The question of how much exercise is safe – and even beneficial – during pregnancy has evolved significantly. For decades, conventional wisdom often leaned toward caution, advising expectant mothers to take it easy. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that, for women who were physically active before pregnancy, maintaining or even continuing a moderate exercise routine can contribute to a healthier pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
Kim Kreuzman, a marathon runner, exemplifies this shift. As she recounts, her journey began long before she knew she was pregnant, unknowingly completing a marathon three weeks into her first trimester. This unexpected revelation prompted a careful reassessment of her training regimen, guided by her medical team. “Fortunately, I had a fantastic medical team that encouraged me to still run it, especially because I had already been running long distances pre-pregnancy,” she explained. The key recommendation was to avoid introducing anything new during pregnancy and to maintain effort levels consistent with her pre-pregnancy fitness.
This approach aligns with current clinical guidance. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) supports exercise during pregnancy, emphasizing that it can potentially decrease postpartum recovery time and improve mental health. However, this recommendation is specifically geared toward women who were already active before becoming pregnant.
Kreuzman’s experience highlights the importance of individualized assessment. She initially struggled with exhaustion and nausea in her first trimester, requiring adjustments to her training schedule. She shifted from a rigid adherence to a plan to a more intuitive approach, prioritizing how she felt each day. This involved incorporating stretching, mobility work, and cross-training, alongside running and run-walks. Nutritional adjustments were also crucial, with Kreuzman increasing her frequency of meals and focusing on adequate hydration and calorie intake.
Her subsequent marathons, completed at 17 weeks and 33 weeks of pregnancy, reflected this evolving approach. The later stages required more modifications, including the use of a belly band to alleviate pelvic pressure and a slower pace. “Pregnancy helped me loosen my grip on control, give myself grace, and stop measuring success by completed workouts or time goals,” Kreuzman noted. She found that running during pregnancy wasn’t about achieving personal bests, but about tuning into her body and the needs of her growing baby.
The parallels between pregnancy and marathon running didn’t escape Kreuzman’s observation. Both demand resilience, a commitment to the process, and the ability to navigate discomfort. “What surprised me the most was how closely pregnancy (especially birth) mirrors marathoning,” she stated. “You can’t skip to the end. You have to stay present in the mile or contraction you’re in, get comfortable with discomfort, and trust that just when you think you can’t do it anymore, you reach the finish line—this time with a baby in your arms.”
Kreuzman’s story also touches on the societal expectations and potential scrutiny women may face when continuing to exercise during pregnancy. While she received largely supportive responses from her inner circle, she acknowledged that some individuals, particularly from older generations, expressed concerns. She intentionally limited public discussion of her training initially, prioritizing her own well-being and the guidance of her medical team.
Following the birth of her first daughter in , Kreuzman continued to incorporate running into her life, participating in half-marathons and eventually returning to the full marathon distance at the Every Woman’s Marathon in November 2024. She even included her daughter in the experience, pushing her in a stroller for part of the race.
Kreuzman’s second pregnancy, beginning in , reignited her desire to run a race in each trimester, approaching it with increased confidence and intention. She completed another marathon during her second trimester and a 24-hour bike-run-walk event to marathon distance in her third. Her second daughter, Stella, was born on .
Kreuzman’s experience underscores a crucial point: pregnancy isn’t about halting activity, but about adapting it. It’s about redefining strength and embracing a new chapter without abandoning personal goals. As she emphasizes, it’s not about “bouncing back” to a previous state, but about “stepping forward” into a transformed and empowered version of oneself. For women with a pre-existing exercise routine, continuing to move their bodies during pregnancy, under the guidance of a healthcare professional, can be a safe and rewarding experience.
