Pregnancy Queries - Running and Eye Tests

[mumtobee]

I'm six weeks pregnant and wondering if it's a good idea to continue running - I'm used to doing around 5 to 6 miles a week, but does it increase the chance of miscarriage, and I know high temperatures aren't good for the baby either and obviously I get very hot after running for an hour?

Also - are eye tests free during pregnancy? I haven't had one in years and really need to get it done, but want to make sure I'm not entitled to a free test before I book.

mumtobee - congratulations!

yes, running is fine as long as you are used to it. there is no evidence that it is linked to miscarriage. i know lots of people who ran until the day their babies were born and all were fine. i ran 50 mpw before my first pregnancy, and maintained around 25 - 30 mpw during the first trimester (was so bleurgh with it that running was a bit of a struggle), did an 8 mile race at 19 weeks and a 5 mile race at 22 weeks. i finally stopped at 29 weeks when i couldn't run without needing a poo and ending up in a right old pickle. i ran till about 27 weeks on #2 but was doing less mileage.

re: eye tests - no they aren't free during pregnancy. but if you work, your employer may pay for them.

Thanks so much for the info - that's great to know about the running! I really enjoy it, but didn't want to be putting my baby at risk.

Will get on and book an eye test now then.

I did a half marathon at 9 weeks, stopped after that as I injured my back during it and haven't properly recovered yet (not sure how much this is related to being pregnant) but would have liked to have kept going. It was recommended to me that I slow down a bit and to try and push myself a little less than I would pre-pregnancy.

I am running still at 21 weeks, Very slowly and just what feels right. But will carry on as long as I can. This is my third child and fifth pregnancy. Do not think sport contributed to 2 miscarraiges (one was a genetic mutation and the other was 9 weeks so I had only just found out and I decided againt testing as felt it was just one of those things).
Played squash till 7 months with first child and did stuff with 2nd like squash and rowing till about 6 months. It is the tiredness that gets me to stop, not the sport impact. I found getting fitted for sports bra hardest as the bra people didn't want me to get one, until I asked what was going to support me on my 4 mile runs and my squash matches!(was M&S and they just wanted me to get maternity bras)