October 2015 Moms

Sore below belly after exercising?

FTM, I'll be 25w tomorrow. OK sooo

The last week or so, I realized (aka finally put two and two together after randomly feeling sore past couple wks!) that my pelvic area below my belly is really sore after running or exercising. Not sure why...but I obviously didn't run after my genius self made the connection haha! Thought it was the impact of running, so I did the elliptical instead and still feel sore :/ Time for a support belt I wonder? My weight gain so far has been ALL belly, so I wouldn't be surprised if that's some of it. 

I'm not worried that I hurt the baby--had a detailed anatomy scan last week (got a 2nd one, he didn't have a lot of fluid in his bladder the first time) and he is in perfect shape, and my cervix and all that jazz is good too. But if its my body telling me its time to stop then I'm going to listen! wah. 

I'm headed to the dr next week, so I'll discuss it with her then.  I'm going to take it easy until then of course (maybe just lift light weights, walking etc...kills me to do so!) but wondered if anyone else experienced this? If so, does a maternity support belt help or will I be benched for the rest of my pregancy?? 

Re: Sore below belly after exercising?

  • I've started getting that just from walking too! Haven't tried the support belt yet but that's a good idea. I wore my belly band under my clothes for support a couple weeks ago on a long trek and it may have helped or it may have been placebo. It was too hot though....preggy problems...
  • Loading the player...
  • I get a cramp feeling so I stopped all impact like running and jumping rope. I'm jealous of those who can still run! A chiropractor told me not to get a belt because it increases the odds of the baby being breach and not being able to spin on its own
  • I'm 28 weeks and definitely get sore after running below the belly, too.  I chalk it up to all that bouncing around and muscles stretching in ways they're not used to.  I haven't interpreted that as a sign to stop but it's probably safest to ask your doc!  I haven't tried one of those support belts but I hear they are great.  All doctors are different - mine is very pro-exercise - so you may hear differently, but I've been encouraged to continue as long as I can.
  • My midwife said that after exercise you can get contractions (pretty typical), don't know if that's what you're feeling but after my morning dog walk of about 2-3 miles I often feel everything get tight and a little uncomfortable, it goes away if I drink water and sit when I get back so I'm not worried about it as long as it doesn't get worse. Definitely ask your doctor though!
  • If it keeps happening have your provider check for diastasis recti. I've had to really settle down to light walking, and swimming because i had DR previously and my midwife notice the split right under my belly button again. Ive never had a major one but even a tiny split can give you problems including back pain and not being able to tone your midsection post baby.
  • Thanks ladies! My dr group is very pro-exercise, thankfully. I'm def going to take it easy until the appt next week. 

    I've been running around 6/7miles until this soreness started. SO Glad I'm not the only one who feels it! Its strange, I often don't feel it till later in the day (which is why it took me so long to make the connection, or its that I'm a blonde!). Now with the elliptical too...noooo!!! 

    I'll be totally bummed if they say its "safest" to do something that doesn't make me sore...I'm a total cardio junkie! Yoga/pilates just make me sleepy haha
  • I have had the same issue after running a couple miles. My doc was not worried but encourages me to use a support belt for more comfort. I'll be getting one this weekend and giving it a try!
  • I definitely wouldn't take a general soreness as a "warning sign" like you have to stop, but if it is making you uncomfortable, I would scale back. I have gone down to 4 miles twice a week and I run 1 mile on the other days as my warm up for lifting. I ran through 37 weeks with DD and hope to do something similar this time. I used a support belt just for my 4-mile runs, and I will do that again very soon. The bouncing definitely puts added stress on your lower abdominal muscles, so it makes sense that they will be sore (we call it delayed onset muscle soreness). 

    The warning sign that I get is braxton hicks contractions nearing the end of a run or the hours following. It usually means I pushed too hard (too dehydrated/overheated). I used that as my warning to take a day off or scale back when I was pregnant with DD. 

    Certainly talk to your doctor about the feeling, but it might be something that won't hold you back from a run! I'm hoping that all is well :)

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • crbpjbcrbpjb member
    I had a similar issue, and my chiropractor suggested that it may just be low electrolytes.  I've started eating a small meal before I work out or just making sure I get something in my system with some natural sugar in it (fruit maybe?) and since then I have had no issues!   :)
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • I am currently 26 weeks. I was a long distance runner until a few weeks ago. I experienced the same pain, but only after running. My body is fine with lifting and other cardio. I did use a maternity belt for running, but that didn't eliminate the pain so I had to give it up. I wish I had better news to report :(
  • @LiveNLove44 I was hoping you would comment--I love your running advice! Yes, I'm going to talk to my dr., fingers crossed! The delayed onset muscle soreness totally makes sense...if this maternity belt (amazon says its here tomorrow- I got the one you recommended awhile ago btw!) doesn't help, I'll have to stop b/c the soreness is was so bad! 

    @syounker- can I just ignore your comment hahahah I don't want to believe it!!! But I may be commiserating with you soon :/ we shall see! Running is just...ah the BEST thing ever!!! 

    PS - CAn I get off topic here in this thread? Will I get scolded LOL. Since we are all runners here, mourning the ending of our beautiful long runs potentially...what running strollers do you have? A friend of mine has the Chicco TRE travel system and LOVES it, and she's already back to running halves. Its priced about what the BOB is (high $300s, stroller alone, $525 for the system), but you don't need the separate carseat adaptor since the seat comes with the system. 

    I got a barely used double BOB for $200 off of a consignment page, but I'm on the hunt for a good single one still (a friend will buy it from me for $200 if I find a single) I had to snatch it up since those consignment pages people act SO fast!! I just couldn't believe I was first that day hahaa
  • @Kim1228, I have a BOB Revolution and I love it. We got it as a gift and it was definitely more than $200, so the fact that you got a double for that makes me totally jealous! The BOB is the only stroller we use (for everything) and we have the carseat adapter. It is just as nice now, 2 years later, as it was the first day we got it. 

    Something to consider with a jogging stroller:
    Typically you can't run with the infant until they can hold their own head up. Many manufacturers recommend 6 months as your cutoff. Given our later fall due dates, it might be okay to not have the exact jogger you want until spring. That can buy you more time to get exactly what you want. 

    With that said, I used my jogger right away as a normal stroller just to get out of the house and moving. The carseat adapter was slick because I could pop her in or out while she was still sleeping and run errands or go for a walk. I am looking for a double BOB and I intend to keep my single. There will be times when I only have one LO with me, so I like having the option to only push a single!
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • crbpjbcrbpjb member
    We are getting the BabyJogger Summit X3
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • Good thought about the having time to find the right jogging stroller before I can use it to actually jog! Wondering if it would be stupid to just keep the double and when I can run, just put something in the other side of it so the weight is even. We plan on having multiple kids so tempted to just hang on to the double Bob. We shall see! Thanks for advice ladies! 
  • Personally, I'd keep the double BOB. I would also look for a steal of a deal on a single. It's nice to have options :) You won't even need a carseat adapter if you don't use either of them until spring! I used mine for errands and such, so we did need the adapter, but you can often find those on sale and use a discount, too!
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • Couple things:

    I would recommend getting a support belt and see if it helps you. I recommend the Gabrialla. If you're using it just for exercise, I don't think there's any risk for a breech baby not being able to turn.

    For the Bob- we LOVE our single and I definitely started running with him in the car seat adapter at 3 weeks pp. I think the 6 month/head thing is for sitting in the actual stroller. They should definitely be able to sit up for that. I just got a used double Bob recently (for $385- what a steal for $200! Was it older?) and am looking forward to running with my dudes

    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
    BabyFetus Ticker
  • cmjn94cmjn94 member
    I'm totally having a muscle cramp after three days of running around town and doing tons of walking! I called in a dr said if I can make it feel better with resting/water/Tylenol, then I don't need to worry too much. It feels fine if I'm sitting but moving is way too hard and I think maybe I should take it easy for a few days. ;)
  • bishopgnbishopgn member
    edited July 2015
    Weaker abdominals. I have sore lower abdominals/belly after work as a physical therapist. It's not hurting baby, but was told i'm more stretched out and not as toned as my first pregnancy. 25 weeks as well. Don't over do the exercise or wear an SI belt for stability As you need those abs to not be sore during delivery. Look up and focus on transverse abdominous muscle contractions - it's the main abdominal stabilizer you need to push
  • Update- I went to the dr this morning and explained how it pretty much feels like I rode a bike for 24 hrs down there, I'm so sore. She said its normal, everything is shifting down etc...and it'll only get worse as time goes on! I'm going to wear my support belt as she suggested, but man even walking makes me ache! So sadly, no running for me until post-baby. boooo :( (I actually am legit upset about this!! Running is my favorite thing to do)  Looks like I'll be doing the elliptical and strength training for the rest of the pregnancy. 

    @bishopgn- thanks for the advice about abs. My abs are still in pretty good shape (no more definition like pre-prego obviously) since I do a lot of standing ab workouts, I'll be sure to keep it up since that'll help during labor

    @swelniak- I did get a support belt- hoping it'll help! And yes, the double bob was quite the steal I'd say! Only a couple years old, too :) She just wanted it out of her house. I was the first to comment on the FB posting out of tons of mamas, was my lucky day! 

    @LiveNLove44- keep on running for me :D 
Sign In or Register to comment.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"