ab muscles and high impact workouts

hlkay31

I know that for many women, the ab muscles separate during pregnancy and take awhile to heal and come together.  I know that this is the reason that most women are not recommended to do any crunches or other sit ups right after giving birth.  My trainer has told me that I should also be avoiding any high impact exercise (running in particular).  I don't see the connection.  Has anyone else been told to avoid running until the abs have come back together?

natalie202

My midwife cleared me to slowly get back to running at two weeks, despite the fact that my abs were still somewhat separated. Can you ask for further clarification as to why they're suggesting you not run? There could be a good reason, so it's worth inquiring further before deciding to go against this advice.

hlkay31

Thanks for sharing your situation.  My trainer thinks that the impact can slow down the muscles healing ability and then can lead to prolonged separation and incontinence.  But everything I am finding online just says to watch your ab exercises.   No one seems to mention the running/high impact affecting this.

reederah

My midwife told me I could do ab exercises right away (though my abs didn't separate) but told me to wait 4-6 weeks for high intensity running. I feel like the recommendations differ so much!

mckenya

reederah:

My midwife told me I could do ab exercises right away (though my abs didn't separate) but told me to wait 4-6 weeks for high intensity running. I feel like the recommendations differ so much!

 

So how do you know if your abs separate?