Pregnant runners: Why it’s super cool to run during summer - Road Race Runner
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Pregnant runners: Why it’s super cool to run during summer

 

Almost every pregnant mom-to-be has thought at least one time whether she should go out for a run, especially when it’s burning hot.

Since pregnant women are fully aware that their physical condition is not the same anymore, and being extra cautious when it comes to what you should consume and do, is a must, running might seem like a tough, challenging, and muscle-breaking activity which translates into a big no-no for pregnant women.

In reality, things don’t need to be so black and white. According to a recent study conducted by the British Journal of Sports Medicine, running during hot summer days doesn’t necessarily translates into a bad thing, quite the opposite in fact.

Even though going out for a run during peak temperatures isn’t the best thing you can do, choosing another time during the day when temperatures tend to be lower, is always the smartest choice. Running has tons of benefits and if you love doing it, you should.

What studies have to say

Now a long time ago, an international team of researchers decided to conduct a systematic review of different studies related to pregnant women and their core temperature.

After carefully examining the data, they came up with the conclusion that pregnant women can in fact continue to exercise in a more safely manner for even up to 35 minutes a day at around 85 percent max heart rate in 75 degrees F.

In other words, the results indicate that pregnant women are free to go for a run, and for a pretty intense one as well, in a normal summer day. However, that doesn’t mean that every woman should hit the road.

It all depends on the way running makes you feel and the type of pregnancy you might be experiencing.

“There are some people who should not exercise during pregnancy. Higher-risk people: anyone with significant lung disease, or any heart disease that’s valve-related and would increase the risk of heart attack. Anyone at risk of pre-term labor,” Lia Wrenn, M.D., a gynecologist at Affiliates in Ob/Gyn in Burlington, Vermont, said during an interview for Runner’s World.

Experts suggest that if you experience any of the below-mentioned symptoms while running, you should stop exercising and call your doctor immediately:

  • Dizziness
  • Chest pain
  • Amniotic fluid leakage
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Regular painful contractions