Running when Pregnant

According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), exercising at least 30 minutes a day during pregnancy can benefit your health in the following ways:

•      helps reduce backaches, constipation, bloating and swelling
•      may help prevent or treat gestational diabetes
•      increases your energy
•      improves mood and posture
•      promotes muscle tone, strength and endurance
•      helps you sleep better 

Pregnancy is not the time to start a new exercise regimen, but if you've been running all along and have a healthy, low-risk pregnancy, there should be no reason to stop.  Consult with your doctor, however, to be sure.  You may have to modify your routine--reduce your time and mileage--as your pregnancy progresses, but staying active is a great way to navigate the emotional ups and downs of pregnancy, and keep your weight gain under control.

As your belly expands, running does become more difficult.  Your center of gravity shifts and joints loosen up, so you'll need shoes with good support.  You may want to invest in a maternity support belt.  Available in retail department stores, these belts are made of soft wide elastic that passes underneath the belly, reducing weight on the lower back and lifting the belly.  Adjustable velcro closures allow the belts to be worn throughout the entire pregnancy.

If you experience any of the following symptoms while exercising, stop immediately and consult your doctor before continuing:

• vaginal bleeding
• dizziness or feeling faint
• increased shortness of breath
• headache
• chest pain
• calf pain or swelling
• uterine contractions
• muscle weakness
• decreased fetal movement
• fluid leaking from the vagina 

Enjoy running for two while you can.  Pay close attention to signals from your body and don't try to push it.  Being pregnant is temporary, so if you have to give up running, don't despair.  Before you know it, you'll be back on the road.  You might be pushing a stroller and have nursing pads in your sport bra, but you'll be running again someday, for sure.

LACE UP and take that kid for a ride!

Assignment for the day:  run 35 minutes today--an easy one.