A pregnant woman's body undergoes many changes. These changes alter the physiological effects of exercise on the body. Women can and should remain physically active, even into the third trimester, but they should be aware of special considerations due to pregnancy, especially while doing more intense activities, such as running.
Shin Splints During Pregnancy
The shin is the front part of your lower leg. A shooting, throbbing or aching pain between the front ankle and kneecap is commonly known as a shin splint. Touching the area on either side of the tibia, or shin bone, may feel tender and sore.
Pain Can Be A Body's Warning Sign
Leg pain can offer a signal of a muscle or joint that is being overworked, cramped or irritated during a run. Especially during pregnancy, a woman should pay special attention to the warnings of pain to prevent more serious injury. For instance, shin pain can develop into a stress fracture if the pain is ignored. A stress fracture is a small chip or crack in the bone.
Causes of Shin Splints During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, a woman's weight distribution changes, leading to changes in the amount and direction of force applied on the shins while running. In addition, a pregnant woman's circulation and lymphatic drainage changes, especially in the lower legs. This can lead to faster cramping and less exercise tolerance. All these physiologic changes make a woman's body more susceptible to shin splints while running, especially in the second and third trimesters.
Special Precautions for Pregnant Women
All expectant mothers should check with a health care provider before beginning an exercise program. Generally, a pregnant woman who was running prior to becoming pregnant should be able to continue running, although physiologic changes might require the intensity, duration and distance of the runs to be modified. Pregnant women should listen to their bodies and seek medical attention if they encounter any unusual symptoms, including dizziness, loss of consciousness, bleeding or severe headaches.
