Exercise/Running through Pregnancy

I'm almost 6 weeks. I usually run 3-4 days a week. I KNOW that I can continue running/exercising through pregnancy, but my increased heart rate/breathing patterns on my recent runs scare the crap out of me. I'm sure it doesn't help that its been in the 80 degree range lately either.

My doctor has said that he doesn't believe in keeping your heart rate below a certain rate (I believe this thought process was disproved years ago) but is this something that will change over time? Should I be concerned about breathing too hard/having a very high heart rate? If you continued to work out through your pregnancy, did you heart rate normalize at some point?

TIA!

Message edited 8/16/2015 8:00:13 AM.

Re: Exercise/Running through Pregnancy

They used to say not to get your heart rate over 130, but that's considered outdated, inaccurate information now. You know your body and you know what it feels like to overdo it. When I was running, I would make sure I could say the Pledge of Allegiance aloud as I was going. Must have looked pretty funny as I ran down the street! But if I had to pant or stop saying it, I was exerting myself too hard and would slow it down.

Just make sure you're comfortable and you're HYDRATED. And that you're getting enough air to breathe. So exercising in the heat and humidity might be a bad idea for a couple of reasons. You're going to have to slow it down / shorten your runs more and more as you progress through the pregnancy, but that's expected. Lots of women run for all 9 months. I could never! Last time I went to the gym (at 37w, I think), I had to walk at a 2.5 with a 5 incline and I was DONE after 20 minutes.

Exercise/Running through Pregnancy

You can definitely run during pregnancy. I ran two days before I had DS. Prepregnancy I'd run 45 miles a week. While pregnant, I'd run 20-30 miles a week.

I never had any urine leakage, but if you do I'd find a new activity to do and I'd start during pelvic floor exercises religiously.

Re: Exercise/Running through Pregnancy

Re: Exercise/Running through Pregnancy

Message edited 8/16/2015 7:55:14 AM.

Re: Exercise/Running through Pregnancy

Your cardiac output will go up before your pregnancy test will be positive (that's how I can tell I'm pregnant... Every time, I can feel my heart rate go up abnormally with a small challenge).

The higher cardiac output should last your whole pregnancy... Not sure if your body gets used to it (increased heart contractility?) if you are still hard core exercising (I stopped cardio w pregnancies because it's not easy for me to get Preggo).

Re: Exercise/Running through Pregnancy

My dr says as long as you're not high risk, continue your exercise routine & wear a heart rate monitor if you like. I just cut my class schedules down a bit at my gym. Insanity was my favorite but the instructor told me she worried because of the intensity so I stopped. Walking, running, swimming my dr okayed that. Even bike riding just watch your balance.

Re: Exercise/Running through Pregnancy

I kept up my normal running routine with #1 through about 20 weeks but it was spring. I think the weather is probably having an effect on you. There was an air quality alert over the weekend and it's almost 100 degrees today.

I would take it a little easier in the heat regardless of being preggo or not, and then as you get further along just see how you feel and adjust your running pace / distance accordingly.

Re: Exercise/Running through Pregnancy

I never pushed myself too hard when exercising, and I never ran outside in the heat, because I imagine it would be hard to stay hydrated. I did continue running till about 37 weeks, I just got slower lol, my belly didn't hurt but was uncomfortable as I got further along. I really liked doing lower speed, and higher incline because it worked my legs lol.

Re: Exercise/Running through Pregnancy

Thanks ladies. I agree, staying hydrated is key (I started running with a camelbak) but I think that maybe the heat is also getting to me more than I realize--I need to start my runs earlier until it gets colder out. I also think maybe I need to just accept I'm going to be super slow for the time being! It's for a pretty good reason though.

Exercise/Running through Pregnancy

I ran until I was 36 weeks!!! 3 miles at a time. So you can run during pregnancy if you were doing it before.

The heart rate thing I never really followed. So many people say it's outdated. I just made sure I was hydrated and listen to your body. You'll know if it's too much! I made sure I was never out of breath and I could still carry a conversation.

Good luck!