I resumed running shortly after the birth of my first two children with no problems. This time around I tried only once and got increasing pain in my vaginal area (I tried around 5.5 weeks PP). My doctor was not of much help (didn't tell me I shouldn't run, but also didn't tell me it was necessarily safe). I was wondering whether anyone had a similar experience and what happened? I would like to just push myself (and try to ignore the pain), but I'm worried it might lead to problems if I do (e.g., uterine prolapse or the like). Curious to hear both bad and good experiences.
Thanks to all for responses. I have gone for my 6 week PP and my doc did not see any prolapse at that time. It sounds like what I should do is start slow and go back to walking if the pain lasts. I'm just eager to get back to exercising and running is really the only thing that works for me time-wise (I work full time so it's usually a pretty narrow window early in the morning while husb still home and kids not up that works). Anyways, thanks again for all the responses -- they were very helpful. I would appreciate any more if others see this message!
Hi K.,
I didn't read the other responses, so it may have been mentioned, but understand from my midwives that post partum cramping and pains get worse with each child. Something about how the muscles in the uterus get stretched more and more with each pregnancy it's harder for them to get back where they need to be. Maybe that's what's going on. Good Luck and congrats on #3!
i didn't run that soon after babies, but i'd be paying attention to that pain. i mean, that's not 'good' pain, muscle fatigue pain. not the sort of pain you should push through.
i would start off slower. power-walk, race-walk or do a very slow jog, coming back to a walk if you feel any pain. if you're going to push anyone, push your doctor to pay more attention or refer you.
khairete
S.
I had the same symptoms with the birth of my second daughter. I stopped running for a while (another month or so) and when I resumed the pain was gone. I was in fear that the pain was uterine prolapse. I went to my doctor and she said after every birth the uterus does drop but will return to it's normal position in time. However, stress (lifting heavy objects) and running can exacerbate it. Listen to your body and try other forms of exercise, even speed walking, until the pain is eliminated.
I would be checked for uterine or vaginal prolapse at your 6 week PP exam and also ask for a consult to a pubic bone and muscle therapist. I had a LOT of pain running between 1 and 2 and during pregnancy with 2. No real pain PP with 2 and am now running during pregnancy with #3. I did have a vaginal prolapse after vaginal birth with #1 (doc was NOT ready to catch and had the baby in my canal WAY TOO LONG IMHO!). I also had very bad pubic pain down there running. It eventually went away by itself but my doc gave me a consult referral to a therapist just in case it didn't. Best of luck!
Hi K.
After each of my deliveries it seemed to take longer for everything to heal, or feel normal again. I would often get random pain for many months after my 3rd child. Had the gyn declared everything ok after your past partum visit? If that's the case then maybe you just have to start off a little more slowly this time? Just because the exam was normal, doesn't mean the muscles and tissues don't need some more tlc. Do more stretching, keagles etc and slowly increase your running? Pelvic wall and core strengthening exercises might help. I went back to work 6 weeks after my third delivery and I thought I was getting torn in 2, it took a lot more time to get back together after the third.
I know this isn't what you want to hear but let yourself heal and in the meantime, try to find another cardio activity that doesn't hurt. Trust me, this is coming from someone who has torn cartilage and instability in the knee, bursitis in the foot, and constant arch pain - I pop my Voltaren daily and it helps - and I just suck it up and do it because I love running that much.
Give yourself at least 1-2 weeks of cross training and then slowly get back into running (run every third day, run slower and shorter than normal). Personally, I'd rather suck it up and do the boring stuff for a few weeks and let myself heal completely (recently finished 2 months of nursing an annoying hamstring injury through eliptical and bike which SUCKED), than continue at a breakneck pace and injure myself and not be able to do anything at all.
(But, I completely get where you're coming from and your drive to get back into running...so good luck to you!)
I had the same pain after my second child this summer. I had it until 9 weeks PP. I would try to run, but if I felt the pain I would just power walk instead. The more kids you have the longer it takes to bounce back as your muscles are stretched and weaker.
Give it some more time, if it is still bothering you after 4 months I would have it checked again.
I had pain walking and running on hard surfaces until 6 MONTHS after my 3rd. I stuck to using the eliptical (sp?) the one where you're sort of pedaling smoothly- treadmill and more minimal exercise even though i wanted to push it. Bottom line, you don't want to create medical problems by rushing. Your pain is telling you something. 6 weeks is the minimum I got from my doctors for my 1st. The second two took longer. Be patient!
Hi, K.:
After 3 births, your body has stretched and this time it will take longer to
get back into shape, but it will with more time.
Do your abdominal strengthening exercises and do your kegel exercises on a routine basis and then after a time you can start running again.
Good luck.
D.
ah take it easy...They say at least 6 weeks to get back to "relatively" normal activity that doesn't mean you can't strength train and do some walking to keep you with workout routine just modify and take it easy...I didn't feel back up to spead at 100% for a few months. Also, this is number three!! Give yourself some grace...If the pain continues get checked out by your doctor.
