3rd Trimester Runners

mamarunner

I've been running throughout my entire pregnancy and at 31 weeks, have yet to really alter my routine.  I'm still running 6 miles per day Monday-Thursday and 6-8 miles on Saturdays.  Sure it's getting tougher and the bathroom breaks are becoming more frequent, but I still feel pretty good.  Today at my appoinment my doctor was shocked to hear that I was still running and told me that I need to switch to a different type of exercise.  She said she's worried about me falling and the high impact could lead to placental abruption.  I was devastated and could feel myself tearing up.  The running keeps me sane and I assumed I would be able to continue the running until MY body said enough is enough.  I've had a picture-perfect pregnancy, so I don't understand why I can't continue to listen to my body.  Any other 3rd trimester runners out there that are still running with or without your doctor's consent?  Obviously I know I should listen to my doctor, so please no bashing.  I'm just interested in hearing what others have been told.  Thanks! 

OpheliaChem

Wow 6 miles a day! That's awesome! I ran through my entire pregnancy, although I was only doing 3 miles at the end and some days I had to run/walk. My doc was surprised I could run at 38 weeks (when I delivered) but she never told me to stop. If you feel good, have no pain/bleeding, why stop? In the end, I'm so glad I ran the whole time because I'm 5 weeks PP and I still can't run because I had a 3rd degree tear during delivery. Take advantage of running now in case its a few weeks until you can run after your LO is here!

mrsredrox

I think it's awesome that you're still running that much that far into your pregnancy! Although I'm not in my third tri, I fell during a 5k and my MW & OB urged me not to run anymore. I'm having a picture perfect pregnancy and felt like crying when they said that since running keeps me sane and keeps my weight in check since I eat like the end is coming soon. After taking a few days off I realized that I can still run just as long as I run A LOT slower, watch where I'm going (the reason why I fell) and cut down my mileage to reduce the risk of my chances of falling since I won't be out that long.

I ran tonight and it felt amazing! I plan to continue running but when I start to notice my center of gravity being off I'll just take it indoors and run on the treadmill. Have you tried that? You're still running but playing it a little more "safe".

blu-eyedwife

Granted I'm not at 31 weeks, but my OB and Nurse Practitioner told me in the beginning I could continue to run throughout the entire pregnancy.  They even greenlighted me doing a half marathon at 3 months pp, if the labor is uncomplicated.  The goal is to have me back out and running a couple weeks after.

mamarunner

Thanks for your responses, ladies!  You've all made me feel a lot better.  I can't imagine quiting cold turkey, so I think I'll continue to listen to my body, rest when I need to rest, and take it from there.  I know that I won't be able to run for awhile postpartum, so I agree with taking advantage of it now.  Good luck to the rest of you and happy running  

melaniedel

I would listen to your doctor and maybe switch it up to spinning and powerwalking. Thats what I did at 6 months when I did have a fall while running (thank God I landed on knees and palms, but still hit the ground really hard). It was hard to stop and can't wait to put my running shoes back on, but still work out everyday and feel and look great. I am not chancing an injury or anything happening to my baby. After I fell, I was more scared than I have ever been and don't want to feel that way again. I hope I am not being a debbie downer, but have been there and know how it all feels.

july29bride

I ran 5 miles 6 days a week up until 34 weeks and then switched to 3 miles a day 6 days a week (really slow). I am almost 38 weeks and my dr. said that it is awesome that I have kept it up thus far. I plan on running until I deliver! I feel really slow but it has def. helped me with having no back pain and just feeling healthy!

fostermurphy

I until 40+ weeks with my first pregnancy. Even extra the last few days because I was overdue This pregnancy I run 4-5 days a week with a 9-12 mile run on the weekend. I am set to run a half at 23 weeks. I plan on keeping it up until the end!!!!

jntaylor11

Kudos to you, I jogged the other day just a little ways to smtg and felt the urge to pee every time a foot hit the ground:-/ do you have access to a pool? I have been swimming laps, it's very good cardio and zero impact...

natalie202

I ran all the way to the end of my pregnancy with my MW's blessing. Beyond the standard "listen to your body", she just warned me that as I approached the end of my pregnancy, I needed to be aware that my changing center of gravity and the increasing looseness of my joints might increase my risk of falling and/or injuring myself if I wasn't careful, so I should choose my running routes and pace accordingly and make sure I was paying attention to my running surface. She also told me that every time she delivers a woman who successfully runs all the way to full term, she makes herself go to the gym every day for a week, no excuses allowed. =D

SFAug07

I am still running 8 miles a day, daily and more on Saturday and Sunday. I did so with my DD1 throughout the entire pregnancy until 40 weeks when she was born. I was never told to stop running but I also never asked. Good luck!