Pregnancy And Baby Care Articles During Pregnancy

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Running is one of the most effective way to prevent excessive weight gain during your pregnancy. Running during pregnancy will give your heart, lungs and body a good workout, in addition to burning off those extra calories.

Risks of Running In Pregnancy

If you are new to running, then pregnancy is not the time to start.


In the same way, pregnancy is not the time to train for strenuous events such as marathons and triathlons. Some of the risks of running during your pregnancy include:

• During the first trimester your baby’s organs are still forming. If your body temperature rises too high it may adversely affect the baby’s development.
• During pregnancy the knee joints loosen. Running puts additional strain on the knees and if you are a beginner you run a higher risk of injury.
• A fall can potentially result in a miscarriage.
• Dehydration due to running is a real danger. Make sure that you drink adequate amounts of water and keep your body well hydrated.

People in any high risk categories are advised to refrain from any form of strenuous activity including running. These high risk categories include:

• Restrictive lung disease
• Persistent second or third trimester bleeding
• Preeclampsia or pregnancy induced hypertension
• Haemodynamically significant heart disease
• Women at risk of premature labor

Consult your doctor before starting a running routine during your pregnancy. If your doctor advises against running, ask him or her to suggest an alternate exercise regimen that will help you keep fit.

Benefits of Running in Pregnancy

Running can benefit a mother in many ways:

• It helps to build stamina and strengthen the muscles, something that will help during delivery
• It helps to prevent excessive buildup of body weight, making it easier for a mother to get back to her pre-pregnancy weight.
• It helps to reduce fatigue
• It may help to reduce the symptoms of morning sickness
• It may help reduce the risk of a c – section
• It may help to prevent the onset of gestational diabetes
• It may help lessen lower back pain
• Healthy mom’s usually have shorter periods of labor
• Regular running helps to promote a sense of well-being and may lower the risk of postpartum depression
• It lowers the risk of developing varicose veins

If you experience any of the following problems then you need to stop running and consult your doctor immediately:
Vaginal bleeding

• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Difficulty breathing especially while resting
• Chest pain
• Swelling in your calves or legs
• Unexplained weakness and fatigue
• Any other abnormalities

Read more articles from the During Pregnancy Category.