Running while pregnant and bladder pressure

mb314 · April 2012

I am only 19 weeks pregnant, and my belly hasn't gotten really all that big yet. But when I try to run, I get a lot of uncomfortable pressure on my bladder and it feels like I have to constantly pee (and I always make sure to pee right before working out). There is some crampy-like pain in my abdomen, too. As soon as I stop running, I no longer feel like I have to pee.

I usually just run between 3 and 4 miles, and it's worse when I first start out. I find after 15 to 20 minutes, it gets better.

Any runners out there have any suggestions? Do the pregnancy running bands do anything? Is there one someone recommends?

JG362009 · April 2012

Yeah, this definitely happens to me, too. I don't really have any advice and I've never used a support belt. I'm still running at this point in my pregnancy and ran the whole time during the last one. All I can say is that you can take a bathroom break or just try to muddle through it. It can be uncomfortable but I really still enjoy running (or at least trying) during pregnancy so the discomfort is worth it for me.

NHRunner · April 2012

Agreed, it does bother me a bit. I try to not focus on having to go, but also pick routes where I can either make a nature call or there are restrooms I can use if it gets to the point where I really truely have to go. I do have to stop and walk on occassion but usually its more of a side stitch that goes away and then I am fine to keep going. I haven't tried any bands or anything yet.... my stomache doesn't feel that big plus my running capris seem to give some support.

choppinbroccoli22 · April 2012

I used a maternity belt during last pregnancy. I had one for daily wear and one for exercise. I ended up using the daily wear one during exercise anyway because it was more comfortable. The exercise-specific one didn't seem to help lift the baby off my bladder much. Maybe it was too low-profile. You can get the one I used on amazon-- it's called the "mother-to-be" maternity belt. Gotta wear a cotton undershirt or cami under it so it doesn't itch your skin.

It makes a huge difference.

reederah · May 2012

This happened to me a ton when I was pregnant, and I eventually just had to cut down on the amount of time I ran. I'm not sure if this is your case, but with me, I got those cramp-y feeling pains too, which turned out to be mild contractions... my midwife said it was fine that I felt them, but to drink water and cut back on intensity when I did. I didn't run much after mid-second trimester because I got them so much and switched to prenatal yoga and swimming. Anyway, do what feels best for you! GL!

Running while pregnant and bladder pressure

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