Dr.said no dancing, but running ok

tushjhav · August 2013

so, i was an avid runner before getting preggo. Not a professional, but I ran 5ks. Dr. told me to listen to my body, and its okay to light run, as long as my heart rate is under 140. I teach Indian dancing to kids (ages 3-5) and classes start up again in september (im 5 weeks right now). I asked Dr, and she said its better not to dance incase I pull muscle....but can't that happen with running as well? She also advised me not to run the 5k Im signed up for in mid september...and to walk it instead

Teresa1896 · August 2013

I've always heard that you can continue doing any activity that you did before becoming pregnant, as long as you're comfortable. Sounds like those activities are nothing strenuous for you. Personally I wouldn't worry about it but I would question my doctor a bit more. That suggestion seems very conservative.

kali55 · August 2013

I did zumba throughout my pregnancy with DS. I had to take some extra water breaks sometimes, but I really enjoyed it and no problems for me

NicoleAnne416 · August 2013

That sounds a little conservative to say the least. If you are used to doing both, and if you run 3 miles at a time at least a few times a week already, why not continue as long as you feel up to it? I personally have backed off my running just by listening to my body. I get out of breath quicker now, and the heat has come back so I just take it as I go. Today I only ran about half a mile of my 3 and power walked the rest. Oh well, beats laying on the couch (physically, I'd have rather laid on the couch!).

boxerbabylove · August 2013

I have a friend that ran a full marathon at 7 months pregnant and at 2 weeks overdue she jog/walked a 5k with the hope of going into labor. Baby stayed in another 2 days after the 5k. Not saying she is the norm or anything but she ran every day until the baby was born and then was back out there 2 months post-baby. I think it really differs by person but if your doc says no, get a second opinion cause us internet folk don't know your history.

amhah09 · August 2013

I could maybe understand restricting dancing because of certain movements/twists but in case you pull a muscle?

I've always been told you can continue anything you've been doing. If you're used to running 5Ks then I don't see why running one in first trimester is going to harm you unless you get overheated/heart rate gets too high, in which case it's an issue of perfusion to baby.

pdilly2b · August 2013

Curious how old your doctor is? That seems like advice from decades ago, especially about the 140 hr.

tushjhav · August 2013

I was shocked as well! shes actually quite young, and rated very good here! perhaps she wants to wait till my 1st US?

KacieO · August 2013

When I was a kid, my dance teacher taught until she delivered both of her girls. Competitions and recitals were in April and May and both girls were born in June.