There are many different views on whether it is safe to run when pregnant. During your first trimester, it is normally possible to continue with your normal exercise routine, but at a lower intensity. If you have not been a runner prior to pregnancy, during pregnancy is not the time to start!
After the first trimester, there is normally a steady decline in athletic performance. This is due to the fact that the heart has to beat even harder. It beats harder to deliver oxygen to both mother and baby when exercising. In addition to this, your centre of gravity shifts as the baby grows. In particular, around the pelvis is more lax in preparation for delivery, and naturally there is weight gain as the pregnancy progresses. Breathing rate when performing aerobic exercise increases, particularly during the third trimester. Due to the increase in total body mass, additional oxygen is needed to perform any given activity. As a general rule, you should be able to hold a conversation while running when pregnant. This is to not to overexert yourself.
It is important to remember that most of the physiological changes which have occurred during pregnancy will last for 4-6 weeks after birth, and longer in those who breastfeed. Therefore a lot of the rules above must be considered, if you plan on getting back into running during this time.
If you have been experiencing any muscle or joint related pain, due to running or any other activities while pregnant, contact us here. Our physiotherapists are experienced in dealing with pregnancy related musculoskeletal injuries. They can provide you with appropriate mobility and stability exercises to counteract the increase in ligament laxity due to pregnancy. Contact us here is you would like to make an appointment.