Exercising when pregnant....

[Vickymaher83]

I have recently found out I'm 3 weeks pregnant. I run 10k every weekend minimum with 5k every Saturday as well as going to the gym pretty much every day...lifting weights etc. I've read conflicting information about running - can anyone tell me if I'm ok to carry on? If so is it ok? Thanks

[jenna01]

If you’ve been doing it for ages then it’s fine to keep running. I’m not the best to advise on anything else seeing as I continued pole dancing and horse riding and got slated for that, but I’m 16 weeks and everything seems fine so 🤷🏼‍♀️ My advice is just to be sensible and listen to your body!

[bluebug in reply to jenna01]

People forget everyone is different. I think sometimes the risk adverseness goes too far.

I've read that cycling on the road is dangerous as you risk falling yet I know someone who did the Ride London 46 when 6 months pregnant and know/met plenty who have cycled a few miles regulary when pregnant. (I've not since about 8 weeks due to tiredness, and then not being bothered to raise my stem when I got over that.)

I also have in the past met a couple of women who rode horses when pregnant. In fact a foreign friend of mine who is a farmer did when I was with her. I had more trouble then she did as she's been riding horses from a small child.

[jenna01 in reply to bluebug]

Thank you! That’s how I feel too. I’ve always ridden, around 28 years now. My sister rode to the end of her second trimester and a friend of mine all the way through. I know my horse and know the risks. I would never recommend people take up new activities though but I figured all my hobbies are good for pelvic floor so what’s the harm 😂 some people just like the excuse to put their feet up and be lazy but I just can’t do that and I know a lot of people who don’t want to take it easy!

[Hidden]

If you’re used To it and have been doing it regularly before pregnancy that’s absolutely fine. I ran a half marathon 5 months pregnant (got the ok from my midwife) and continued my runs up until around 7 months when I got too uncomfortable. Getting running kit that fitted was a pain! I put sorbothane insoles in my running shoes to help with impact. I would check on lifting weights as I do think there are some risks. Yout midwife will be able to advise.good luck!

[bluebug]

You are fine doing both as you did them before. Just listen to your body and cut back when you need to as you basically have to go into maintenance mode anyway.

In regards to weights - you will have to modify some movements but that's from about 16 weeks. For example you won't be able to lie flat on your back as you will compress a major vessel making it hard for you and your fetus to breathe.

The main thing to watch out for is the fact your ligaments will become lax due to hormones. When they do then you may need to stop doing one exercise or the other to avoid injury. Everybody is different so while some women struggle others are fine.

[Rocky23]

Running is fine if you're used to it, just think maintainance rather than progression and listen to your body, if you're feeling tired/ sick have a day off. In terms of weights check with a trainer but from memory I think the advice is no deadlifts at any point in pregnancy, I can't remember the science behind it though!