Should I start running (8 weeks)?

Ace6050 · May 2012

I've run on and off since I was in high school, and am used to long-distances. However, I haven't been running consistently in months. I want to have a fit pregnancy, but am worried about starting a running routine beginning at 8 weeks.

I'll ask my doctor about this at the next appointment, but was wondering if any of you had experience with this? Did you start running/jogging during pregnancy?

I figure I could start with a walk/run some days and do a prenatal yoga DVD other days.

APendola · May 2012

As a general rule, they say that you can continue most fitness routines that you were doing before you were pregnant. If you weren't doing it before you were pregnant, you should check with your doctor first. Running is a very strenuous exercise and this may not be the best time to start. Your doc might suggest something lower impact like power walking, elliptical, stationary bicycle etc.

I was jogging before I became pregnant, but I wasn't doing it as consistently as I had in the past. I found that I had to slow down my work out routine pretty early in pregnancy because I wasn't feeling as physically strong. So I've done more walking and yoga - occasionally the elliptical. But that might not be the case for you.

tamararachel2 · May 2012

I was in a similar boat. For over a year up until about December, I was going to the gym 5-6 days a week. I was all over the place running, spinning, weight training and getting some personal training. However, we ended up moving and I didn't get back into the gym as consistently. It fell to about 3 days a week if I was lucky. Then it just kinda happened occasionally. When I found out I was pregnant in February I stopped working out completely for a few weeks, but after talking with my doctor I got back into it. I did try running back in the end of February and March but it hurt my boobs! So since then I've been on the elliptical. I was told that I need to keep my heart rate at around 150 so that limited me and I figured running would get me over that rate. I've found a few places just by googling that have exercises for pregnant women to help your core stay strong. I would suggest talking with your doctor of course, but at least 30 min of cardio 3 times a week and some light weights. I didn't know that pregnant woman could work their core, but it's actually highly suggested so I'm starting to incorporate that into my workout. Good luck!!