It is important to maintain your physical and cardiovascular health throughout your pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends at least 20-30 minutes of exercise a day, 5-7 times a week. Exercise helps to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia (pregnancy induced high blood pressure), pre-term birth and having a baby with high birth weight.
In addition, as any person who runs or exercises knows it can also help to reduce your overall anxiety levels. Not to say that everyone who is pregnant is anxious, but having gone through it myself twice I know there were times that I felt a little anxious about what my new bundle of joy was going to bring me!
First Things First
If you were not a runner before getting pregnant, it is a challenging time to start an activity that requires a lot from your constantly changing body. It may be a better option to start with walking or maintain your current exercise routine (as long as you have clearance from your OB to do so).
If you were a runner before getting pregnant, are having an uncomplicated pregnancy, and your MD gives you the OK you can safely continue to run through some if not most of your pregnancy. It is also important to maintain your strength training program to support your growing belly and pelvis. This is just as important as your cardiovascular health-you need a strong core and hips to support you while you run.
You should be aware that your running may and most likely will change. You may not be as fast or be able to run the same distance, and that is OK! It is very important to listen to your body and not push yourself while you are pregnant. Slow down as needed and give yourself extra recovery days as your body adapts to many musculoskeletal changes.
There are some extra precautions you may want to take into consideration while running during your pregnancy.
During the First Trimester
For me, the first trimester with my first child was the hardest during which to keep motivated to exercise. You may find yourself very fatigued and nauseous. Exercising can help with both fatigue and nausea but that doesn’t make it any easier to build up the energy to do so. Also, if you are not able to keep food down and keep yourself properly nourished, running is probably not the best idea.
Stay Hydrated
It is very important to stay hydrated while you are running. It may be tempting to cut back, especially if your baby is making a couch out of your bladder and you find yourself making more trips to the bathroom. But resist the temptation! Plain water is best and you should monitor your hydration. A quick and easy way to keep track is to check the color of your urine-if its pale yellow to nearly clear you are good, if its darker you need to drink more.
Stay Cool
Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes and try to pick cooler times of the day to run outside. If it’s on the hotter side, choose to run indoors. Make sure you are protecting your skin. Like most parts of your body during pregnancy, your skin is more sensitive. It is best to be extra diligent and wear SPF 30 or greater.
Adjust Your Running Gear
Make sure you are wearing proper shoes to support your ankles and arches. Due to the release of the hormone relaxin (which loosens ligaments during pregnancy) your ankles and arches need more support to avoid any strains or sprains.
You may notice that your pre-pregnancy sports bra is no longer cutting it in the way of support. Most likely it’s just cutting into you and your ever-changing body. If you can find an adjustable, supportive bra that can expand as you do, you’re less likely to have to go back and buy a bigger size.
During the Second Trimester
Most woman will find that the nausea and fatigue of the first trimester is gone by the second and they have more energy to exercise. That’s great, but just remember that pregnancy is still not the time to push yourself.
Watch Your Heart Rate
Make sure that you are always able to breathe comfortably and that you are maintaining 60-80% of your max heart rate. Pre- pregnancy a quick way of figuring out your heart rate max is take the number 220 and subtract your age. During pregnancy you should be between 60-80% of that to be safe. Again, always check with your OB.
Watch Your Balance
You may notice a decrease in your overall balance during your second trimester. Due to the shift of your center of gravity from your growing belly, you may find yourself being off balance when you never did pre- pregnancy. It is best to pick running trails that are straight and even, without many natural obstacles that may cause a fall, or use a treadmill.
As your pregnancy progresses and relaxin continues to release throughout your body, you may become more aware of your low back, hips or sacroiliac joint. Maintaining a strong core and hips can help to prevent or alleviate some of this discomfort. You can also try using a pregnancy support belt to take some pressure off these areas.
During the Third Trimester
During your third trimester you should continue to be as careful as you were during the first two. Always listen to your body and do not push yourself. Most runners (myself included) find themselves slowing down considerably during the third trimester. Personally, once I felt my growing stomach jumping up and down while I was running I chose to do a fast walk instead. But if you are feeling good and have the OK from your MD, running can continue throughout your third trimester.
If you feel any of the following symptoms during any part of your pregnancy, you may be pushing too hard and it might need to ease up on your exercise routine:
- Feeling exhausted after working out, rather than getting a post-workout pick-me-up
- Pain in your joints or ligaments after a run
- Muscle soreness that exceeds the normal time frame or intensity related to your run
- An increase in your resting HR for a longer period post-running
If you feel any of the following symptoms you should stop running and call your OB:
- Feeling dizzy or faint
- Chest pain, contractions or vaginal bleeding
- Unusual persistent pain
- Unusual shortness of breath
- Fluid leaking from your vagina
- Muscle weakness affecting your balance
- Calf pain or swelling
Pregnancy is a beautiful time and for most, a great opportunity to keep your body in shape and healthy. The most important things are not to push yourself and listen to your body. Running will always be there for you when you are ready for it!
Anna Ribaudo PT, DPT, OCS, CAPP-OB, CKTP is the Clinical Supervisor at the HSS Integrative Care Center. She is a certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner and was awarded the Certificate of Achievement in Pregnancy/Postpartum Physical Therapy by the American Physical Therapy Association.
