Pregnancy and running

[tommyspud]

Hi. Just found out I’m pregnant I’ve been on off running for a couple of years. Nothing major just 5k or thereabouts once or twice a week. I’ve started again since new year doing a couple of runs per week and just wondering if it’s safe to do? I know about not starting new exercise whilst pregnant but how long should you be doing a specific type of exercise before it’s considered part of your routine?

Listen to your body, and gently continue with what you feel comfortable with. Admittedly my body wasn't comfortable with any kind of exercise!

Thanks Another

I think you'll know if it doesn't feel good to do.

I ran whilst pregnant for as long as I could, just took it slow and gently. It wasn’t as fun as running whilst not being pregnant - I wet myself on one run which was weird and out of the blue! but on the whole if you feel fine and you listen to your body then there are some good positives.

Did you do shorter distances or aim for similar distances but took it more slowly?

Just carried on how I was used to, but slowing down if I felt like it, or shorter distances (if I felt like it).

Don't overheat, try not to strain your ligaments, keep hydrated, don't get exhausted= main rules.

I've been running for about 7 years now and much the same as you, I had been doing 5km a couple of times a week and the odd longer run, never straining myself too much. I read on various websites that it was fine to continue.

The first time I went for a run after finding out I was pregnant I started spotting and had quite an alarming bleed the next day. They never found a concrete cause for the bleeding but I was advised to stop running straight away and avoid high impact exercise. A strenuous hike at 14 weeks resulted in another bleed, so now I'm really careful!

That said, my sister continued with HIIT all through her pregnancy with no issues, and I know several runners who've had no problems. I guess everyone is different. Best to listen to your body, as other posters have said, and perhaps seek your doctor or midwife's advice as soon as you can. I've switched to swimming and yoga now and seem to be doing OK at almost 18 weeks, fingers crossed!

Wishing you a happy and healthy pregnancy.

Thanks all for your responses. I’m going to see how it goes and take it easy but stop the hiit classes.
Same to you pretend xx