Any runners?

kmw722 · January 2014

hello, I'll be 21 weeks with fraternal twins on Sunday. I'm a runner and I've kept up my running - 20 miles a week so far. Obviously I am much slower. My doctor said its ok as long as I can hold a conversation while running so that I'm not taking oxygen away from the babies.How long were you able to run? I 've been having burning calf pain, but that's my only issue. I do get slight vaginal pain, not while running, which just started. That makes me think they should be checking my cervix, which they haven't done yet. Of course the babies are my main concern but I would like to stay active as long as possible. What did you do? Thanks!

pillowass · January 2014

I switched to walking during my pregnancy but managed to go 3 miles a day until around 25 weeks when I was put on restricted activity due to shortening cervix. If you are 21 weeks they should definitely be checking, btw. Although it's possible they checked at your a/s and didn't mention it because it wasn't a concern.

Honestly, the pregnancy totally wrecked my body for awhile - I had abdominal muscle separation which required a few months of PT to correct, then more PT for knee pain which for me is something that has happened after both pregnancies. So I wasn't back to really running again until my twins were about 6 months old. Then when they were almost a year I ran my fastest ever 10K, so I can say that I am more or less back to normal.

If you go full term or close to it, you definitely won't be able to keep up with the level of activity you are used to. It's probably best to make your peace with this fact. I could barely walk to the car during my last 3 weeks of pregnancy! My other advice is to get a prescription for PT at your 6-week PP visit. Chances are you will need some help getting your core strength back, which is important for running. Good luck!

kbarn20 · January 2014

I'm impressed! I had to stop running at the end of my first trimester due to spotting. I was super slow then, I cannot imagine running at 20 weeks or further! You are a rock star!!!! So, no advice from me, but I wanted to give you some kudos! Man, I miss running!

Mountainchaser · January 2014

I have always been athletic and started running when I was 5, so running was something my body was used to doing. I was able to run until 28 weeks then I switched to eliptical, swimming, and spinning. My doctor was aware of my activity level and checked my cervical length with ultrasounds (but mostly to give me piece of mind since I am a NICU nurse). There is not a whole lot of research about exercising during twin pregnancy, Dr Eric Clapps book "Exercising through your pregnancy" only has about 2 paragraphs in the entire book about it. He did follow 5 women who were carrying twins, four continued to run without complication and the other decided not to run during her pregnancy. Staying active made me feel better and stronger. My labor was short, and I was able to start running 10 days later. Everybody is different though! Definately listen to your body! I drank tons of water, ate a ton of calories - focusing on protein and full fat foods. I had only a slight diastasis recti that I have been able to close doing specific core exercises for that area.

basil2 · January 2014

I'm 21 weeks (mono-di) and had to stop a few weeks ago. I just reach a point where my abdominal wall muscles can't handle it and it becomes too painful to run (was around 24 wks in my first pregnancy, but that was with a singleton). I switched over to walking, but we've had terrible ice where I live lately, so a week ago I got a temporary membership at the gym so I can swim (which feels really good). (I'll go back to walking as well once it's safer.) Keep going as long as you don't push too hard and it feels okay, but you'll likely hit a point where suddenly it just won't work. (And I find walking and swimming can be really helpful.)

carrotcake06 · January 2014

I quit right after I got pg. It was Dec and I live where it gets cold. I felt like a pile of poo, so going for a run in 20* weather just wasn't up there on things I wanted to do during first tri.

I had a c/s and started running 6wks pp. I've had fits and starts. I work FT and have a 3.5yo. No one STTN, and it's cold and dark again, so I've been a slacker.

My "back in the groove again" race is a 10miler in May. I can't wait.

SWA80 · January 2014

Good for you! When my u/s showed mo di twins, I was told no more running. I continued to walk some until about 25 weeks. I have been inconsistent since having the babies on 8/29. It is so much harder to find time than I expected it to be.

LittleLady77 · January 2014

I wish. I got put on light duty very early in pregnancy. Good for you!

Incrediblelife · January 2014

I also wish! By 8 weeks I started getting Braxton Hicks just from walking too fast! Never mind running! Can't wait to get back to it for my sanity!

Evee30 · January 2014

I had my babies at 38.1 weeks. I was able to run (incredibly slowly) until about 20 . At that point everything was just too heavy. I couldn't speak during a run and I tired fast. I continued to walk with my dog until about week 24 and then I became inconsistent. Walking was causing contractions so I stopped long walks. By week 32 I wasn't doing much of anything, I could barely grocery shop .Walking had become painful so I became a couch potato... I can't wait to be able to run again. But listen to your body!!! Don't stress yourself. If there is ever a time to relax, this is it. It was hard to realize that I had to stop, but I was able to hold onto my babies for a long time, and begged for an induction (doc figured I could do 39- 40 weeks!!). They are healthy and strong. My body is bouncing back quickly (had babies 3 weeks ago, 10lbs left to go before pre-preg weight) and I'm excited to get back to my workouts

kmw722 · January 2014

Thank you, everyone! I actually didn't know they did cervix checks through ultrasound. I will ask about that at my MFM appointment. I ran with my last pregnancy (singleton) until 40w4days (the day I went into labor!) I know I won't be doing that this time. I will continue to run as long as it feels good, but I anticipate dropping my mileage soon anyway. It's difficult now to drag myself out of bed at 5:30 before my 2.5 year old is up just to get a run in! Plus I feel so heavy, and I'm only up 13 lbs. I can't imagine how it will feel to run once I'm 30 lbs. +. I only gained 25 with my singleton.

cukimerrydoll · January 2014

I quit at week 16 due to complications with the babes. I've been on modified bad rest since then (which is a horrific change), and I really pay attention to my body's signals. Any tightness or soreness and I make sure to relax. I wish I could say I was still running, but I can do some yoga so that switch has helped me, and may not be a terrible alternative if needed.

SmallCityLiving · January 2014

I ran until week 13 when I had some heavy bleeding and I was put on pelvic rest and told not to do anything to raise my heartrate. At week 18 I was cleared to go back to light exercise and I now swim, do yoga, and some light strength training. I definitely feel better now that I'm back to something but I do miss running. Babies are due in April so hopefully it will be warm and light and I can jump back into it quickly.

BeesKnees181 · January 2014

I am coming up on 21 weeks now, and haven't run much during my pregnancy (with the exception of a few short trail runs in the beginning of the first trimester...before I became ill 24/7 with MS). I dearly miss running, but at this point, I think I would pee myself if I tried running. My belly is getting big FAST, and there is a lot of pressure on my bladder. Prenatal yoga and the Tracy Anderson pregnancy dvds have been my go-to these days. In the meantime, I will build my anticipation for a good run post-pregnancy.

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