A study conducted by Melpomene Institute, a non-profit organization devoted to women’s health, on pregnant runners declared that running while pregnant is safe. The research consisted of 195 women with average age of 29 years. They were running an average of 25 miles a week during the last trimester. All babies were born healthy.

While it is safe to engage in light to moderate exercises while pregnant, you shouldn’t take up running if you have never done it before. Take your overall health and fitness as a gauge. If you feel tiredness or any discomfort in breathing, stop running.

Pushing yourself to the point of exhaustion can only endanger you and your baby because you will be compromising your oxygen supply. Overexertion will cause your body temperature to shoot up, which will in turn make your heart beat faster and leave you gasping for breath.

Second Trimester

One of the major changes you will undergo on your second trimester of pregnancy will be on the shift of weight. As your belly grows, your weight distribution also shifts. Balancing issues is not an uncommon occurrence during this phase, making pregnant women like you prone to falls and slips.

If you’ve pursued running while pregnant, you should be taking it easier now. For your safety and your baby’s as well, always run with somebody. Wear flat and comfortable shoes and drink lots of water not only during your run but before and after as well. At this point, you should also keep to even and flat tracks.

If you experience dizziness, chest pain, breathlessness even when resting, calf pain and swelling, muscle weakness and vaginal bleeding or spotting stop the exercise routine and immediately consult with your doctor. For advanced stage of pregnancy, warning signs could include decreased baby movement and early contractions.

Belly Support

So can you exercise while pregnant? Yes. Running while pregnant is a viable way for you to be healthy and strong.

For better comfort, use belly bands to support your growing tummy and the lumbar area. Try to look for a belly band that is a perfect fit. It shouldn’t be too tight or loose. It must be comfortable and soft against the skin. Belly bands are usually made from elastic materials for better fit. When buying your belly support for running, opt for the lighter fabrics as thick materials might warm your belly area more than it should, causing discomfort.

Fashion moms will also have a heyday choosing delightful colors and designs. Don’t discard your belly support right after giving birth. You can still use them to support your still-soft belly. It is also wise to invest in a good maternity bra because you will need to support your breasts.