Question for post C-Section runners

GGmets

I've been running three times a week for 11 weeks now since my C-section on Nov. 1. Sometimes after a run I get a lot of cramping all over my stomach and I'm not sure if this is related to the surgery in any way. This was my second C-section and I had a good recovery with both surgeries, and while this cramping does happen often (maybe 4-5 times since) it's quite uncomfortable. Feels a bit like very strong menstrual cramps but from under my rib cage down past my belly button. Anyone else experience this after running or exercise?

bonniebrownhair

Not exactly this, but I've experienced pain mostly in my lower left abdomen when walking or running.  It doesn't happen all the time.  I went in for an ultrasound because my doctor thought I might have an ovarian cyst, but she didn't find anything.  She said it was probably just scar tissue from the C-section.

My sister in law, who has had abdominal surgery, also gets similar pain from scar tissue.  Ours is lower than yours, though, so it might not be the same thing.  And it usually happens during physical activity, not after.  Did you have a low transverse incision, or was your incision higher?

rockychryslerb2010

I had similar pain about 6 months out from my c-section, when I started increasing the distance of my runs.  I got pain on one side, when I would run 4-6 miles.  I met with my OB to make sure there weren't any problems, and he found no issues or complications from my surgery.  I remember it being really painful after I would run, and that probably lasted a good month, maybe longer.  I ran a half marathon in Oct, about 10 months post c-section, and felt great.  I am doing more strength training / tons of ab workouts during the winter months, and I haven't had pain since the summer.  If you haven't already, I could schedule an appointment with your OB just to make sure there aren't any issues. I am about 14.5 months post c-section.

happywife2b

While running is not an ab-specific work out, it does engage your abs so it makes sense that you are feeling cramps or some pain. After all, your muscle was cut and stitched back together. I read up on the various incisions that are used for C-sections and how most doctors prefer to cut across for both but that it is actually better for your overall health and recovery if they cut across for the outer incision and up/down for the muscular incision. I am going to discuss this with my OB and see if he feels comfortable doing it. This will be my 2nd C/S and I had abdominal pain with any and every kind of activity for at least a year after my 1st one. I used planks and other yoga to get my core back to normal, but it was a labor of love.

Edit: I remember getting this really awful nerve pain from where a nerve was cut. The pain would begin in my pelvic region and run up through my scar. It was stabby and itchy and just the worst. I imagine an internal nerve being cut would cause pain like this, too...?

LindsayF24

My LO is 18 months old and I started running again PP when he was 4 months old. I was cleared to run at 6 weeks, but I decided to start out with the elliptical. I've never experienced any abdominal pain when running, even during my speed intervals. I do ab work as well twice a week so maybe that's why?