Running when pregnant

[peamcgee]

Morning all, I was a good keen runner before I got pregnant. I am 11 weeks pregnant now but haven't run for a few weeks as I have been so exhausted and had barely enough energy to lift my head let alone put on trainers and hit the road. The last couple of days that's lifted and I feel normal! Do you think it's safe to get back into it and go for a gentle run, maybe 3k nothing that's going to break a big sweat, even though I haven't done it for a few weeks?

Hi

Yes your absolutely fine as your already a runner.

I used to run 4/5 times a week 6-8 mile a time. When I was pregnant early on I was too ill to run and couldn't do anything at all.

By 13 weeks I was well enough and started running again but slower and no longer than 7km.
I'm now 26 weeks and still able to run but no longer than 5km.

Just listen to your body and don't push yourself. If you need to stop and fast walk instead go ahead XX

Go for it, you'll feel great!

I was always a once or twice a week runner (plus spin & Pilates) and at 17 weeks I'm back to my normal routine again. I wasn't getting enough sleep during first trimester to do much, so did a bit of walking instead.

I thought I was going to have to build up gradually but I felt fine once I was running so I just kept going 🙂

Definitely, go for it but listen to your body. I've had 3 children, I ran throughout all 3 pregnancies but I just didn't feel comfortable on my 1st, didn't enjoy the running and I stopped in the end.
With my 2nd, my bump was so different, I ran throughout, right up to the end (but more gently). It was great.
When expecting my 3rd, it was hit & miss. I was exhausted a lot of the time, found bump very uncomfortable so running was hard.

So, go with what suits your body, and be prepared to change. I don't enjoy swimming as a form of exercise usually, but loved it in pg & did loads, even while in early labour with my first!

And the best thing is I couldn't wait to get back to exercising after baby's arrival & loved it when I got back, minus bump!

Thanks so much ladies! It helps to have the reassurance and advice from mums who have done it before. X

@peamcgee I would just add that my nipples have been sore running while pregnant, so it hasn't all been plain sailing! It's not my bra or the size, they are just super sensitive. Wearing a wind proof layer has helped

Im 39 weeks pregnant and ran up until around 32 weeks. I ran as far and as fast as I felt physically able to. I slowed right down and stopped entirely when it started to become too much hard work and not enjoyable. Do whatever you feel comfortable with, listen to your midwife and enjoy it for as long as you feel able to do it! I really miss it and can't wait to get back to it once baby arrives.

I'm hoping that if I keep my hand in then going back to it after the birth won't be so bad. I find it's good headspace!
I also want to try and watch my health as I gained 4.5 stone with my first baby!

Now isn’t the time for push through the pain or strive for a PB but otherwise go for it.

I failed miserably at running through pregnancy but was back at parkrun at about 10 weeks post birth (ventouse + epesiotomy) and have at 4 months got consistently fitter despite only getting out once or twice a week. Running is fantastic escapism from 2 kids!