Running While Pregnant: Top 5 Safety Tips

You just saw those two blue lines on that pregnancy test and instantly so much joy has set in. But there’s also a good chance that there’s a little fear mixed in as well.

There are so many questions that you suddenly have because your maternal instinct has kicked in and you want to protect your new baby. One of the most common questions you will likely have relates to your health and fitness. If you’ve been wondering whether it’s safe to run while pregnant, then this is the article for you!

Can you continue to run while pregnant?

There is a general rule of thumb in regards to exercise during pregnancy that, “if you were doing it prior to, then it is generally okay to continue with some simple modifications.” In other words, if you were an active runner prior to pregnancy, then you can continue to safely run while pregnant by following a few simple guidelines.

Get your doctor’s okay.

Ensure that your doctor knows that you were an active runner prior to pregnancy and that you’d like to continue running over the next several months. Your doctor can give you the okay or inform you of any concerns he or she may have regarding your health because in some cases specific health concerns will affect your ability to continue.

Run for health, not for competition.

Running to race or compete during pregnancy is not recommended because of the increased heart rate that accompanies this type of activity which can put stress on the baby. Run for pleasure or gentle exercise so that you can go at a pace that is comfortable for you and take breaks as needed.  

Splurge on new gear.

Many women will have larger feet during pregnancy so wear shoes that support you to avoid any aches and damage later. You should also consider compression socks during pregnancy, whether you run or not. Compression socks can help with blood circulation, swelling, varicose veins and can help with leg aches associated with pregnancy.

The best part? You don’t have to stick with the beige, drab socks that most companies offer. At Crazy Compression Socks, we have many designs and styles to match your unique personality.

Let us know your favorite one by joining our community on Instagram or Facebook. Use #crazycompression to show off your compression gear!

Fuel your body.

During pregnancy, your body will require an extra 300 calories a day. To fuel yourself properly for an active pregnancy, you need to make sure that you are taking in the right foods and the right amount of calories. Listen to your body and make sure that you feel strong and nourished before hitting the pavement.

Think safe.

You should always be conscious of your environment while running, but now more than ever:

• run in safe places during the daytime
• avoid extreme heat
• run in a place with little traffic
• let a friend or family member know when and where you plan to run
• always remain alert during a run

Running during pregnancy can help you remain fit and healthy and may even help with an easier delivery and a quicker recovery post birth. As long as you have your doctor’s okay, you can easily continue your active lifestyle with just some simple modifications along the way.