Labor of Love

 Runners are passionate about their hobby.

You could even call it a labor of love.

Literally.

Reuters reports that a woman ran yesterday's Chicago Marathon at nearly 39 weeks pregnant. After the race, she went into labor.

I have to admit, I'm tempted to judge. I've always read it's unsafe to run beyond the 5-month mark. Although I understand she was under a doctor's supervision. And generally speaking, I want to support those who love the sport.

But a marathon?

A marathon takes a serious toll on the body. Some studies even suggest that distance running increases the chance of some cancers due to the prolonged strenuous physical activity that affects white blood cell counts. Therefore, I can't even imagine subjecting a fetus to that. As a woman in my 30s who is yearning to have a baby of my own someday, if there were even a slightest chance of endangering my baby I don't think I'd do it. Would you?

What's your opinion? Is this safe? Would you run a marathon with a baby in your belly? I'm curious to know!