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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Pregnancy exercise - running - help!

22 replies

hannahp7 · 28/04/2019 18:36

EVERYONE is telling me different - my PT, books, NHS website and now midwife....

I am 15 weeks, and before pregnancy did a weekly park run (PB 23min) and was in the gym at least 3 times a week. In the early days I had a bit of bleeding which made me nervous, so I cut back and mainly did a LOT of walking...

I've starting back twice a week at the gym which I've modified with consistent advice... However, my question is - can I get back to Park running? My midwife said no running AT ALL after 12 weeks, but can't find anything to back this up. I also read a lot of 'if you did it before it's ok now' - so has my 10 weeks 'off' scuppered this? My PT says I can absolutely continue as normal and they are fully anti and postnatal qualified...

Anyone with previous experience advice greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance xx

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

bobble53 · 28/04/2019 18:39

Paula Radcliffe did it!

SummerHouse · 28/04/2019 18:41

Good shoes good bra even terrain. Yes absolutely. But I would take it a bit slower and ease in gently.

snowflakeeel · 28/04/2019 18:44

My SIL ran up and down hills throughout her pregnancy.

maidenover · 28/04/2019 18:50

I’ve done a couple of parkrun’s whilst pregnant but had to stop due to spd, but I volunteer most weeks and pregnant women are not unusual, there was one on Saturday who was 38 weeks (I was so jealous when I realised).

There was also a study carried out into running in pregnancy using data collected from pregnant parkrunners. You can read about it here blog.parkrun.com/uk/2018/04/05/pregnancystudy/

Cannyhandleit · 28/04/2019 18:53

I ran very regularly until I couldn't anymore at 8 months! My doctor said as long as I was just doing what I was already used to and not increasing then it would be fine! I did park run ever week and a 5k through week! Speak to your doctor!

ELM8 · 28/04/2019 19:00

I was told I could carry in running as I was running before but not to increase distance etc very surprised you were told no running at all.

As it happens I've stopped as my boobs are too sore

lljkk · 28/04/2019 19:22

I ran until 39 weeks ... several threads on MN with other ppl saying similar.

Basic rules are: Don't overheat, don't dehydrate, don't get exhausted.

scratchbass · 28/04/2019 20:50

Of course you can run! Unless there is some medical reason for you personally being advised not to?

My midwife advised to do any exercise that I did prior to pregnancy, but adjust expectations. At 24 weeks I'm still comfortable with running and spin, although I did a lot less for first 12 weeks it wasn't hard to get back into the swing of things. I just go for a walk if I'm not well rested.

Teddybear45 · 28/04/2019 20:55

I think as you stopped in the first trimester it doesn’t count as previously doing it. You could seriously hurt yourself as you haven’t run for 10 weeks. Could you not walk instead?

gossipgirl28 · 28/04/2019 20:55

I stopped running 2 weeks ago at 31 weeks as I started feeling a bit heavy so I now power walk instead.
Running was fine by my midwife and encouraged to stay fit. I just adapted my speed and length. X

PaulHollywoodsSexGut · 28/04/2019 20:59

Look, if you’re getting 23mins for 5K and a gym bunny I’d guess that your baseline physical fitness is good enough that you could easily trot round a Parkrun every Saturday morning.

Unless you have an identified risk such as low lying placenta/joint displacements etc why would your MW say no running??

Just ffs get a decent running bra. I had to wear two, one over the other when boobies went up to an F.

Weathergirl1 · 28/04/2019 21:18

Hi OP!

I'd agree with PPs, 23' for 5k is a pretty good time for a woman so you sound like you were much fitter than average before you got pregnant! I've been reading a book called 'The Pregnant Athlete' which is for those who do decent amounts of training (the author came 2 in class in a sprint triathlon at, I think, 6 months!). You should be fine going back to running as long as you build it back up again slowly - your body won't have completely forgotten how to move!

I would want to know why the midwife told me that though, especially as it's against the general consensus (it would raise concerns to me that she wasn't up to date with current thinking and research - and maybe not just in this area).

Good luck OP!

AuntieStella · 28/04/2019 21:24

I wouid be wary if going against advice of a MW who knows your individual medical history.

That said a bimble around a Parkrun is normally considered pretty safe -especially for those who ran regularly before - couid you try doing it at a walk and maybe a bit of gentle trotting? Volunteer as tailwalker?

(You can't barcode your infant until they are 4, btw)

Saharafordessert · 28/04/2019 21:28

I’m a PT and I agree with your PT!
Just remember to watch your hydration levels and be careful not to overheat.

AnchorDownDeepBreath · 28/04/2019 21:51

In terms of spinal surgery, anything that I haven't done within 6 weeks doesn't count as being "current", so I can't do it until I've recovered. I don't know if it's the same for pregnancy, but if it is, you could carry on walking and things but the 10 weeks off would make running a bit dodgy.

Would you be happy running slowly? A sort of jog, so you're not hitting 23 mins but you're keeping fit?

RMarieClaire · 28/04/2019 22:04

What!? I ran till 25 weeks, then my belly got to heavy. Now I walk/jog mix or power walk.

I'm 30 weeks now and feel too big to do anything that involves jumping but still do resistance workouts 2 or 3 times a week. Everything I've read says do as much as you can but listen to your body. If your pregnancy is low risk, you will be fine.

Enjoy that park run as long as you can, just know you won't be setting any PBs till you're postpartum!

ScreamScreamIceCream · 28/04/2019 22:13

@AuntieStella you really think a midwife has your full individual medical history?

They don't. They have a basic snapshot of it.

The booking midwife I had gave me advice that would have put my health in jeopardy because she was only interested in following NHS guidelines. For various reasons I knew to ignore her before the consultant obstetrician I was seeing indicated she was talking rubbish.

OP I've found over the years healthcare workers unless they have an interest in sport themselves or are qualified in sports medicine, give out poor advice on exercise.

AuntieStella · 28/04/2019 22:32

I think the MW is likely to know a considerable about about the particular pregnancies in her caseload, including the reasons for the bleeding, if there are any other issues, test results, and has access to the recorded relevant medical history in the notes etc

OP! If you are under consultant care, like the previous poster, then that is the person you should ask (and agree that MW should in that case not have been making recommendations) And if you think your MW does not have sufficient info on your health in pregnancy, perhaps you need to see about getting your notes updated to reflect any important issues clearly and concisely.

peanutbutterkid · 30/04/2019 22:16

I agree with AuntiStella... but OP did make it wound like it was MW's blanket advice for all pg women, not specific to OP.

MakeLemonade · 30/04/2019 22:25

I know someone who ran the marathon on Sunday (in under 4.5 hours) at 24 weeks pregnant, as long as you’re used to it and listen to your body it’s fine!

nickyXjayno · 01/05/2019 06:57

My widwife said as long as you were a regular runner pre pregnancy and it it's something your body is used to then you can run. But listen to body and don't push self outside of comfort zone

Thismummyruns · 01/05/2019 10:52

I ran until 24 weeks and only stopped due to life circumstances and piriformis muscle pain plus I was too bloody knackered! I've since done parkrun & just walked it.

Let your body lead you

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