restarting exercise after 12 week scan

[bubbakin]

Hi, I stopped my usual running regime when I found out I was pregnant, but having had our 12 week scan yesterday & finding all is well I am seriously contemplating starting running again. Just a couple of miles a few times a week (was running anything up to 16 miles at a time before pregnant so body is used to it but has had a 7 week break) Do you think it will be ok or not?? Anyone done the same - had a break till found out pg all ok then started up again?

My midwife is of the sort that you shouldn't do anything too excessive & stick to just swimming or a little walk. I won't be running on my own & will walk if I find it hard going.
Thank you

I did this too - stopped my usual running regime (although I was not as serious a runner as you by the sounds of things!) because I had spotting, pain, and all manner of scares in the first trimester (and a previous mc) but am now really annoyed that I was advised not to exercise! From my own research, as far as I can tell, I could have quite safely carried on and it wouldn't have made a difference to the outcome. I have not felt able to start back up after 12 weeks and am sticking to very brisk walking and swimming. But you sound pretty fit - I should think you'll be fine if you just ease yourself back into the regime gradually rather than jumping in at the deep end, so to speak!

I think if you are a seasoned runner you should be fine. I know someone who completed a marathon whilst pregnant (she is super fit though!)

good for you! don't forget to get a V supportive bra though, for when they suddenly start spilling over..

The advice is not to start anything new during pregnancy. If you're a seasoned runner, you should be ok to run - but take it easy (no pushing for distance/PBs). I gave up running at around 12 weeks with DS1 and DS2 as didnt feel comfortable running (as get v hot when I run) - but carried on with other aerobic sports I felt comfortable doing and yoga, weights etc.

I had similar conversations with my midwife, who thought that a gentle stroll and a few slow lengths of breast stroke would be quite enough exercise and that my previous routine of high-impact aerobics, step, body pump and spinning was 'a bit extreme'!!! As it turns out, I started to find high impact stuff quite uncomfortable at around week 16/17 as my bump started to appear, so I have turned to pregnancy yoga and 'gentle' exercise now, but I think as long as you feel well then just carry on. Your body will tell you when it's time to slow down a bit - and if it doesn't then that means it's doing ok and you can carry on! I have known 2 aerobics instructors who carried on teaching high impact classes until the week before delivery, so I think it just depends how you feel.

I personally have not started back up. I stopped when pregnant as I had a mc in January and was just a bit too paranoid. Since then I have had my 12 week scan, but to be honest, now my boobs are too sore, and I get out of breath too quickly and it doesn't feel "right" (it didn't last time either, 4 years ago and I was a full time personal trainer back then). I think it suits some people and others not, esp after a 3 month break. I know it is so important to exercise, but again, personally, I am not sure how great running is when you are pg - all the extra pressure on your ligaments, combined with the relaxin. But that is my opinion. Instead I have started back at the gym, doing stuff that is more low impact - stepper, bike and cross trainer - boring but safe, combined with weight training, brisk 50 minute walks outside, and started a prenatal weekly yoga class today.

You should see how you go - I did contemplate intervals of running and walking, say 30 secs running, 2 mins walking, something like that - you could try something like that and see how it feels. Have fun, when are you due? My EDD is 22 Oct.

Thanks for the advice! I was supposed to be going this evening but have been feeling super sick today so given it a miss - good start!! I do seem to get out of breath just going up & down the stairs in the house, but I want to give running a go. If it's too difficult, uncomfortable or just too tiring then I won't bother & will go on brisk walks instead. Haven't got a gym near by & I'm surrounded by lovely countryside so might aswell make the most of the outdoors & save the pennies!
DG, I'm due 28th Oct. Not sure how they work that out though as I know I conceived on day 16 of my cycle, the same cycle day that I conceived with my DS. However this time round the scan put me 4 days ahead of midwife cycle dates, but with DS it put me 3 days behind!!!
xx

I had a similar break from 8 weeks pg due to illness. I went back to running with reduced mileage and it's been a fascinating experience. There's this intense focus on form and listening to the changes in my body, instead of going for distance and time.

Exercise during pregnancy is still a bit controversial, it depends who you get. The last midwife I saw got very twitchy about my running at 28 weeks. The people with actual experience of physical training have all approved though.

The key thing is that you're an experienced runner. So right now, you know that if it doesn't make you feel good, you should skip it.

Apart from making sure your sports bra fits, check your shoes as well because your feet will change. Your ligaments will soften so more care will be needed while stretching.

Good luck and I hope you'll enjoy running while pregnant as much as I have!

I know, you have to wonder how accurate the 12 week scans are - the sonographer did it so quickly!

I'm 30 weeks and still going - just - although I have just succumbed to a cold and have a feeling that this might result in my retirement until after this baby arrives!

Ran till 30 weeks with DS1 also, but was very uncomfortable by that time (pelvic discomfort) so happily gave it up in favour of cycling. This time around the pelvis is holding up and apart from being slow and finding breathing a little hard (squished lungs) it's OK.

Your body will let you know when / if you need to slow down - it just happens - and there is no evidence that running is bad for you or the baby, quite the contrary - there have been reports that exercise during pregnancy is beneficial to the baby and remains so for many years.

You should head over here and chat to other like minded pregnant running types - nobody understands like another runner

If you are comfortable go for it! Just start off taking it easy, and rest when you need to.

Ladies, I'm supposed to be doing the Moonwalk in 3 weeks, which is a marathon of powerwalking that will take about 7 hrs walking through the night - and just found out I'm pg this week - I'm about 4 1/2 weeks I think and just don't know whether to do it or not?

I've done about about 8x 10 mile+ walks training, I'm relatively fit (running, hockey) but just don't know whether or not this is wise to be doing such a long event at 7 1/2 weeks pg?!!

Advice? my parents and DH think it's fine but have been advised by a friend who had a baby last yr that she got bleeding at 8 weeks from just a 2 mile walk and was told to rest!!

What to do? I've got everyone sponsoring me but with my last pregnancy ending in miscarriage I am uber anxious.

x

Hopeful I was entered for a half marathon run at 10 weeks and GP said not a good idea to me when i sought advice, she said i was fine to run 3 or 4 miles on my own at my own pace but that anything more was foolish - one of those "what if something went wrong, then u would always blame yourself things" I guess you need to weigh up is it worth the risk?

Hevster thanks for replying, I agree with you that long distance exercise presents a risk.

I would definately blame myself if anything happened and I want this pregnancy SO MUCH. I think that answers it, I'll have to develop an illness on the night (I'll probably not have to fake it as I may well be exhausted and nauseous from the pg anyway at that stage).

Its hard trying to find definitive answers on the net on this one because there's lots of advice to continue exercise and stay active - but this isn't just exercise!

Feel really bad that I've got friends, family and colleagues sponsoring me and I'll let the other girls down I'm in a team with but the bean has to come first.

Hopeful reckon not to do it is the sensible option really, folks will understand when they find out the reason why even it is weeks after the event - it's bad to do really physical excersize if you feel a bit crappy so there are a multitude of illnesses that i am sure will surfice - and there's always next year - i was straight back into my running 4 weeks after giving birth last time. The bean defo comes first with u a close second!

Can I ask when ligaments start stretching? I'm only 6 weeks and still going to the gym, but I've had ankle problems over the years and am a bit worried that things will start getting messed up there again. I'm nit running, but X-trainer and bike.

I've been doing the opposite... I'm TTC and started running to build my fitness before PG, specifically so I COULD run in pregnancy (albeit slowly etc). And I plan to run during the first 12 weeks especially. I've had two MCs and have high anxiety and worries and stress and feel that running will be good for me. In fact, I am not sure that severe stress may have played a part in the MCs.

My GP said the only exercise she would not recommend anyone doing in pregnancy was water-skiing. Anyone who's done that before will know why!

I also have a book on running for women which cites all sorts of extremely positive benefits for pregnant women, including shorter labour, quicker recovery, faster weight loss after the birth (although their babies seem on average to have lower birth-weight). Let me know if you want the book title, and I'll dig it out.

I intend to play it by ear, but I do wonder whether those people who have had bad experiences while doing exercise may have been going onto have bad experiences anyway...? As I said, I had two MCs and was doing NO exercise at the time: what would I have thought if I'd been running? For me, controlling stress is a biggie health issue.

I think you have to listen to your body and take good advice.