Mild pains / pelvic cramps after running six miles

anne0709 · April 2014

I've always been a runner. For the first 11 weeks of pregnancy, I stopped running and just did a lot of walking and some elliptical machine workouts instead. I was being overly cautious and careful but I was also extremely tired and sick. Once I hit 11 weeks, I started to get my energy back and began to run again. I ran between 2 and 5 miles almost every day for 8 weeks. Yesterday, I ran a 10k race. I felt strong and was inspired by the big group of people so may have pushed myself a bit too hard during the first few miles but then I slowed down and took it easy for the rest. I felt great after.

Later, while relaxing on the couch not moving, I started feeling some mild pains deep in the center of my pelvis / groin area. They were quick to subside but regular. The later it got, the more frequent they became until it was almost constant. I used a heating pad on low against my lower abdomen but that didn't do anything for it. I slept through the night fine but when I woke up this morning, I still have the pains. They're mild and not too bothersome, they don't restrict my activity, but they worry me nonetheless.

After the 10k yesterday, I felt so good that I went ahead and signed up for a half marathon at the end of May. I'll be 6 months pregnant then. I have ran many half marathons and a couple full marathons, but never pregnant. Now with these pains I'm starting to wonder if I should pass on doing the half next month after all.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

JSS1002 · April 2014

I guess I'd ask your doctor what s/he thinks. I used to be a runner (ran a full marathon in 2007), but was sort of easing out of it already by the time I got pregnant with my first, so I stopped... started doing Couch to 5K again in between pregnancies, but then winter hit and I stopped again...

Point being - since you were already running prior to pregnancy it is probably fine, but like with anything else, I'd check with your doc.

JustCricket · April 2014

I would probably take it easy if you continue to cramp I probably would not do the half. Talk to your doc if you're concerned but see if resting and fluids help with the cramping. I completely stopped running during 1st tri b/c I was just soooooo exhausted. I'm disappointed b/c I thought I'd be able to run throughout pg... but I now that I'm not exhausted, I can only jog very short distances. I'm bummed b/c I was going to do a half sometime this year.

lmdonnel · April 2014

My Doc said that some mild cramping and just plain soreness in the pelvic/groin area after a longer run is just normal. Let's be honest, it's a lot of work running for two! I'm running a half on Saturday and anything above 5-6 miles typically makes me pretty sore a few hours after. I actually just lay down with my legs elevated and a bag of ice on my lower stomach and that helps tremendously! This half will be my last double digit run of pregnancy, but I plan to keep running, with about 6 miles being my longest run. Definitely still ask your Doc just to be safe, but good luck continuing to run!

MrsLaLaBug · April 2014

I'd double check with your OB but sounds like you might just want to tone it down a notch. There's nothing wrong with taking it a little bit on the easier side when you are pregnant.

JustCricket · April 2014

MrsLaLaBug said:

I'd double check with your OB but sounds like you might just want to tone it down a notch. There's nothing wrong with taking it a little bit on the easier side when you are pregnant.

I'm going to second this. As much as you want to be wonder woman and do all the activities and prove everyone wrong.... sometimes you just gotta listen to your body.

ETA- SOOO wish I could run as much as I was running before... but I had some early bleeding, and then cramps after I was cleared fro pelvic rest.... sooo I took it as a sign. As much as it kills me to not run I'm finally coming around to that it just isn't something my body wants to do. So I'm sticking to walks and short/easy jogs.

teenybean · April 2014

My joints don't feel the same at all. I also find that accessory muscles are sore...meaning my body is compensating to stabilize my destabilized pelvis etc. my bladder really can't take the beating anymore either. I ran a half at 13 weeks, but my longest runs since were 5-6 miles and it doesn't feel easy anymore. I figure my days are limited...I'm only averaging 2.5-4.5 miles each run now for maybe a total of 10 miles a week down from 16-20/wk. I've slowly been adding the gym back in to compensate for lost mileage. I miss the fresh open air runs...
I also make sure to replace salt. I normally don't even salt my food and I've been craving salt. I've been drinking v8, chicken broth or Gatorade on running days to help replenish fluids and salt. You have to really remember to stay hydrated and talk to your doc.

nstark2908 · April 2014

I would slow down your pace significantly and remember to drink lots of water. you need even more when active. i know that when I am cramping up after working out, I drink a couple of glasses of water and the cramps go away. Based on what your fitness seems to be, I think a half marathon will be fine, but treat it as an easy long run and not a race.

anne0709 · April 2014

Thanks everyone! I found this link today and it's very helpful for any other pregnant runners out there:
https://www.tallmomontherun.com/2013/04/pregnant-running-must-have-and-tips.html

mavelle93 · April 2014

I ran a half marathon last week but didn't push myself. I agree with the above and talk w/your doctor, and take it a little more easy. I am trying to continue to run, but am trying to be easier on myself by not trying to go for a PR or anything, also drinking more often when I usually did not. I think you should be fine if you do the same.

mavelle93 · April 2014

I ran a half marathon last week but didn't push myself. I agree with the above and talk w/your doctor, and take it a little more easy. I am trying to continue to run, but am trying to be easier on myself by not trying to go for a PR or anything, also drinking more often when I usually did not. I think you should be fine if you do the same.

Flowerchica · April 2014

I've had phases where I've been serious about my running ( well up to half marathon distances), but the things that chased me off of this type of exercise

1 - I ended up with pre-term labor with dehydration - not even related to exercising - while drinking about 8 - 10 glasses of water a day. I didn't see that coming. I can't imagine how bad it would have been if I had been running seriously.

2 - Relaxin does very strange things to our joints - especially the ones we can't feel. Even if my muscles feel strong - my joints simply aren't as stable when pregnant.

3 - and of course this chased me off once I got diagnosed- but I've got an incompetent cervix and it's asymptomatic .

I have to second the comments about not trying to be super women. Yes you can probably push yourself and seriously run while pregnant but is the benefit gained worth the potential risk? This is just my opinion regarding my situation. Not trying to say you shouldn't - just sharing what made this runner slow down for the pregnancy. I can always run after this baby comes - and my joints harden again.

lmdonnel · April 2014

anne0709 said:

Thanks everyone! I found this link today and it's very helpful for any other pregnant runners out there:
https://www.tallmomontherun.com/2013/04/pregnant-running-must-have-and-tips.html

This is a great find! Thanks for sharing!

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