Runner's World Guide to Running and Pregnancy

by Chris Lundgren

Each year, about 785,000 women runners who are pregnant or who have recently given birth hear conflicting fitness advice from friends, family, and even doctors. Save for a handful of magazine articles, these women have nowhere to turn for accurate, up-to-date information. Until now. The Runner's World Guide to Running and Pregnancy by Chris Lundgren is a first-of-its-kind, comprehensive look at the how-tos and benefits of running for expectant mothers. And the benefits abound. Even a modest pregnancy running program gives women a reduced risk of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and premature birth. It also leads to fewer cesareans, faster recovery after delivery, and even smarter babies! From the worldwide authority on running, the Runner's World Guide to Running and Pregnancy offers the latest, most detailed information available, along with real-life tips to help you succeed. Inside you'll - Advice from experts including sports gynecologists, nutritionists, and exercise physiologists - The most current heart rate and training guidelines - Pre-pregnancy and pregnancy stretching and strength programs - Cross-training suggestions including yoga, Pilates, swimming, and more - Running-specific menu plans for a healthy pregnancy - Strategies for preventing injuries - Money-saving tips for choosing the best maternity running gear - Guidance for postpartum running The Runner's World Guide to Running and Pregnancy gets to the bottom of the how-much-is-too-much debate once and for all. Pregnant runners will never be puzzled by conflicting advice again.

Genres: Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published September 20, 2003

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't feel as if this book offered any kind of substantial information. It gives you broad ideas which might be helpful for someone at a beginner level, but if you are looking for a more comprehensive guide to training while pregnant, this is not it.

[Stef Mausser · Rating 5 out of 5]

NO! I'm not pregnant - I'm just preparing for when I am and this book so far is very interesting.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this after two pregnancies, both of which I ran through until the end. The vignettes from other pregnant runners were great. I didn't get much from the rest of the book. It would be wonderful to see a guide like this updated. There are precious few resources for pregnant runners.

[Anna Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fairly basic. But 4 stars because I’m just glad the book exists.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the perspective on this book. I will definitely come back and check out chapters as I progress though my pregnancy. Really hoping to keep reading.

[Stefany · Rating 5 out of 5]

After two miscarriages I had way too much “advise” from well meaning people about what they thought caused my miscarriages, this was the book that had all the answers to my questions about exercise, running and being pregnant (along with my OB who firmly believes that there is little you can do to “cause” a miscarriage) Would you need an abortion if you could cause a miscarriage??? No. A lot of people think that you could hurt your baby by lifting a figure while pregnant (yet they still blow dry their hair and the baby is fine) Healthy, strong and experienced runners (with your OB’s blessings and you have no complications) can keep running and exercise pregnant and actually help your baby and you. I love this book and am glad that it was written and that I found it at my local library! It has saved me!!! I am 6 months pregnant and although I am not breaking any records I am out running and I feel great!

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick, easy read and offers a lot of good information. Really, it's probably a bit slight -- it gives a general overview, rather than detailed training notes, and one could PROBABLY learn just as much by talking to one's doctor and reading a bunch of websites. There's just something empowering about the fact that this book even exists, though, and I'm grateful for it. For some reason nothing quite matches the comfort of a reasonably authoritative book in one's hands.

I'm still in the pregnancy-planning stages, which, as it turns out, is a good time to read this book: there's a lot of great information here about exercise during the conception period, as well as other habits that are good to form before one is even pregnant.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. I read this with my first pregnancy and it really helped me quite a bit then. I'm rereading it now with my second and finding it even more helpful now. Great ideas for stretches and snappy comebacks. Running while pregnant is really hard (MY POOR PELVIC FLOOR!!!) but honestly, you really will sleep better at night, you'll be hungrier and have an easier time putting on a healthy amount of weight, and your doctor will be happy that you're moving.
Highly recommended!

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked how this book took you through what it's like to run during each month of pregnancy. It struck a good balance of the "you can do this" and "don't kill yourself" messages. Running while pregnant has been such an unknown for me and this gave me some good realistic expectations for the remainder of this pregnancy, as well as when I can get back to running postpartum.

[Monica McCann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offered good tips, changes you can expect & things to look out for if you are a pregnant runner. Though I felt some of the information should be considered common sense, I believe it provided helpful information overall.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book I bought when I found out I was pregnant. Great advice! Balances encouragement and information to keep you out there with wise counsel that sometimes pushing harder it not the best for you or baby. Every running mother-to-be or thinking-about-it should pick this up.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok but really not as informative as I expected.

[Kirstin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Has given me confidence and determination to keep running where I quit running through both previous pregnancies. Lots of helpful information and "been there, done it" stories.

[Haley Pierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a great month by month guide and one you can relate to as you run through pregnancy.

[Jekaterina Dmitrijeva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Satur tikai pamatinformāciju. Daļa pieejama atsevišķos rakstos paša Runner's World lapā, daļa gan bija arī jauna. Lasās viegli, labi izkārtota mēnesi pa mēnesim, aprakstot, ko gaidīt.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The information in the book was excellent.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good advice on pushing yourself to stay fit through pregnancy without overdoing it.