I’m linking up with the ladies from Tuesday on the Run! Marcia, Patty and Erika host the weekly link up and awesome running bloggers participate. Check them out too!
I was in the best shape of my life and just completed my first half marathon when I found out I was pregnant with my firstborn. Now I’m in the 3rd trimester with baby boy #2. As an avid runner, I always try to maintain a training plan during my pregnancies. It changes to maintenance mode, instead of a focus on progression, and I definitely cut back on mileage. I admire the Moms who PR while pregnant, but that just isn’t me.
I’d love to say running while pregnant is just “peachy” and joyful. That would be HUGE LIE…
In the first trimester, you’ve got plenty of carbs to burn because you can only stomach saltines, but you’d rather sleep than pound pavement. In the second trimester, you suddenly feel like yourself and go out for a run, only to realize your bladder just isn’t the same. By the third trimester, you’re running on a prayer, just trying to gather up any remaining lung power. Yea- that sums it up.
Running while pregnant isn’t easy and it’s an uphill battle. I’ve got a few solutions to help you with the most challenging aspects of pregnancy running. We’ve been all been there, Mama!
Tips for Pregnancy Running Problems
1- You’re Nauseated and Exhausted…
Try switching your workout time. I was most nauseated in the morning and I was exhausted by the evening. Short workouts in the afternoon worked for me. It’s the beginning of planning your life around your kid.
2- Growing Breasts
Oh boy- this is can be a “big” problem. Invest in a new sports bra that fits properly. If you put off buying one, chafing will become your next issue or (worse) back pain. Think of it as a preventative measure and worth the money!
3- Bladder Leakage
Empty your bladder before you run and wear a panty liner. If you run outside, plan your route with a bathroom nearby. Last thing you want to do is run with a full bladder, but be sure to stay hydrated. Avoiding liquids won’t help.
4- Loss of Lung Power
As the baby grows, your lungs get squished. Taking walking breaks helps me catch my breath. If you use a running coach, ask for a modified plan. It’s ok to drop your pace or add intervals. Listening to your body is key.
5- Growing Feet
My feet grew a 1/2 size when I was pregnant with firstborn. I always wear running shoes that are one size bigger from my normal shoe size, but I need a wider shoe while pregnant. Just like the sports bra, this is a necessary expense. If you ignore the issue, you could cause long term foot injuries or blisters.
6- Joint Aches
I like to keep it “all natural” while pregnant. I use a foam roller to release muscle tension and sports tape, on my belly, for any round ligament pain. The sports tape provides support to my abdomen and the foam roller is a great way to release the muscle tension.
Moms are individual and each pregnancy is different, but we can all agree that running while pregnant has some challenging aspects. Just take it one step at a time and one trimester at a time!
Disclaimer: Please consult your doctor before any workout regimen while pregnant. I am not a healthcare professional, but these tips work for me during my pregnancies as a runner.
Oh girl! You rock. And yes, I remember all of these challenges. I had to stop running around 6 months and then move to the elliptical. You look great!
Way to go e keeping up with running while pregnant. That definitely sou da like a challenge in itself.
I seriously applaud you for keeping up your running while pregnant! Looks like you’ve offered some great tips!
Oh man, if I ever get pregnant – no running for me. I will keep on elliptically… And walking! I feel like running would just feel SO SO SO weird! ha!
Great tips! I love to exercise and always tried to take it a little easier while pregnant!
Wow, you are a power mum. I could not imagine going running while pregnant, I would be too scared that it would shake the baby, or worried I could fall. I always worry so I envy women who still continue with their interests and are aware of the best safety measures.
Thanks for sharing this info! Super important for running moms-to-be!
I was so fit when I was pregnant with my first child! Then again, I was much younger than I was with my second. I learned that even walking daily makes a huge difference.
Good tips. I needed some of these even though I am a walker. It is great to keep up with exercise during pregnancy and also give yourself some grace when you are just too tired.
Good for you love!! Thanks for sharing your experiences with us <3
I recognize and suffer many of those problems, oh wait, I’m not pregnant, I’m OLD! HA. I rode my bike when I was pregnant (long time ago) and balance was my big issue the larger I got!
Wow this is a lot to take in! You have a lot of good advice for pregnant runners. I liked the one. About the bra!?
Wow, good for you that you are still running even when you are pregnant. The only exercises I did when I was pregnant were swimming and walking.
God it must be so difficult running when you are in your third trimester but well done for sticking to it. I like that in your second semester you planned it around when you had the most amount of energy.
My friend ran all the way up to when the baby was born, although she did slow her pace down and wore some kind of support for her belly. Good advice for all those considering this and of course, check in with your doc!
I did a lot more walking when I was pregnant than running, but my favorite thing to do was swim, it felt amazing and helped keep the swelling down in my feet. Great job on continuing to run 🙂
Oh gosh, I admire YOU! I’ve had two babies and although I was active with both, I didn’t run past the first tri- in fact I can’t even fathom it ? between the boobs and the growing feet I just couldn’t! Love your tips tho, if only I had those resources so long ago!
I have fantasies of becoming a runner but never considered what it would be like running pregnant,,, thanks for the insight…
I really hope to be able to run when pregnant…that isn’t any time soon, but I appreciate the tips well in advance, lol!
I was running with my first son up to 7 months and with my second son i had to stop in the second trimester. Every pregnancy is different. Take it easy. Don’t over do it!
The shoe size thing was an issue for me. After I had the baby, I went back to normal shoe size and had to buy new ones, haha. I ran up until about 30 weeks until the pressure got to be too much, so I switched to walking/zumba.
I think it is so great that pregnant ladies choose to stay active during their pregnancies! I’m not a runner now, so I couldn’t imagine being a runner while pregnant! Kudos!
It’s always a good idea to stay active when you’re pregnant at least your doctor tells you otherwise. And I totally can relate with all the challenges here – been there, done that haha.
I can not even run when I am not pregnant. I can’t even imagine running while I am pregnant. Props to you!