How to Keep Running with the Baby Bump Growing

Are you seeing your belly growing every day, but it has nothing to do with eating too much? Do you also enjoy the stress relieving work out of running? If this resonates with you, know that you are not alone. There are many women in the world that enjoy the benefits that jogging brings to their bodies while enjoying the amazement of being pregnant.

 

Of course, first off, always listen to your body. It will tell you if running is not right for you and your baby. I would also check with your doctor to make sure there are no concerns related to exercising during your pregnancy. If that is the case, know that there are other ways to get your heart rate up in a healthy way and to get your sweat on. Take for example, bike riding, swimming, speed walking or yoga. These are all fantastic for those pregnant ladies that aren’t feeling the call of their running shoes.

However, if you and your belly bump are read to run, here are some tips for enjoying your running while that little baby grows inside you…

1. Make your flexibility important! If you feel like you want to keep running while pregnant, that is wonderful! But be sure to take the time to stretch your joints and muscles. This not only will help with your energy levels, but it will also assist with pain throughout the body and delivery once it comes time to have the baby. By giving yourself the gift of stretching out your hips, legs, arms and chest, you are giving yourself a gift of health.
2. Be open to change. Along the same lines as being flexible, be sure that you are being open to changing with your growing belly. You might have been an amazing runner before, but now with the growing bump you will find yourself lower in energy at times (and, possibly, increased energy other times). What is important is that you go with the flow and not put yourself to the test. Give yourself a break and know that when the nine months are over you can once again prepare to compete in that adventure running race through the mud that has been calling your name.
3. Be kind to your body. Now this means, of course, be nice to yourself. Beyond personal kindness like massages and bubble baths, be sure to be giving yourself the necessary recovery time after running to give your body what it needs to stay healthy. Be sure to eat healthy, drink plenty of water and get a full night’s sleep every night.