I'm 27 1/2 weeks pregnant. I still run, but I'm finding that on most days I have to take more and more walk breaks. I know that carrying extra weight makes running more difficult, but I'm only gaining about 1/2-3/4 lb/week and I started at a normal weight for my height. Can anyone shed light on why running gets harder?
I feel stupid for asking, but I'm trying to figure out the scientific reason. Is it just the weight or is the task of creating life really THAT tolling on the body?
Re: Pregnancy and running - getting harder
I'm still (barely) running- about 20 mins every other day (then walking for another 25-30mins) and walking on alternating days.
My reasons for taking walk breaks vary- sometimes it's bladder pressure, sometimes it's lightning crotch (shooting cervical pains), sometimes I'm just tired, and lately my feet have been cramping (I think they are swelling a bit). Sometimes I think the normal pressure on your body of carrying extra weight in one location is compounded by the bouncing of running...and bladder pressure and fatigue and swelling don't help.
All that said, I would keep it up as long as possible. My bump is still pretty small. I only started having back pain the past few days and I haven't really had much swelling. Mostly I've felt great and I attribute that in large part to my ability to keep exercising.
GL!
i've noticed it's gotten harder for me, too. the baby requires oxygen, i can tell that i need it more when i run than i used to, so i end up going slower, so that my breaths are steady so that we both get enough oxygen. there's also an increase in blood supply, which makes our heart rate go up faster than normal. the added weight we're carrying also slows us down (atleast for me!)