Running in Pregnancy
Pregnant women used to be treated as though they were blown glass. These days we know that regular, stress-free exercise makes for a happier mother to be and a healthier baby, but you have to be sensible. If you ran before you got pregnant, there’s no reason to give up your hobby.
Pregnancy releases hormones into your body that mean your temperature is raised and your metabolism changed. You also find that your ligaments relax in preparation for the stretching of the body caused by pregnancy and birth, this may mean you are more supple but can increase the risk of certain injuries
In the first three months, simply run/walk as you feel best, not more than three times a week, always starting with a brisk walk and only moving into a run when you feel fully warmed up, and don’t do this for more than 20 minutes, giving yourself a rest day afterwards.
After the first three months you may find you feel more relaxed and energetic, so if you are still comfortable, you can step up your training to about 30 minutes.
In the last three months you may find your size tires you easily and you want to step back your training again to 20 minutes. Remember though that regular exercise means.
Labour should be easier because you will be fitter, stronger and have greater cardio-vascular power
Your recovery from giving birth will be quicker
You will gain less excess weight while pregnant.
Also remember that you should:
Never run alone – always run with a friend or in a group so that if you feel you want to stop, you can get home easily
Drink plenty of water - as your body temperature is higher anyway, you’ll dehydrate faster than you’re used to
Listen to your body – never, ever push your running while you’re pregnant, you’ll only tire yourself and distress your baby.
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