Running Exercise and Pregnancy

Stay hydrated. Now more than ever, it is very important to drink plenty of water or whatever hydrating fluid you are able to keep down such as Gatorade.

Carry a snack. Having trouble keeping your food down? Keep a salty snack such as pretzels with you and snack on them throughout your run. Or if it's easier to keep something sweet down, carry that with you.

Whatever you are able to keep down, carry it with you on your run or at least make sure it will be readily accessible as soon as you finish your run or if you need to stop at any point.

Take it slow. Start out slow at a pace where you can breath easily and give yourself plenty of time to warm up. Then stop after about ten minutes of warm up and get in a good stretch.

Stretch. Stretch. Stretch. It is very important to stretch when you are running, especially when you are pregnant because your joints and ligaments are more susceptible to injury.

Listen to your body. Don't try to beat your record or show what your made of. Do an easy run for thirty minutes or a couple miles and if that's all you have in you, that is okay. Listen to your body and don't push yourself beyond what you feel comfortable with.

Watch your temperature. It is important when you are running to not let your body get over-heated. If you're sweating a lot or feeling dizzy or if it's hot out, stop and choose a lighter indoor workout instead.

And to make sure you don't get overheated, sorry, but that warm bath to help you relax after you run and sooth your aching muscles is just not good for you when you're pregnant. Take a cool shower instead and find another way to relax, like getting a massage.

Pregnant and never run before?

If you were running before you were pregnant, keep at it. But if you've never run before and you're already pregnant, now may not be the best time to start.

But you still want to implement some kind of exercise and pregnancy fitness routine to combat morning sickness and increase the health of you and your baby.

Some other workouts you may consider are swimming, walking, or check out this great website for more ideas on exercises to do while your pregnant. Especially make sure to check out belly dancing and yoga at the bottom of this page.

If you want to give running a try anyway, follow the tips for running while pregnant above, listen to your body and take it slow. Running a marathon or even a half marathon is just not a good idea if you are pregnant and you've never run before. Save that for after you've given birth and recovered.

Benefits of Running and Other Exercise and Pregnancy

The benefits of running or other other exercise and pregnancy are many. Besides combating morning sickness, keeping you in shape or helping you to get in shape for the birth, and making you feel much better, it can also benefit your baby in many ways.

Since your baby's brain and organs are developing in the first trimester, it is very important to get in some kind of daily activity like running in order to help the development of your baby's brain.

Working out while pregnant can definitely enhance your baby's development and disposition and it certainly won't hurt as long as you are not having any complications. You should try to get in about 30-45 minutes of moderate exercise per day.

Running in the third trimester might be something you find difficult and awkward. At this point, you might try some other workout that is easier on the joints and feet such as yoga, pilates, swimming or rebounding. For more ideas on alternative workouts, see total fitness.

More on Exercise and Pregnancy

One health issue that is common in pregnancy is back pain. If you are pregnant and feeling back pain, check out this website for tips on how to treat lower back pain during your pregnancy.

Share Your Exercise and Pregnancy Stories

Do you have a story you would like to tell about running or exercising while pregnant? Click here to share your story or read other running mom's stories about running during pregnancy and morning sickness.

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