Physical activity is beneficial during pregnancy, no evidence supports the notion that exercise done by healthy pregnant women at the appropriate fitness level causes miscarriage, preterm labor, or poor fetal growth and injury, indicates the American College of Sports Medicine. Jogging is a type of acceptable exercise during pregnancy as long as you follow a few guidelines and take some precautions.
Exercise Benefits
Exercise makes you feel better. It releases endorphins that reduce stress and improve your mood, which combats the negative effect of pregnancy hormones. Exercise helps you suffer less from constipation and back aches, helps you control your weight and gives you more energy at a time when you may be feel extreme fatigue. Exercise can also reduce the risk of developing pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. If you exercise throughout pregnancy, your body will be stronger and better able to cope with delivery. Strong abdominal and pelvic floor muscles help your body expel the baby. You will also have an easier time losing pregnancy weight and recovering from labor, delivery and pregnancy.
Jogging and Pregnancy
Jogging is a form of cardiovascular exercise that you can do during a healthy, low-risk pregnancy anytime, anywhere. If you were a jogger prior to becoming pregnant, you can continue to jog safely through all three trimesters, although a new pregnancy is not the time to start the activity. Talk to your doctor if you would like to continue jogging during pregnancy to make sure the activity is medically okay. She can also set your mind at ease about the possibility of your jogging regimen leading to a miscarriage.
Jogging Safety
Jogging does not increase your miscarriage risk, but you should practice safety. Stay well hydrated when you jog, especially during pregnancy. Wear appropriate, high-quality shoes to reduce stress on your joints. As your pregnancy progresses, your center of gravity starts to shift, making it easier for you to fall. Make sure you are jogging on a level surface to reduce your fall risk. If you do fall, try to land on your bottom or side instead of your abdomen, cautions Pregnancy Calendars. Continuing to run into your third trimester is dependent on how your body feels. Don't push yourself to run if you feel too tired or sore.
Precautions
You should not jog if you have placenta previa, history of preterm labor, a short cervix, preeclampsia or a fetus with a growth restriction. Also, if you experience exhaustion, shortness of breath, vaginal bleeding, dizziness, blurred vision or contractions during a jog, stop and call your doctor.
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