Pregnancy and running

Keeping fit during pregnancy is essential but it's equally important to know which types of exercises don't combine very well with a fetus. Some sports, like scuba diving and bungee jumping, are definitely out. Others are more of a gray area, OK only in certain circumstances. Running is one of those. When is running during pregnancy OK, and what should you know before you put your sneakers on?

Continuing your current regime during pregnancy Women who have been running for ages, and are really fit, can probably continue their regime once they are expecting a baby. But caution is advised pregnancy does put some strain on your body, and your joints will be looser than normal. Sports injuries are therefore more likely, and overheating is another concern as it may be dangerous for your developing fetus. Those women who do choose to continue running should pay attention to warning signs like fatigue or light-headedness, and should take more care than usual to stay well hydrated and to wear high-quality running shoes. A belly band can be useful for supporting your baby bump, and you'll also need a great sports bra, as pregnancy breasts tend to be heavier and sometimes painful. Depending on how you feel, you may also want to discuss modifications to your mileage with your OBGYN during prenatal appointments.

New to running? Pregnancy is not a good time to begin running. Brisk walking is fine, but commencing running when you're not used to it equals inviting a sports injury. Swimming, cycling, and low-impact aerobics are all great ways to stay in shape during pregnancy. Of course, running a marathon is a bad idea. You shouldn't worry about running to catch a bus, or other short incidents, though. If you want to start running, around six weeks postpartum is a great time to start. Wonder what will happen if you do run during pregnancy? Read one amazing story woman gives birth after marathon!