Photo Credit: Robert Eiserloch "She Turned Away"
Before giving birth to Miss Cupcake, I
was an avid runner. My OB/GYN assured me
that it was completely safe and healthy to continue my routine. However, I noticed that many people seem to
be under the misguided impression that running while pregnant is a risky
practice. Despite the disapproving glances and questions, I continued to run until the beginning of my third trimester. At that point, I discontinued running merely
out of humiliation from the giggles that I received from the middle school
students that hung out near my track. In their defense, I can only imagine how ridiculous my waddling running must have appeared to
them in my pleasantly plump state.
However, I believe that my exercise
routine was extremely beneficial to me physically and emotionally during my
pregnancy. I highly recommend running to
women who are seeking to stay fit and avoid excess weight gain.
The following recommendations are only
applicable to healthy and reasonably fit pregnant women.
Obviously, it is vital to discuss your exercise routine with your
doctor. Every pregnancy is unique!
Myth
vs Fact
Myth: Running while pregnant
will deprive your baby of necessary nutrients.
Fact: Baby will ultimately take
the necessary nutrients from your body.
As long as you are eating enough to cover your usual calorie needs plus
300 extra calories for baby you have nothing to worry about!
Myth: It is necessary to keep
your heart rate under 140 beats per minute.
Fact: While this was once the
recommendation, it is quite outdated.
Doctors now recommend that pregnant women stop running when they reach
the point that it would be difficult to carry on a conversation. This varies from person to person and is a much
more accurate measure of what is safe for your current fitness level.
Myth: Running is not safe in
the third trimester.
Fact: As long as you are
healthy and fit, it is perfectly safe and beneficial to run up to the day you
deliver!
Myth: If you never ran before,
it is unsafe to begin while pregnant.
Fact: As long as you keep you
exertion at a moderate level and eat properly, it is perfectly healthy to begin
running while pregnant.
Precautions
A hormone called relaxin is produced
in your body while pregnant. Relaxin
lubricates your joins and makes labor easier.
However, it also causes your joins to become more flexible. You may feel that you can push yourself while
stretching because it is less difficult than before. This is a bad idea and can lead to injury.
Always listen to your body. Pregnancy is no time to push your
limits. If you feel exhausted,
lightheaded, or short of breath you should stop running immediately.
Stay hydrated! Be sure to sip water periodically while
running and rehydrate when you are complete.
May you have a healthy, happy
pregnancy!
