I did an Olympic distance tri last year when I was only about 3 weeks pregnant. Obviously I didn't know. I was wondering why the run seemed like the longest 10k of my life...Then when I was about 10 weeks prego I ran a 10k race with my baby's grandfather and he didn't even know I was pregnant! Talk about stomach pain! I had cramps left and right!

It's true that there's always a chance of having a big bike wreck during a tri and endangering the fetus. But I still think that it's great you did it. Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy.

Everyone thought I was nuts for doing a 10k race this weekend. I just found out I am having a girl so I am half way there. I ended up placing 1st woman. I felt good throughout the race (besides having to go pee every second). Just make sure you are not out of breath because if you are, so is your baby. Also, as long as you are not cramping you are just fine. I just had to keep reminding myself I am pregnant and this is temporary. I can always do it again next year and do better.  Your baby's health is #1 right now. If you are used to running and various activities you will do just fine.

I was six weeks pregnant and had the okay to do a sprint tri. I was in great shape. I finished the tri and then I lost my baby.

If your doctor says it's okay, then go for it as long as you feel comfortable and healthy.

I just completed an Olympic distance triathlon two

weeks ago and was 6 weeks pregnant. I actually felt GREAT thanks to good weather and no morning sickness.

I am happy I competed. I also plan to compete in at least 1-2 additional sprint triathlons yet this summer/fall.

I ran a marathon when I was 8 weeks pregnant with my first child and now this is my third pregnancy. Would not recommend the marathon

running, even though my doctor said it was fine as long as I was properly trained and stayed hydrated and cool. The weather was cool

then, too, but I did have morning sickness and had to walk most of the last 4 miles of the race. Regardless, both of my first two children

were born extremely healthy (both weighing almost 8 pounds) and SMART.

My oldest is reading at a third grade level and she just completed kindergarten...she is my marathon baby. I like to

say it's from the exercise, but everyone just rolls their eyes at me. You will always have ignorant individuals who will throw "wives tales" at you

about working out when you are pregnant. It's irritating and somewhat embarrassing at times, but you can do what feels good to your body. If it

hurts, don't do it. You are not going to hurt a fetus in the first trimester by riding a bike or even crashing with a tire blow-out. The baby is so

small that you would have to have your stomach punctured or take a direct blow to that specific area. One of my doctors laughs about

how she went downhill skiing while 7 or 8 months pregnant. I think that's crazy, but racing in your early months is fine in my opinion.

Also, you should stay off the bike after 4-5 months because your balance is thrown off considerably after that. Your doctor will tell

you this later on most likely. You can tell just by the way you will feel too, in most cases. But, spin classes and in

home bike trainer work wonders for keeping your bike fitness up.

Another thing I have noticed is that my breathing gets off while swimming, so shorter distances are more comfortable. Hopefully

that will get better in the second trimester!

Good luck!!! I love chatting with other pregnant female athletes... When people try to make you feel like

you are selfish or doing something wrong, try to remember that they are most likely JEALOUS that they didn't

think of it while they were pregnant. Enjoy health...it's proven that exercise during pregnancy HELPS the situation!!!

You will bounce back quickly and feel more confident and alive. And, this will in turn make you a better parent.

Sorry, this is something I feel very strongly about!

Jen

Mother of two beautiful girls (6 and 3) and expecting number 3 baby in February 2010

I have always loved to run and compete in races. I previously mentioned I just did a 10k race and placed 1st woman. I am pregnant with #3 and have done so with all three. I did have a miscarriage between 2 and 3. My doctor told me that running did not cause the miscarriage. She told me that running will not cause a miscarriage to a "well attached baby."  My husband constantly reminds me to take it easy like I am disabled or something. I too am not going to sit around and eat bon bons all day.  I have been told numberous times, as long as you are not in pain or exhuasted you are just fine to exercise. Enjoy exercise as long as you can! It has made my last two deliveries and post pregnancies so much easier. I feel stronger and bounce back faster to my pre-pregnancy weight.  Good luck ya'll!