Woman completes marathon then gives birth to full term baby all in one day

[ChocChocPorridge]

www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/jun/16/experience-went-into-labour-after-running-marathon

The comments are great - 50% people saying it was unwise (but not saying why) and 50% women saying good on her, and of course it's fine!

She took it easy (!) - took her over 6 hours.

I'm not built for speed personally, but I've spent hours walking trying to eject both my kids, it's recommended in fact (couldn't have run, and at a very slow walking speed due to ratio of baby to internal capacity making it all a bit tricky so I doubt I did a marathon length, but a fair few miles were walked!).

[AssassinatedBeauty]

There must be many women who have to walk large distances whilst pregnant or even in labour, due to lack of infrastructure and transport options. I'm glad there are plenty of comments agreeing it's fine, and that it's up to her to decide what's appropriate for her.

I could not be still when in labour, in the early stages I had to walk all round the hospital. As it progressed I had to pace around the delivery room continually, and did so for 15 hours. I do wonder sometimes how many steps I did during that time!

[ChocChocPorridge]

There must be many women who have to walk large distances whilst pregnant or even in labour

This was my thought - I watched one of those life swap things, and women were walking 5 miles each way for water every day - I can't imagine they could let getting a bit pregnant stop them - and yes, you hear of plenty of places where getting somewhere for help when you're in labour is miles of walking.

[ThanksMsMay]

I'm glad she was well enough for labour I'm surprised her body had anything to give at that point! I don't know if it's true but I've read that you burn similar calories in labour as to running a marathon so it seems like you'd be wrecked. I found walking extremely painful at the end with all of mine so I can't visualise running for 6 hours, it was like I had a watermelon hanging in a vagina hammock.

[dinosaurbum]

I walked 8- 10 miles whilst technically in labour. To various appointments, to get labour moving and also did a bit if shopping!

It was really funny when I was as stopped by a chugger (one of those people who stabs in the street getting commission from you signing up for charity donations) and I said, "oh really sorry I am in labour must dash!!"

If your doctor says you can why not?

[Barees]

A six hour marathon is a long slog jog.

But the next day your muscles are usually pretty tired. It takes a while to recover properly. To go into labour is a massive strain on the body. Add in the sleepless nights. Even someone extremely fit would take a good while to be properly on form after that combo!

[noeffingidea]

Great story. Some women are able to carry on living their normal life right through their pregnancy and there's no reason why they shouldn't.

[qumquat]

I was still running (not marathons!) beyond my due date and I definitely think it helped me with having the energy and stamina for labour.

[OhDearToby]

I walked 7 miles when I was in early labour last time. Not that that compares to running a marathon and not that I could run a marathon even when not pregnant.

I'm due dc3 today. Maybe a jog would set things off. Or just make me wet myself.

[neddle]

I was cycling daily when pg with my fourth child. He was two weeks late and I cycled with my older three to school the morning I had him.
Cycling was surprisingly easier than walking at that point as it took that weight off my feet.

[KickAssAngel]

I'm in awe of any woman who can even walk across the room once pregnant. I was so sick that for years afterwards I could feel the bile rising if I saw a pregnant woman.

[Cantseethewoods]

For her, I'd say fine. She is an experienced (and good- GFA) marathoner, and 6:25 isn't much beyond walking pace (only just over 4 miles ph).

[BandeauSally]

I am in awe of all you cycling/jogging whilst pregnant people.

I say fair play to this woman if that's what she wanted to do. Like others I was constantly walking in labour until the pethidine made me too drowsy to stand. I reckon the only risk she was taking was the risk of being very short on energy for the pushing part, although being a runner will have stood her in good stead anyway. After that I guess she could sleep for as long as she liked.

[KanyesLunchbox]

I recently plodded a 10k and was overtaken by a woman who was 7months pregnant. That made me feel great she was chatting to other people and said she just loves running. It's great to see women trusting their bodies.

[OuchBollocks]

Good for her. My pelvis hurt so much with DD that by the time she was delivered I could barely stagger around the supermarket. I would have loved to be an athletic glowy pregnant woman. The only issue - which isn't the runner's problem - is when people use women like this to shame those of us who aren't doing the same, no doubt the 'you're pregnant not ill' brigade will love this.

[C0RAL]

I suspect that the people criticising her are the same ones who insist that every woman should be up and about a few hours after they give birth, doing the housework and cooking a 3 course meal for the inlaws.

[ChocChocPorridge]

Ha, yes.

Woman suggest that she might want a seat, or to have extra access to medical appointments, or help getting the shopping in, or she's just had a baby and needs a couple of weeks to recuperate: You're pregnant, not ill.

Woman says she's run multiple marathons, she feels fine, she'll take it easy and stop if she feels she needs to: irresponsible, why is she doing it, can't she just put her feet up rather than risk it.

Story of womanhood - do as you're told, not as you feel.

[C0RAL]

Indeed. And a complete refusal to accept that woman are not baby producing machines, they are individuals with very different experiences of pregnancy and childbirth. That some can indeed run marathons while some are confined to a wheel chair in agony or so illl they they require hospitalised.

But no, it's all " it was like this for me / my wife and you must be and do the same".

You see it on MN all the time.

[BTPlonker]

Good for her! It sounds like she approached it sensibly, and didn't push it, and it didn't cause her or the baby any issues.

[Cantseethewoods]

CORAL exactly. Everyone's different. All pregnancies are different.

With DC1 I felt great and was a poster child for active pregnancy (not so much the birth though- ha ha- my ninja qualities deserted me then)

With DC2 I basically vomited for 3 months and then sat very still and ate liquorice allsorts non-stop for the last 6 months.