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Running, exercise, pregnancy. Advice please!

4 replies

Stoatystoat · 20/01/2015 14:03

I'm very, very early on (5 weeks). I'm a fairly keen (if sometimes fairweather!) runner, normally 2-3 times a week, once or twice outdoors, once of twice on a treadmill, it takes me 33-35 minutes to do 5k.

Before I found out, a couple of my runs weren't the most enjoyable...1 I got quite dizzy on the treadmill so that was a slow one, the other, I managed it but my sports bra was tested to its limits. I was a bit anxious about going, I'm really anxious about keeping my beginnings of a baby safe but went, I walked 2km and ran 1km, just to see how I got on. I got on fine. Yesterday, far too tired!

I have read that it is safe to continue to run but that I should be scaling it back a bit. Has anyone had experience of doing this? What did you go down to and when?

I was doing other exercise before - ballet but think this will be too difficult due to being too tired to go to that in the evening, pilates (I will speak to my instructor) and dance (same teacher as my pilates one). I also walk a fair bit.

I know some days it will be really impossible due to sickness/tiredness but I'm keen to carry on as and when I can for my mental wellbeing/keep my body strong for the times ahead. A hobby I initially embarked on out of vanity has become something I enjoy so any advice would be great.

Thanks!

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Hobby2014 · 20/01/2015 14:05

As far as I know, you can carry on with what your body is used to already. I'm not an expert though
I think weight training has different rules but walking/running/swimming you should be able to carry on as normal.

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mabelbabel · 20/01/2015 14:15

At first I wanted to carry on with running/jogging, but soon found that I didn't want to any more! I found that I got quite short of breath even very early on in pregnancy, so it really wasn't for me. I did take up an antenatal yoga class instead, and found that hugely beneficial - even if just for the 'head-space'. I also cycled to work until very late in pregnancy, just taking it at my own pace. And did lots of walking which was great. I think this is a case of being sensible and seeing how you feel. Don't put any pressure on yourself.

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mckenzie · 21/01/2015 21:35

Congratulations on your pregnancy Stoatystoat.
Based on my experience, I would say just listen to your body.
with DC1 I ran up until 6 months, gym I did right until the end, just scaled down the workouts, made extra sure i wasn't over heating or getting dehydrated.
With DC2, I stopped running much earlier as it felt uncomfortable but still kept up the gym sessions. I actually did a spinning class one morning to try and induce labour (I was nearly 2 weeks over due and had the threat of a c section) and gave birth that night.
Both babies were healthy. The only thing I wonder (and this is just me thinking it, nothing more) is was DC1 so difficult to get out because my stomach muscles were so tight? I'll never know but have often thought id love to know the ins and outs of Paula Radcliffe's labours, and Jessica Ennis etc. Smile
Enjoy your pregnancy, trust your body.

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gingerfluffball · 22/01/2015 07:16

Congrats stoaty! I'm 25 weeks now and was a fairly avid runner pre-pregnancy. Went into this pg determined to run all the way through just at a reduced distance and pace. Morning sickness and fatigue stopped me in the early weeks, then when I got some energy back in the second tri I just felt awful when I ran! Haven't managed more than about 2-3k each time I've tried and felt exhausted after each time too. I say listen to your body and just go with what it tells you. I miss my runs so much and can't wait to get back out there for some me-time and fresh air after baby! If you are lucky enough to feel good running though, it's great for baby (rocks them to sleep, endorphins etc) and good for mum too in a normal pregnancy.

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