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Exercises During Early Pregnancy

Running does offer tremendous health benefits and it does offer a quick and effective workout. Running offers both physical and mental benefits and costs you nothing, while it doesn't take up much time either. Running during pregnancy does raise some concerns however, particularly if you were not in the habit of running regularly before your pregnancy. It would be best to check with your doctor before you resume or take up the practice.

If you haven’t been in the habit of running and pregnancy is now a concern, then most health experts would advise you against taking up a running routine. Fitness routines specially crafted for pregnant women that could include pregnancy yoga and pilates are much more suitable and can help with labor by strengthening the abdominal and pelvic muscles. Running during pregnancy can also be particularly hard on the knees as the joints loosen up, making them more susceptible to pressure or stress related injury. If you are an avid runner and wish to continue the practice however there are certain precautions you need to take.

Running during pregnancy can offer significant health benefits provided you’re up to it and exercise some caution. Running during early pregnancy may seem like a real challenge, considering the nausea and fatigue you seem to wake up to each morning. Getting out for a brief run each morning can however do a world of good, energizing you for the rest of the day. Make sure that you don’t push yourself too hard however and make it a point to rest when you feel like you need it. This is important for both you and the baby. If you don’t live in a polluted city, then the fresh air will also do you a world of good, invigorating you for the rest of your day. You will however need to cut down on the distance you run and speed as compared to before your pregnancy. When you’re running and pregnant you also need to pay great attention to how you feel, and learn not to ignore any tiredness or discomfort. Anaerobic workouts or quick sprints are also a bad idea because of the high demand on oxygen that is also needed for your baby.

Running during the first trimester does raise a few concerns, but later in the pregnancy your body also becomes a lot more awkward because of the large belly and the shift in your center of gravity. You need to be a lot more cautious as it is easier to slip and fall. It’s best to stick to paths you’re familiar with and if possible run with a companion. You also need to slow down your pace and run for shorter distances and durations.

Apart from these special concerns about running during pregnancy, you also need to follow all the general precautions to be taken when running.

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