The reality is that not all pregnant women are able to run. Running during pregnancy can be taxing on your body, particularly as your bump grows. Running is good for mum and baby in most cases, but there are some important things to keep in mind and avoid whenever possible.
1) Running for the first time
It might seem obvious, but pregnancy is not the time to start a new running routine. It is a hard activity and you do not need to put extra cardio stress trying to increase your running fitness. Instead, listen to your body and only engage in an activity that is safe for both you and your baby. Always consult your doctor before beginning any new activity.
2) Skipping the warm up
You may be used to lacing up your shoes and immediately heading outside; however, due to the additional blood flow and the work your body is performing, you may experience lightheadedness and dizziness if you immediately begin. Always start with a light jog and some gentle stretches to warm up.
3) Setting a difficult PB
When you're pregnant, you shouldn't be aiming for personal bests in your runs. Try not to push excessively hard or set off excessively quick - embrace slowing down. You should be able to hold a conversation as you run, so the "Talk Test" will help you determine whether you have overexerted yourself. Slow down to a walking pace or stop if your breathing is heavy, you are tired, or you are in pain. You might well find that your usual pace becomes a struggle, as your body works hard at growing your tiny baby. It's all about reframing your goals and objectives. Rather than speed, focus on being strong and healthy.
4) Forgetting to exercise your pelvic floor
Running is one of the most impactful exercises you can do, and puts more pressure on the pelvic floor when you're carrying a baby. Throughout your pregnancy, it is essential to maintain a strong pelvic floor and establish a routine of performing pelvic floor squeezes. Just squeezing here and there is insufficient. Pelvic floor practices should be useful and work with you as you move your body. For more expert advice on understanding the reason why pregnant runners ought to strengthen their pelvic floor look at expert physio Clare Bourne or Emma Brockwell at Physio Mum.
5) Dehydration
It's vital to remain hydrated anyway while running yet particularly so in pregnancy, when you ought to be taking on more water. It assists your body in delivering all that amazing goodness to your baby, keeps you cool, and lowers the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Ensure you generally run with a bottle no matter what the season and take little sips all the way around your route.
6) Overheating
An increased temperature can cause issues with the baby, particularly in the first trimester. Later it can rapidly make you dehydrated (see point above). Avoid running during the hottest parts of the day when you are pregnant and wear loose-fitting clothing.
7) Getting caught short
We've all been there: you're going out the door for a run, when out of nowhere you're struck by a staggering urge to go to the bathroom. The urge to go usually hits halfway through your run, so ensure you know where there are public loos on your route.
8) Picking a route that is too long
Although you may be accustomed to long weekend runs, your body may now begin to signal to you otherwise. Plan your route and stay away from any places where you might be more likely to trip or fall. Preferably, you ought to pick a course that has various short cuts in case you find you really want to head home sooner than planned. Or take cash for a taxi!
9) Not wearing a sports bra that will adapt to your changing shape
Every woman needs a supportive sports bra, but if you're expecting a baby, it's more important than ever. A sports bra that can accommodate your changing shape throughout pregnancy and also allows for growth is ideal. Our nursing bras give incredible support, adjust to your shape as it changes and furthermore have drop-down cups for easy nursing.
Please seek advice from your doctor or midwife if you have any concerns about running during pregnancy.
If you’re trying to conceive (TTC), you probably know that there are certain foods and nutrients that become especially important once you’re pregnant. But nutrition plays a vital role even when trying to conceive, much like laying a strong foundation before constructing a house.
Certain nutrients create that foundation by supporting egg and sperm health (yes, nutrition matters for both partners), hormone balance and creating a hospitable environment for a fertilized egg to implant. In fact, studies show that certain nutrients can help increase fertility and improve success rates for both natural conception and fertility treatments.
In other words, nutrition is a key player in the TTC journey, but getting the right nutrients in the right quantities can be tricky. That’s where supplements come in. Just as you’d take a multivitamin to fill in nutritional gaps for optimal health, fertility supplements can give you that extra nutrient boost.
Choosing supplements for your fertility journey
When choosing a supplement to support your fertility journey, look for science-backed, high-quality ingredients. Our editors are careful to select and partner with brands that use ingredients that have been clinically studied to support fertility. Eu Natural® (pronounced you) covers all those bases and more. We love knowing that Eu Natural® products contain zero artificial additives, binders, or fillers and are lab-tested to ensure purity and potency.
When choosing a supplement to support your fertility journey, look for science-backed, high-quality ingredients. Our editors are careful to select and partner with brands that use ingredients that have been clinically studied to support fertility. Eu Natural® (pronounced you) covers all those bases and more. We love knowing that Eu Natural® products contain zero artificial additives, binders, or fillers and are lab-tested to ensure purity and potency.
Having struggled to find activewear which ticked the boxes of supportive, stylish and breastfeeding friendly, Claire decided to produce her own range and found Natal Active. Natal Active hosts a range of activewear that offers women clothing that will adapt to their changing shape and support needs. From comfortable, supportive leggings to bras that adapt to your changing shape and tops that you can throw over it all on your way to the gym. All the clothes are colourful, functional and stylish helping you to look and feel your best.
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