running in pregnancy

[cavabienmerci]

I have been running for about a year now, usually 6 or 7k, 3 or 4 times a week. I have just discovered I am 6 weeks pregnant with dc3 and am debating whether or not it is safe to continue. The main reason I am anxious is due to the fact that I bled throughout most of the first trimester with dcs 1 & 2 (had not taken up running at this point either). A friend has mentioned stopping for the first trimester, walking instead, then resuming my running in the second trimester. Any advice?

I was told it was perfectly safe (had been running 3-4 times a week for 6 months of up to 12K) but gave up as soon as I found out I was pregnant. I had had a previous m/c and it had then taking me a couple of years to get pregnant so I knew that if I carried on I would only worry. But that was about me rather than the safety of it IYSWIM. Within a couple of weeks though I didn't have the energy to do it and felt sick most mornings when I would have had the time. By second trimester I'd already developed a bump so wouldn't be comfortable.

Plenty of people on here have though.

There was a website, running-on-full, something like that. Lots of good info, you don't have to watch your heartbeat, you safely can continue with what you're already used to provided there are no other contra-indications (medical conditions, etc).

I kept running to the end of two pregnancies with no ill effects. Overheating is the main risk, followed by dehydration. Being too tired, excess sun (unlikely this time of year) and joint strain come into it, too, although these just affect you, not really the baby.

Just listen to your body, go with what feels fun, don't overdo it.

Thanks for the replies. Wheelybug, I understand completely how you feel as I stopped gym classes in my last two pregnancies because of similar reasons. This time though, I really enjoy running and feel it has become part of my life and would miss it too much if I stopped.
Peanutbutterkid, you have really reassured me and told me just what I wanted to hear! Will have a hunt for the website too. Well done you, running through both pregnancies.

there's another thread on here about it which I'll try and find. Gist is take it steady, try and keep pulse at 145-150 or less, dont do more than 45 min in one hit and take plenty or water/a snack. I'm crap at running but still doing a good cardio sesh for 50 mins at gym with no ill effects at 24 weeks, MW not fussed. I did lay off for a bit really early on on a/c of 2 MC's before, but I honestly dont think exeercise would have made a jot of difference in my case. Do remember the hormones relax all you ligaments so you'll be injury prone if not careful. You'll get more out of puff and have to work harder as you blood plasma increases, so dont expect a PB!

this is the best link - from the royal college of obs and gynae

CAva - I am surprised how much I'm missing it tbh. I thought I would think 'phew, I have a good excuse now' but I went to watch a friend in a 10K run at the weekend because we had signed up to do it together and I did feel a pang of envy (but don't get me wrong - would much rather be pg !). It makes me hopeful that I'll get back in to it soon (ish) after the baby is born and am hopefully being passed on a buggy I can run with.