There is a lot to consider with this topic! I think this a lucky time to be alive, with more and more information coming out about what we can do during pregnancy! But, there is a long way to go and gaps in information definitely exist. We have to approach the issue on an individual basis, from multiple facets.
First and foremost, we consider the recommendations and restrictions from the OBGYN or midwife. They consider past medical history, fetal growth, issues with the uterus and cervix. and other possible medical reasons to restrict exercise.
Once there is approval from the physician, be attentive to new symptoms. New symptoms such as pain that doesn't settle after a run, urine leakage, heaviness in the pelvis, etc, indicate talking to your physician, and possibly a good time to switch to a different form of exercise. Otherwise, it depends! In the clinic, I like to see women every few weeks to monitor how the movement patterns are keeping up with the changes happening with the pregnancy. Some of the changes we watch are:
- Pelvic floor and breathing: Can your pelvic floor and diaphragm adapt, and continue to manage the pressures in your core? Or is it too much load on the pelvic floor that could lead to issues?
- Glute control: Yes, the pelvis is widening to make room for that baby! Are the glutes keeping up with the tougher task of controlling a wider pelvis, which keeps things like back pain and knee pain managed?
- Alignment and ability to manage changes in posture: Increasingly, there is a lot more weight out in front! Your structure amazingly adapts to this to keep you from falling over, but we also need it to be able to handle the demands of running.
- Muscular control of movement with increased ligament laxity: Increased relaxin in the system means all ligaments have more stretch, which can lead to injury if the muscles aren't able to work harder to stabilize.
