Should You Run a Marathon While Pregnant?

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

17 Oct 2008 07:12 PM

In the current issue of Runner's World magazine there's a very short piece on a woman who ran a marathon while she was 8 months pregnant with her son. Now her son is a teenager and is preparing to run alongside his mom in an upcoming 26.2-mile race.

Wow!

I read that blurb nearly two weeks ago and I still shake my head in utter amazement when I think about what that mom accomplished. I've run a few marathons (and am currently training to run another next spring), but I was far from pregnant while completing any of them.

Think about it. While some pregnant women struggle getting from the couch to the kitchen this woman ran 26.2 miles a month before she gave birth to baby. If you have ever run a marathon (or a half-marathon, or heck, even a 10K) then you understand the magnitude of this endeavor.

So how safe is it to push your body to extremes while toting around precious cargo in your uterus?

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), any woman who is contemplating running a marathon while she is pregnant should get her doctor's approval first.

ACOG doctors add that it is fine to keep running if you're already a runner (though you might consider modifying your routine by cutting back on the miles or the intensity); however, it's not a good idea to start running for the first time during your pregnancy.

Doctors warn that there are potential dangers involved in exercising too much during pregnancy. Low birth weight (defined as less than 5 1/2 pounds) is a concern especially if you are a pregnant woman running 60 miles a week. If you run long distances you may end up struggling to get enough nutrition for you and your baby. If you plan to run while you are pregnant doctors warn that you need to be vigilant about your calorie intake and really focus on balancing out running with eating.

Would you consider running a marathon while 8 months pregnant?

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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