BY RICA CRUZ
Hello Doc Rica,
I am a triathlete. Since college, I have been maintaining a running lifestyle and almost every day akong tumatakbo for the past 10 years and been training for triathlon for the past five. Although of course recently, triathlon events have been cancelled. But I have been able to maintain my running regimen as we have a treadmill inside our house. I also incorporate some light weights training in my schedule using dumbells. My problem is that me and my husband of one year are already planning to start a family. I am scared that if I continue with my regular training schedule, it might have an effect on the baby.
Thank you,
Kitty Play
Hi Kitty Play,
It is very inspiring how you were able to take control of your health and lifestyle. It does help you psychologically when you have that time and space to yourself to work out and maintain your health. I understand how training as a triathlete can be very intense. Due to quarantine protocols, medyo naging mahirap nga to maintain a triathlete training lifestyle but I am glad you still find ways to be active. Congratulations too for your decision to start a family. It’s another great stage in your married life and I know that you will prepare for it. Good luck.
Since your body is very used to the physical activity, mahirap naman to stop this na lang biglaan. The usual length that is recommended to pregnant women is 150 minutes per week so you might want to tone the intensity down a bit. The level of physical activity will vary with the condition of your baby and your pregnancy. Regular consultations and check-ups with your physician should shed more light on what you can and cannot do.
Constant communication with your doctor will help you plan on how to transition from your current level of physical activity once you get pregnant. And by the way, do not forget that you and your partner can still maintain a level of sexual intimacy during the pregnancy. Syempre safety first but do not forget to stay healthy and still enjoy each other. Good luck!
With love and lust,
Doc Rica
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Rica Cruz is a Licensed Psychologist, Sex and Relationships Therapist, Sex Educator. She opines that sexual empowerment for Filipinos is sexier than sex.
Follow her at facebook.com/TheSexyMind and facebook.com/ConservativeAko and @_ricacruz in Twitter and IG and subscribe to her podcast, bit.ly/conservativeako on Spotify. Join the Conservative Ako Community on Facebook for more advise on sex and love!
