Running 10k - 20wks

[Digbette]

Hello, my apologies if this has been asked before but I am a newbie (to pregnancy/motherhood and mumsnet) I've had my 12 week scan and all was fine (thankfully) so I'm now undecided about doing a 10k run when I will be 20 wks pregnant. I was quite fit, running 8 miles most weekends but I struggled with severe migraines and morning sickness for the first 2 months so I didn't run during that time. I'm now feeling better and back doing gentle runs and I'm keen to keep fit and healthy whilst I still can. I just wondered if anybody else has continued to run during pregnancy and has any suggestions for things to do or not do. My priority is clearly the baby but I also wondered if pregnant ladies were allowed to run in charity runs? Any advice would be hugely appreciated. Thank you.

You can continue to do whatever you did before pregnancy, as long as you feel comfortable doing so. It's not a question of being allowed, its up to you to choose what you want to do.
There is no medical reason why you shouldn't as long as you don't have a specific medical reason why you shouldn't, iyswim?

I'm not active at all but I think you would struggle. From 16-17 weeks I've noticed that walking or standing for too long gives me serious tummy cramps. I can't work it out why but I really don't like it when it happens, it worries me big time.
I've been told by the mw that the safest exercise is the one when you're not out of breath and can still have a conversation while doing it.

Yes you can run. Listen to your body and don't push it. Hydrate well, don't overheat and don't get your heart rate too high for too long. Remember you may need a more supportive bra and you are at an increased risk of injury due to ligament softening.

I know a lot of hill runners and triathletes and most of them have just dialled it down a bit, rather than stopped.

I was told to just live my life as I had been doing and listen to my body. I think that's sensible advice.

If you feel fine when running then go for it, maybe don't push it for a pb though! (And stop if you feel any pain) I ran 3x per week up to 32 weeks (albeit a bit slower!) but stopped then as my legs were getting sore from struggling to keep up with the weight gain… missing it now and looking forward to getting back out post birth. And your running shoes might feel tight too if your feet / ankles are swollen. Enjoy!

I've known people run until 20+ weeks and iPad one friend do an ironman at 12 weeks!

You should be fine if you're used to it. Any issues or niggles and I'd modify though. I was going to try and continue with my triathlon training but haven't been able and was advised against them as they are open water. Plus I can't move without vomiting so just looking forward to being able to do any sort of exercise.

As long as you're feeling ok then it will be absolutely fine. Just take it easy and stop if you start to feel at all bad.

Just to add that if it's a warm day for your run you might want to pull out or at least take it very easy. I'm so impressed you're still running I have been advised not to due to being high-risk from previous mc but I'm looking forward to starting again once the baby is here.

Just listen to your body Digbette... That's the advice I have been given anyway... I am 28 weeks pregnant and still doing the same exercise I did before I was pregnant, I am just slowing down a bit naturally now!

I have been told that it is fine as long as I am not trying to break any PBs and that I make sure that I am not too out of breath that I can't speak sentences.

If you are not sure then speak to your Doctor or Midwife beforehand...

If you have a bump by the time of the race then you might find it more comfortable to get a bump support too - I got an elasticated one from JojoMamanBebe and have been much more comfortable since my bump started growing!

www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk/sp+bump-support-bands-in-maternity-products-and-underwear+b4732

Thank you all so much for imparting your brilliant advice, I feel far more equipped and informed now. Gentle, sensible jogging it shall be and if I have to walk 10k then I shall.
Thanks again, I really appreciate it.

Thank you all so much for imparting your brilliant advice, I feel far more equipped and informed now. Gentle, sensible jogging it shall be and if I have to walk 10k then I shall.
Thanks again, I really appreciate it.

I was still going to the gym four times a week at 21 weeks, I only stopped due to problems with my cervix, gutting, as was hoping to continue it throughout pregnancy. I say go for it, as long as you are fit and healthy, I'd get a bump support band if needed and just walk some of it to break it up a bit :)

My friend and are are still circuit training at 26/27 weeks. We've slowed a lot and are being hyper careful re what we opt in and out of, but we're there! Well, I wasn't on Monday as I've got either mild SPD or a pulled muscle in my groin but, you know...

Saying that, we haven't been doing the shuttle runs bit for quite a few weeks, but I think we still were at 20 weeks so hope you'll be the same and get your 10K in. Good luck!

I've found that I've had to drastically reduce the amount of physical activity I do because of pain and shortness of breath. :/ if you still feel fine there's no reason not to do it, but I stupidly assumed I'd be fine and now feel like a failure. Listen to your body and keep doing whatever you can!