Running while pregnant?

Question

Hi ladies! 
I'm 6 weeks along and I've been receiving some conflicting advice on running / working out. 
Pre-pregnancy I ran 6 days a week and also did yoga, HIIT, weight lifting and was generally very active. For reference when I run I average about a 7:20 min mile for at least the first 5 but would often do longer runs and averaged around 40 - 50 miles a week. Also, I run / race hard and really push myself for PR goals frequently.
My (wonderful) ob-gyn told me that running is absolutely fine throughout my pregnancy but warned me that at about month 5 or 6 I would probably naturally slow down due to balance issues. However another ob-gyn I know and respect advised me against running that hard. He said high impact workouts or high BPM workouts could increase my risk of miscarriage - especially in early pregnancy. I'm so confused!
In light of this all I stopped running so hard this week. I switched to biking, swimming when possible and long walks. But to be honest, I desperately miss my daily runs. It's the #1 way I relieve stress and my health and fitness are a top priority for me. I eat very clean and have been active but it's just not the same. 
I apologize if this has been addressed in archived posts, I'm hearing such different things and would love the most recent professional advice / thoughts on the topic. What has your doctor advised you? Any insight?
Thank you in advance!

Answer

I have wonderful providers who encourage me to listen to my body and trust I'll make good choices. There is no scientific evidence to support miscarriages of healthy babes caused by exercise. 
I continued to train throughout my first trimester (still with high intensity workouts + with increasing duration) in preparation for a half ironman triathlon I completed at 12 weeks. I'm continuing training for a full ironman planned at 21 weeks. I've done both of these distances before and haven't had any symptoms this season that have caused pause. 
I'm still increasing speed in my swim, holding steady with my run pace, and have slowed a bit on the bike. My 1/2 iron time this year was 14' slower than last year. If I've planned for a high intensity workout, I do it without second thought. If I struggle to get to the level of effort I planned, I let it go and move on. 
I encourage you to do what feels good. Consider asking the doctor who recommends you decrease intensity where they're getting that information from. Doctors used to say pregnant women shouldn't get their heart rate over 140. There is no evidence to back that up, it turns out the number 140 was a number identified by a single doctor with no evidence to support it, and the medical community has since retracted the recommendation.

Answer

My doctor told me to continue with all the exercise I currently do (running, tennis, weights, spin, yoga) unless it starts feeling uncomfortable (around 3rd trimester he said it probably would). He said words I replay to myself every time I'm working out : 'you're not sick, you're pregnant' ☺️ so so long as u feel ok I think u are fine! Xx

Answer

I continued running throughout my entire pregnancy. I actually ran 5 miles just hours before I went into labor haha exercise is totally fine as long as you're listening to your body. I didn't slow down one bit and I'm so proud of that. It helped so much during my pregnancy, labor and delivery and even during recovery.

Answer

Both my aunt and best friend are both obgyns. They both suggested continue running until 28 weeks (the 3rd trimester) unless your doctor specifically advises otherwise because of issues you're having. That being said, they said to take it down a notch, and not push the miles as far and the pace as fast (granted I was never as fast as you!) I personally got super weirded out after 14-15 weeks or so, because my uterus just started to feel heavy and I got lots of round ligament pain, but that was me personally. Since then I've been walking, doing light lifting, prenatal yoga, and swimming. My cousin ran to the 28 weeks though and still was loving it, so everyone varies, although she did say her pace came down quite a bit from week 20 on. I say go for it as long as it continues to feel good but don't push it quite as hard as you would normally.

Answer

Hello! I was an avid runner before pregnancy.  I would run 6 or 7 days a week averaging about 40 to 50 miles a week.  When I was almost 5 weeks pregnant(before I officially found out) I raced in a 5k and got bad cramps.  I took a test that day because I never get cramps while running.  My doctor told me that I could keep my same exercise routine but just to take breaks when needed.  I continued to get cramps while running so I haven't been running since week 6 or 7.  I use the Elliptical but I'm not exercising everyday like I used to.  Although I absolutely loved running and it was my favorite part of my day, I feel okay giving it up because it just didn't feel right.   
I think it's most important to just listen to your body.  If it doesn't feel right, don't do it.  Every person and pregnancy is different.

Answer

I think pushing yourself can over do it but just running and not pushing to do better will be okay. I have asthma induced by exercise and havnt had my inhaler (really expensive) so my dr advises me not to do anything more than walking. But I think since your body's used to running and doing all these things you should be okay to do them calmly don't push yourself. Remember if you're out of breath so is the baby.

Answer

It's hard sometimes to find the right supporr when it comes to exercise and pregnancy! I'm 29 weeks and I have continued to workout 6 days a week and I run and weight train. If you ran before you were pregnant then you should be able to keep up with it during pregnancy. Your time will undoubtedly slow down and your distance may decrease as you progress further along, but I'm a strong advocate for women to continue exercising through pregnancy! If you have a moment, you should read A book called the pregnant athlete, I've gotten a lot of great information from that book. As long as you listen to your body, you should keep your runs!! My runs are my sanity and that is why I refuse to give them up!

Answer

I'm only six weeks and I continue the same workout routine I did as before. Being in the military women are required to still workout and if they are able to run, they run. As long as you aren't pushing yourself to exhaustion and staying hydrated, I think you are fine to continue to run.

Answer

Consult with your Drs. they know your pregnancy better than anyone can tell you on this app. And it's much safer than taking advice from ppl on the internet.

Answer

I say talk to your doctor. They'll be able to properly assess you. I was limited to brisk walks instead of running, as well as not extreme workouts. but that's because my BMI was over by 2 points or whatever, and I also have exercise induced asthma.

Running while pregnant?

Let’s Glow

Glow is here for you on your path to pregnancy

25+ million

4.8 stars

20+

Getting Pregnant

Pregnancy

1st Year (Baby & You)

Baby Products