2007
1. Feb 27, 2007 6:59 PM in response to: katherine70
Re: Running while pregnant
I ran through out my entire pregnancy. In fact my baby was 10 days late and I ran the day before I was induced for labor. My doctor encouraged my running since I had been doing it before I got pregnant. I did slow down as the baby got bigger. Of course talk to your doctor, but all the information I learned indicated that as long as you have an uncomplicated pregnancy, then it is healthier to continue exercising during your pregnancy. That being said you don't want to do anything that would cause impact to the baby, so I stopped trail running at hit the streets to avoid the possibility of falling during my runs. I also played tennis instead of racquetball to again avoid any danger of being hit hard in the stomach with the ball. I delivered a very healthy 9 lb .5 oz baby and stayed in shape doing it.
Click to view helen82's profile Pro 171 posts since
Jul 9, 2007
2. Feb 28, 2007 5:42 AM in response to: katherine70
Re: Running while pregnant
Keep running.
Click to view rungirl31's profile Amateur 20 posts since
Jul 9, 2007
3. Feb 28, 2007 7:06 AM in response to: katherine70
Re: Running while pregnant
I agree 100%....keep running!
Click to view gsingjane's profile Expert 41 posts since
Jul 9, 2007
4. Mar 1, 2007 4:00 AM in response to: katherine70
Re: Running while pregnant
You need to check in with your doctor. There are many conditions, including blood pressure issues, that can impact a training program and, more importantly, your baby. I know many doctors tend to be conservative, but if you indicate that you are willing to be responsible and careful (as you are being, according to your post), he/she will probably give the ok. But whether or not you should continue running is absolutely not anything people can "diagnose" from the internet.

FWIW, and you can certainly take or leave my experience, having a sick or premature baby is just not anything you ever want to do. I know those last few months of pregnancy feel like they last an eternity, and you are probably very concerned about maintaining your fitness at this time, but believe me, in this case it is far, far better to be safe than sorry.

Jane in CT
Click to view helen82's profile Pro 171 posts since
Jul 9, 2007
5. Mar 1, 2007 7:01 AM in response to: katherine70
Re: Running while pregnant
[b]Lack[/b] of exercise is just what caused my high blood pressure and the premature birth of my sickly daughter.
Click to view Joe_H1's profile Community Moderator 1,041 posts since
Jul 9, 2007
6. Mar 1, 2007 9:06 AM in response to: katherine70
Re: Running while pregnant
check w/ your doc but have read/heard that exercise during pregnancy can make delivery easier if you've been exercising regularly previous and doc says it's ok.

good luck and have fun
Click to view soniarita's profile Rookie 2 posts since
Jul 9, 2007
7. Mar 1, 2007 3:15 PM in response to: katherine70
Re: Running while pregnant
There is much research emerging that suggests that regular exercise during pregnancy can be very beneficial and is not as dangerous as once thought. I agree with the other posts that as long as you consult with your physician, then you are taking the best measures to ensure you and your baby's health and safety. This is a link to a great resource from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) which provides excellent information from medical professionals.

http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp119.cfm

Happy Running!
Click to view amandabear79's profile Rookie 1 posts since
Jul 9, 2007
8. Mar 29, 2007 5:28 PM in response to: katherine70
Re: Running while pregnant
I asked my dr about it, and she said she wouldn't recommend it, only because it can lead to incontinence in the future (the baby bouncing on the bladder). She did say that exercise was extremely important, and she recommended swimming instead of running.
Click to view Mergatroid's profile Rookie 2 posts since
Jul 9, 2007
9. Apr 13, 2007 8:10 AM in response to: katherine70
Re: Running while pregnant
I ran until two days before I delivered my healthy baby boy. I ran about 4-5 miles in the first trimester, about 3 miles in the second trimester and about 2 miles in the third. I did a lot of research into this subject and as long as you are in shape and not over-exerting yourself it appears to be fine. I have not had any problems with incontinence. I resumed running with the baby jogger when he was 3 weeks old. I recommend articles by James Clapp, MD who has done extensive research. Also, Joan Benoit has written a book on running for women with a chapter on running while pregnant. Enjoy!
Click to view Joe_H1's profile Community Moderator 1,041 posts since
Jul 9, 2007
10. Apr 13, 2007 8:48 AM in response to: katherine70
Re: Running while pregnant
a 3 week old in jogging stroller?
our pediatrian said wait till our kids were 1 yr old. can you provide links to this docs article please.
Click to view Joe_H1's profile Community Moderator 1,041 posts since
Jul 9, 2007
11. Apr 13, 2007 10:41 AM in response to: katherine70
Re: Running while pregnant
?Jogging strollers are not recommended for infants under 6 months old.? http://babyproducts.about.com/od/travel/bb/strollerbuying.htm


?Many all-terrains are unsuitable for babies under 6 months of age. A few exceptions: Maclaren MX3 (about $400) and the Phil & Teds e3 (about $380). One all-terrain that can accept an infant car seat using special separate adapters is the Zooper Boogie (about $360).?

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/babies-kids/strollers/reports/how-to-choose/index.htm

Click to view yo-sal's profile Pro 260 posts since
Jul 9, 2007
12. Apr 13, 2007 10:50 AM in response to: katherine70
Re: Running while pregnant
Mergatroid is spot on about easing up as the pregnancy progresses. It's self limiting. You know how you feel and how much you can do.

The position of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says "despite the fact that pregnancy is associated with profound anatomical and physiological changes, there are few instances that should preclude otherwise healthy, pregnant women from following the same recommendations as nonpregnant women?.

And from the American College of Sports Medicine: Active athletic women with uncomplicated pregnancies need not limit the distance of a run based on a specific target rate, for example, 140 bpm. Because the response of the maternal heart rate to exercise is highly variable, the ACSM recommends the lower end of the 60-90% maximum heart rate for pregnant women who do not regularly exercise, and the upper part for conditioned athletes who wish to maintain their level of fitness.

Sounds like a plan to me.
Click to view jontomsimo's profile Rookie 1 posts since
Jul 9, 2007
13. Apr 14, 2007 9:22 AM in response to: katherine70
Re: Running while pregnant
In reference to Joe and jogging stroller. I ran with my son at a couple of weeks. He always loved it. It was our time together. He loved going fast and sometimes cried when I went to slow. Good motivation. I can't see what the problem would be. Kids are not made of glass. Obviously make sure they are warm and the neck is supported if they are too young. But road running should be fine.

As for running pregnant. My wife always has with all three of ours. Kept her happy and they were all healthy happy boys.
Click to view Joe_H1's profile Community Moderator 1,041 posts since
Jul 9, 2007
14. Apr 14, 2007 1:06 PM in response to: katherine70
Re: Running while pregnant
i love running with the kids too but our pediatrician it would have to wait till they were older. something w/ their necks being strong enough that and somethign about not being able to regulate their body temps??

would love to done it earlier but was advised by our doc not to.

have heard elsewhere the same thing was curious if there was new info about running w/ infants