Postnatal exercise: how soon is it safe to run after a c-section?

[jm54]

Would it be safe to start a beginners jogging course (working towards a 10k in May) 13 weeks after a c-section?

I would have thought so - I am due in 5.5 weeks and have been thinking 6 weeks for normal birth, 3 months for c-sec (I've had previous c-sec so its v. possible again !) before I start exercising.

If its a beginners course and you listen to your body and stop if it feels too much you should be ok. I would also maybe go to the doctors before starting to check abdominal muscles are back togehter etc.

I would think by 13 weeks you'd be fine.

absolutely!

I was running 4 weeks after both CSs. Scar was fine but I was still too knackered generally.

oh that's interesting Highlander - did you run throughout your pregnancy ?

I was running between 30 and 40 K a week (in 10K stints) before I got pregnant but have done very little since I found out I was pregnant (about 30 weeks ago) but keen to get started again (although might not be after the sleepless nights !).

I started running again at 8 weeks after CS, but was told off by the Pratice Nurse who advised me to wait until 12 weeks - so you should be fine but take it easy and build up

Just a quick tip, make sure you are doing your pelvic floors as running does not help so I have been told (too panicked not to do them and don't want to take any chances).

I ran v gently until 28 weeks with DS1. Did pelenty of walking and kayaking until the birth - felt I spranf back to fitness v quickly.

I was ill with DS2 so no exercise, which was awful. Felt a million dollars when I pulled the trainers on again! Hiowever, stopped running when DS2 was about 3 months as I was just soooooooooo knackered (DS2 was only just over 2 at this point)

Thanks (sorry for thread hijack JM54) - I have been walking a lot and doing pregnancy yoga but between not feeling very good for much of the pregnancy and my DH being seriously ill in hospital for another part I haven't maintained the level of exercise I'd hoped.

Will see how it goes - was considering a late race for life but we'll see !!!

Just check your abdominals have come together before you do any running. Do the stomach crunch thing (lie on your back, knees bent, feet close to your bum and roll your head and chest upwards in a curl - put your fingers around your belly button and check there isn't a gap between the rectus abdominus muscles). If there's no gap you're good to go, although build up slowly. IF there is a gap of two fingers or more then running may well 'fix' this separation, which can lead to back problems, abdominal weakness, etc.

I ran 12 weeks after my (grisly, complicated) caesarean and although I was desperate to get out there and get running again I'm glad I didn't push it and run any earlier as you really can wipe yourself out and, if your stomach muscles haven't come together, can make things worse. Before pregnancy I'd been super-fit and run for years and, although I planned to run through pregnancy, a difficult twin pregnancy put paid to that. The first run was really hard but I took it slowly and listened to my body. I made a pact with myself that if my stomach (or I) felt odd at any point I'd just stop and do a gentle walk and then build up that way. In the end, I was okay and it was only months of a killer stitch that I had to work through that really gave me any problems.

My tip is to build up slowly by factoring in some small walks and then building up the distance and speed over time. If you factor in pushing a buggy/pram you can really help to build up your base fitness/strength which will make running less of a body shock when you start. I also did some gentle pilates (not all the abdominal ones though as I was advised to avoid them until four or five months post birth) and they also helped.

Waffling response but what I'm trying to say is that on paper 13 weeks would be absolutely fine but just check your abdominals first. If they're okay and you're feeling well in yourself then I can see no problems. Running is an excellent way of getting fit and I felt pure JOY when I got my trainers back on (although the first run in nearly a year almost killed me!).

Good luck.
Kx

All I'd say is make sure your pelvic floor is up to it (rather suspect your c-sec scar will be fine and up to it) and take it easy.

Did any of you run with a buggy ? Is it true you have to wait until 6 months to do that ? I've inherited an off roader for the job but have read conflicting advice.

probably, especially if you were fit before. Just take it very very very easy at first.

this reminds me I have to register for race for life.

Wheelybug, I did a 'running mums' course after my first cs, run by the local council's leisure dept, and I wouldn't imagine they'd run a course like that if it was contrary to medical advice. Mind you, it was pretty light on the running side, not to demanding.

Thanks to all for your posts - sounds like I have no excuse not to book my place on the course! Here's to getting fit again!