Running And Pregnancy should Pose No Problem.
Read On To See How You Can Benefit From Running While Pregnant
Running and pregnancy just don’t seem to go together, however you don’t need to sit in a rocking chair for nine months and do no running. You also can,t continue to run marathons. So what to do?
For starters Listen to your body and consult with your doctor.
The following guidelines are based on information from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
- Consult with your doctor before continuing running.
- Don’t try and train harder, be prepared to cut back and don’t train until you are exhausted.
- Exercise about 3 times per week, for 20 to 30 minutes. Use the “Talk Test” while running. You should be able to hold a conversation while you run.
- Don’t get overheated, drink plenty of liquids.
- Stop competing, run for fun and don’t strain.
- Do slow, gradual stretching exercises before and after your run.
- Don’t try and lose weight, you need a balanced diet for you and your baby
- No strenuous exercise
- Do not run if you have a fever or in hot, humid weather
- A lightweight maternity girdle will support your back and ligaments. Support stockings can also help to make you feel more comfortable
- Stop and walk for ligament or joint pains, or Braxton-Hicks contractions
The biggest benefit of running and pregnancy is psychological. you will feel that regular exercise allows you control over your body at a time when it is changing daily. It also gives you a chance to relax and maintain a positive image.
Postpartum running
There are a lot of stories of women who have achieved their best results after giving birth, and of course thanks to running it won’t be long before you regain your figure. Your new baby will of course be the most important thing in your life, but when you do hit the streets again here is some advice to consider.
- Check with your doctor before starting to run again
- Wait at least 4 weeks before you run again, it takes time for your body to return to somewhere near normal
- Don’t worry if your first run feels like the last few miles of a marathon, with regular training you will get back into shape
- If you begin to exercise and start to bleed stop, give yourself more time to recover
- Fatigue is common for new mothers, take a nap instead of training
- Nursing mothers need a lot of fluids
- You will need good breast support
- Maintain excellent nutritional habits and don’t try to rush weight loss
For your own sanity you may want to make your running time sacred. Get a commitment from your spouse or baby sitter so that you can run. you will cherish this time alone to run and feel free.
