Pregnancy and childbirth
Let’s start with some motivation. Both pregnancy and childbirth are most certainly not reasons for the end of your running years.
From Jessica Ennis-Hill and Paula Radcliffe to Serena Williams, we know that it is possible to return to running or any sport after childbirth. In the case of pregnancy and running during your term, it is very much safe if you are already a runner (as many of you Her Virtual 5K runners already are), but we would not recommend taking up running as a new hobby during pregnancy.
Let’s start with running and pregnancy. According to the NHS website, the fitter you are during your pregnancy, the more likely you are to be able to adapt to your changing shape. You’ll also be better equipped for labour and in turn, be able to get back into shape post-childbirth. Within that article, there are a number of useful exercises for staying fit and strengthening your pelvic floor muscles.
We’re here to talk about first, pregnancy and your running. We’ll follow that up with some tips on returning to running after childbirth. Please note that even if you are running regularly, some women will struggle. It’s important not to get disheartened as this is normal – and try your best to stay active, even if that is by walking instead of running.
When you’re pregnant, you should first know that it’s safe if you’re already running. If you’ve been told by your doctor that you are at risk of having a premature birth, contact your doctor before committing to a running routine.
Take a look below to see our top 4 tips for safely running during your pregnancy.
When it comes to getting back into running post-childbirth, runners don’t really know what to expect as your labour might be different from someone else’s. However, there a few key bits of advice we have for you. Take a look at the 4 bits of advice below, plus some extras here.
Got any tips or advice on running during pregnancy and post-childbirth? Share them with other #HERVIRTUAL5K runners in our Facebook group.