After giving birth, you’ll naturally be intensely focused on your baby. However, it’ll be better for both of you if you’re aware of the changes going on in your own body. Some of them will be permanent, others can be reversed (especially with a little help), but there are ways to deal with many of them. Recent research shows that our understanding of the way pregnancy changes a woman’s body is always evolving.
KABC in Los Angeles reports that women’s running styles change after they’ve given birth. Well, if you’ve already had a baby you know the muscles you used to carry and deliver it will never feel quite the same again. The bad news is, those muscles have weakened in a way that can cut down the benefits of running for you, or even make you more vulnerable to injury. The good news is, there are simple changes you can make to deal with this. Check out the article for tips from a runners’ clinic director.
When I was going through my pregnancies, I took it for granted that at least a couple of the pounds I gained each time were there to stay. Now, however, the USDA says “Most women who gain the suggested amount of weight lose it with the birth of the baby and in the months that follow.” What’s that “suggested amount”? Roughly, 25 to 35 pounds if you’re a normal weight for your height, less if you’re overweight, more if you’re really skinny. The USDA has a page where you can enter your height and weight and find out what you should ideally gain while pregnant. It also reminds you that breastfeeding can help you lose weight — all those calories going into your milk instead of to your thighs.
Now if only researchers could figure out what to do about that little belly bulge that’s still there (for most of us) even after the weight is gone. I guess running might help — if you remember that you’ll have to change your running style.
Though you may feel you don’t have the time or energy, it’s a good idea to keep track of the changes in your body after pregnancy — and the new information about them that’s coming out almost every day.
[…] If you’re a runner, you’ll probably find that running doesn’t feel the same when you start it up again. Not only that, but there are some changes you’ll need to make to get the most out of running — and avoid injury. Check out my earlier article here. […]