6wks PP & Return to Running?

sarah43

Hi ladies, I'm almost 6wks pp from c/s and wondering about getting back to running.  Pre-pg, I averaged 30-35 miles per wk and towards the end I was lucky to get 10-15.  I tried running a block at a time last week & felt pressure at my incision site.  Is that normal?  Will it go away?  Dr cleared me for exercise but I forgot to ask her about running since it's considered "high impact".  Any thoughts?

ladipale

I'm 8 month PP and still can't run (but I think I'm a special case) I went back to yoga at 5 weeks pp, but waited to start running. (I also used to run 30 - 50 miles/week before getting pg). I started up 6 months pp but the pain at my incision site was terrible. I returned to the doc, and she thinks its actually pelvic pain but incision pain. So I've backed off a bit and haven't run for the last month. I would say if it hurts, to back off a bit and really slowly build up to running.

ambs21

If it's painful, it's probably best to go low impact for a bit.  You don't want to do too much too soon and end up taking steps backwards.  Good luck and good for you for getting started on the exercise right away!

snoopy3319

I was given the clear at 6 weeks to start slow. My doc suggested to start out walking a few miles and then increase to jogging/running, etc. I was told to wait another 8-10 weeks for any ab work. I'd say listen to your body. There's plenty of time to lose that baby weight. It's not going anywhere.

hopkins5

snoopy3319:

I was given the clear at 6 weeks to start slow. My doc suggested to start out walking a few miles and then increase to jogging/running, etc. I was told to wait another 8-10 weeks for any ab work. I'd say listen to your body. There's plenty of time to lose that baby weight. It's not going anywhere.

This, exactly. Slow down.

holly321

I have a hard time running still.  It gets sore, and my incision gets really tingly for awhile afterwards.

sarah43

Thanks girls, I'm going to just keep at it w/walking and trying a bit of running each week.  I'll wait for running straight till the pressure subsides.

genekelly

I didn't do as much mileage as you and stopped at wk 31 b/c of discomfort.  I started incorporating bouts of running after my 6wk checkup and my "guts" felt loose inside and the next day I had some pain near the incision site.  I've incorporated more running in since that day(2-3x wk) but still only working up gradually which is only ~2mi 3 times a wk.  Start back gradually and the discomfort or oddness should go away.   GL!

cs1007

I started walking at about 2-3 weeks (even though you are *supposed* to)....I had been running up until about 21 weeks pregnant, but then felt too awkward, so I stuck with walking 25+ miles a week

I don't think I started to run for at least 2 months. You will still feel that pressure/pulling feeling for a while. If it gets painful, slow it down a bit. Good for you!

SirSleepsALot

You're good!  Go for it!  I had some acheyness around my incision the first run I did at 6 weeks but that was it - after that I was fine (this is my 2nd C/S).