Pregnancy is no reason to give up jogging if you are accustomed to it. Jogging is a generally safe exercise during the first trimester and throughout your pregnancy for both you and your unborn baby. It's still important to get your doctor's nod of approval.
Benefits
Joggers who stay on course throughout pregnancy generally put on less weight, have shorter labors and leaner babies. Regular exercise can also give you more energy, prevent or diminish back pain and lower the risk of pregnancy-related high blood pressure, reports Mayo Clinic. Jogging and other aerobic exercises help strengthen the heart and bones, and lowers the risk of anxiety and depression, including postpartum depression.
Exceptions
Jogging may worsen certain pregnancy-related problems and should be avoided in such cases. For example women with placenta previa, a condition where the placenta covers the cervix, can cause bleeding if the body bounces repeatedly. Women with pregnancy-induced high blood pressure or are at risk for premature labor also should not jog during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about other conditions that may make jogging potentially dangerous during pregnancy.
Recommendations and Precautions
Always stretch before and after each jogging session. Drinking plenty of fluids before, during and after jogging will help keep you well-hydrated. Pregnant women should be especially diligent about not becoming becoming overheated. Don't jog in hot temperatures or high humidity and take a break if you feel tired or uncomfortable. Never exercise to the point of exhaustion, regardless of how committed you are to jogging to manage weight and stay in shape, cautions MayoClinic.com.
Outlook
In general healthy, pregnant women should aim for 2.5 hours or more per week of moderate-intense aerobic activity such as jogging. Even the most seasoned jogger will most likely have to adjust her routine as she enters mid to late pregnancy. Jogging can become more challenging as your baby bump expands. Talk to your health care provider about any concerns you may have regarding jogging in early pregnancy.
