Runner's World Guide to Running & Pregnancy (English)

Women runners who plan to have a child will appreciate this guide. From early planning stages through delivery, this encouraging book shows how most women who currently have a running regimen, regular menstrual cycles, and no history of miscarriage, do not have to forgo their workouts in the quest to make a baby. Author Chris Lundgren begins by challenging several common myths, such as the belief that jogging will decrease chances of successful conception. She presents some statistics from physicians and other health experts that suggest quite the opposite; in fact, light exercise in the long run is better for both mother and child. Not only does running help lower health risks during pregnancy (such as decreased pre-term birth and gestational diabetes), but other studies have suggested that children with mothers who run have higher IQs. Divided into trimesters, this book explains what women can expect with each month and how they can tailor their running programs to suit the demands of the changing body and baby as they go along. Also suggested are various cross-training ideas (such as yoga and Pilates), to enhance their running programs. minimize