QuestionMy husband and I are actively trying to conceive our second baby, and I believe there is a good chance that we did just that this past Friday. I have been training to run my 1st 1/2 marathon which is this coming Sunday. Is there any reason why I should not run this 1/2 if there could be a chance that I am pregnant?
AnswerThere has been one meta-analysis study, done in Europe, that suggests that women who engage in very high intensity, high impact, and high volume exercise face a statistical increase in miscarriage rates in the first trimester.
The the overall rate of miscarriage was very small, and has yet to be confirmed in other studies. Additionally, this study goes against all of the other research on maternal fitness and pregnancy outcomes. Maternal health and fetal health are one in the same. Fit women give birth to stronger, healthier, leaner and even smarter babies, and experience far fewer pregnancy related complications and interventions.
Generally, in a low risk pregnancy, women can continue their regular fitness programs until about the 20th week or so. Since you have been training for this event, you are well acclimated to rigorous aerobic exercise and should not have a pregnancy related problem running the event. And a half marathon is certainly a lot more doable than a full marathon.
But in light of this one finding, you need to make a judgment call. Overall, the risk of miscarriage is very, very small. If running the event is important to you so that you complete the goal that you've set for yourself, then you should probably do it, but if it will cause you undo anxiety, during and/or after the event, then don't.
