Running three weeks postpartum

[Winetime1981]

I've felt fantastic since giving birth three weeks ago and have started running. A few friends (and mum) have expressed concern saying I should've really waited until 6 week check and it's put me off a little. But it's making me feel really good to get out and have some time to myself (I have a toddler too). Is it really necessary to wait? I did 5k yesterday and feel fine today.

[BikeRunSki]

I started swimming at 6 weeks (day of 6 week check) and running at 11, but I had a cs. GP who did 6 week check said, that as a runner/cyclist etc I knew my body better than him, so to do what I was comfortable with. Which it sounds like you are doing.

[Winetime1981]

Thanks for that. I'm being careful not to really push myself. I mean obviously the point is for exercise to be a little challenging but I'm certainly not killing myself!

[squidkid]

I had a straightforward delivery and had exercised right to the end of the pregnancy, and started running again at 5 weeks. But I went veerrrry gently. Walking and running intervals. Running is not easy on your pelvic floor.

[Winetime1981]

Oooh...I'm not taking it slowly really - what are the risks? What's a pelvic floor?! I have heard of it...

[mrslaughan]

You should really check with your dr, I was told that you can still have relaxin ( the hormone that loosens everything up) at this stage, and that you can do a lot of damage to your joints.
Not sure that if this is still the current medical thinking..... Could you just walk - less impact.....

[squidkid]

Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles at the bottom of your pelvis that controls your continence amongst other things. Pregnancy in general and particularly vaginal deliveries can weaken it significantly. High impact exercise involving jumping or running also puts strain on it.

In the long (or short) term, a weak pelvic floor could make you incontinent.

So I'd go EASY, and listen to your body - do what feels comfortable, don't push yourself. Oh, and do your pelvic floor exercises religiously. I did them every time I was feeding the baby. Like I said I ran 3 times a week for months and everything is fine. I started much gentler than you though.

pelvic floor exercises

[MightBeMad]

Yep - be very careful with your Kevin floor. Too much too soo runs the risk of long term continence/prolapse issues I think. But one exercise and lots of pelvic floor exercise is a good thing!

[MightBeMad]

Kevin?!! pelvic!

[VisualiseAHorse]

Hahaha, my Kevin floor....!!


You can still have lots of 'relaxin' in your system. The hormone that loosens your joints etc, so something like running could easily damage them. I would stick to walking until at least 6 weeks.

[Trying2bMindful]

Be careful with your Kevin floor (!). Too much running too soon can cause trouble - not being able to stop yourself peeing during a run for example (happened to someone I know).
The best advice is Listen to your body & don't push it just yet!!