Can Running Cause Miscarriage?

It is natural to worry about miscarrying, especially if you’re still in the early stages of pregnancy.

However, do you need to stop or tone down exercising to keep safe? Can running cause miscarriage, and what about other types of exercises? Let’s discuss this.

Misconceptions About Running While Pregnant

It is a common misconception that pregnant women will have a higher risk of miscarriage when they subject themselves to moderate to heavy physical activity, like running.

The truth is that there are no scientific studies that have even suggested that running can cause miscarriages.

To convince you to believe that running is truly safe, let’s debunk the leading misconceptions.

You Will Shake the Baby Loose When You Run

Many people seem to think that the shock from your feet hitting the pavement when you run will cause a lot of trauma to your unborn child.

No, there’s no truth to that. While in your womb, the fetus is surrounded and supported by amniotic fluid, and it absorbs most of the shock from running.

You might feel a bit uncomfortable, but physically, you’re not harming your baby.

You Will Be Depriving the Baby of Nutrients

Another misconception is that running can cause miscarriage because you’re depriving your baby of nutrients since you’re using them all.

If you’re a regular runner, your body is already accustomed to the increased metabolic rate.

It is more detrimental to your health if you suddenly stop running altogether after getting pregnant.

If You Weren’t a Runner Before, Starting When You’re Pregnant Is Bad

It’s never a bad time to start running, and it also applies when you’re pregnant. It is the best time to start a more active lifestyle when you are expecting.

Inactivity is the real enemy, as it contributes to faster weight gain, which can result in gestational diabetes and higher blood pressure.

So, can running cause miscarriage? As you can tell right now, it does not.

Most of the negative stuff said about running while pregnant is just old wives’ tales, and you are set to receive more benefits when you start or continue running well into your pregnancy.

When Is It Dangerous to Run When Pregnant?

Running is not risky for pregnant women. However, running might pose a miscarriage risk if you have an underlying medical condition.

If you want to get into an exercise regimen while you’re pregnant, you should consult with your doctor first, especially if you have any of the following health conditions:

Moderate to Severe Anemia

If you’re anemic, you won’t have nearly enough energy to run as much as you want anyway.

Fortunately, your physician can help treat this by prescribing dietary supplements to help with your anemia.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a heart condition that can greatly increase your blood pressure due to pregnancy.

In most diagnosed cases, doctors recommend lighter, low-impact exercise routines for pregnant women.

Placenta Previa

Also known as “low-lying placenta”, this condition might force your doctor to advise against running and other strenuous exercises.

You might get an all-clear from your physician if the placenta previa clears itself before or within your second trimester.

Running Safety Tips for Pregnant Women

Although it is not true that running can cause miscarriage, there are still a lot of things that could go wrong while you’re training.

So, you need to take a couple of necessary precautions. Here are some tips to make sure that you’re always safe while running:

Mind Your Steps

Your center of gravity has shifted forward, and it will get even more pronounced the later you are in your pregnancy.

This means that you will feel quite awkward and imbalanced while you’re running.

Make sure that you always watch your step so you don’t trip and fall.

Also, for now, you should stick to even and smooth jogging paths so you don’t literally run into obstacles that might trip you.

Don’t Go Too Fast

Can running cause miscarriage? No, but it can get quite uncomfortable.

If you used to run at full tilt right from the start, you need to take it a bit slower now that you’re expecting.

Your body has undergone many changes since you got pregnant, and it is not in the same peak condition that it used to be.

Start by walking part of the way to give your body time to adjust, and once you’ve warmed up enough, you can run at your usual pace.

You need to wrap up your run the same way you started, walking the rest of the way home.

Keep Yourself Cool

More than ever, you need to keep yourself cool while you’re pregnant.

Your hormones are out of whack right now, and your body’s ability to regulate its temperature is also compromised.

This means you should not go running when it’s a bit too hot outside.

If you have to, set up a treadmill in an air-conditioned room so you can still exercise while remaining cool.

In addition, you should drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated and also to keep yourself cool.

Because you’re expecting, you will need to hydrate yourself more often.

Shorten Your Usual Route

You need to fill up with electrolytes and some carbs before your run.

Now that you’re pregnant, you will notice that running saps your energy faster than usual, so loading up beforehand is important.

In addition, your energy levels are no longer as high as it once was, so you should lessen the distance of your running route so that your blood sugar won’t drop to a dangerously low level.

Use the Right Equipment

If you’re used to wearing minimalist running shoes, now is not the time to use them.

You will find that your feet are swelling a bit, so your usual running shoes might not fit properly anymore.

Even though it is not true that running can cause miscarriage, you still need well-fitting shoes that provide ample support.

You should also consider getting a tummy support belt and sports bras. This will prevent your tummy and breasts from bouncing too much while you’re running.

These will keep you comfortable while training and also prevent untoward running injuries.

Takeaway

Can running cause miscarriage? If you’re perfectly healthy, then running should not be an issue.

It only becomes problematic if you have underlying health issues that might get worse when you run at your usual pace.

In fact, most doctors recommend that you get much exercise while you’re pregnant.

However, you need to listen to your body so that you won’t push your body too fast.

In other words, you can continue running even when you’re pregnant, but you need to be a bit more careful than before.