Running in the 1st trimester?

MrsTato · May 2010

Hello, I'm a newbie. I just found out I'm pregnant and I have a question about running. I started running in February (between 4-5 miles a few days a week) but took 2 weeks off recently because I was on vacation. This past week, I began running again, then got my BFP. Is it okay to continue my running routine? I'm not a fast runner (more like a jogger) and usually don't run more than 3-4 days a week.

TIA!

izzourclue · May 2010

Continuing your regular exercise routine is fine. Just don't increase intensity or start anything new. You also may want to invest in a heart rate monitor. Your heart rate should stay below 140 bpm. Congratulations!

HappyMommy28 · May 2010

The big thing is to listen to your body. My friend was able to run until 4 months. Me - I got super hot and out of breath quickly. I've had to tone down a lot. I miss pushing myself but Its just time to take it easy with the baby. Many women do it. And if you can, great.

) I'm jealous.

LoveInCowboyBoots · May 2010

Both the PPs are right. Listen to what your body says. I have been walking (usually about an hour to an hour and a half a day) and plan to continue.

Tz's_Bride_2B · May 2010

I run a less mileage than you but pretty much the same story and my doctor encouraged me to keep it up if I could. Pay attention to your body like PP said and enjoy it!

Just went on a run this morning and it felt great!

WestCoastMommy · May 2010

izzourclue:
Continuing your regular exercise routine is fine. Just don't increase intensity or start anything new. You also may want to invest in a heart rate monitor. Your heart rate should stay below 140 bpm. Congratulations!

This, except the heart rate. Your heart rate needs to just stay in the normal range for your age group. You can find a chart at your gym. Mine is around 165-170. That's my regular range when I work out so it's ok. There is a magazine out there called Fit Pregnancy you can get as well.

thatgirl85 · May 2010

First of all, congrats! Second, keep running as long as you feel comfortable (and your doctor ok's it). I've had friends run right up until the end.

I had been training for a marathon when I got my BFP (which I obviously won't be doing now). I've cut back on my long runs, but I'm still doing 2-5 miles about 5 times a week. It's getting hotter and more humid every day here, so I might start cutting back even more.

JoannaJes · May 2010

I have a good friend who is due about a week before me. She started a running regimen about a year before getting her BFP, and she is still going strong. She ran a half-marathon when she was 9 weeks. As long as you did it pre-BFP, you are good to go.

BallSox · May 2010

as long as you're not running through fields of radiation, soft cheese or deli meat, I'd say its ok.

Then again, I'm not your doctor...maybe you should ask them.

CGmommaAmber · May 2010

If you were a runner before, it is actually a good idea to continue. Just keep a liberal pace and don't get overheated. I ran with DD until I was 25 weeks, by then my balance was too off and I needed to stop.

hawaiibride04 · May 2010

I'm a runner, and I was training for a marathon when I got my BFP. I stopped running completely because with the temperatures warming up here I found that my heart rate and body temp were getting high very quickly. (I was more concerned about my body temperature than anything... my OB stressed to me how important it was not to overheat. He's also a marathoner and was coming from that perspective.)

Physically, you can keep running. Do what you've been doing... don't start training for anything or adding mileage.

I live in South Florida, so it was only the weather that made me stop. I could use a treadmill, but... ugh.

SittinUnderAPalmTree · May 2010

I was running pretty much the same mileage as you and also since February. My doctor wanted me to stop for the 1st trimester because I have a history of miscarriage and she doesn't want to take any chances. She said normally she'd encourage me to keep going, but not in this case. I'm bummed about it, but I'd rather have a baby than be able to run!!

sklein625 · May 2010

Exactly. This 140 number pops up a lot I've heard, but I'm a runner and know that 140 would be impossible to stay under when running so I worked with my doctor and am staying under the 160 limit when running.

Just as most girls said, you'll definitely know when your body wants you to stop and take a break!!

GrayGhost13 · May 2010

A good alternative to heart rate (especially if you don't have a HRM) is the breath test. You should be able to comfortably speak at least two sentences while running. If you're too out of breath to speak, slow it down a little or give yourself a little break. If you're an outdoors runner, I would also be careful about heat and staying properly hydrated, but honestly, I think you have to be careful about that even if you're not pregnant. I overdid things last summer and fainted a couple times, so I'm being extra careful this year. Overall though if you train smart and use good judgement you should be fine to run most of your pregnancy (barring any orders from your doc to the contrary, of course).

quidditchcapn1120 · May 2010

My OB encouraged me to keep running and didn't put a limit on my HR. However, around 12 weeks my round ligament pain started preventing me from running as far or long as I would normally do. Just listen to your body.

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