Post-partum runners: when will I stop pissing myself with every step??

[FetchezLaVache]

Hi all, just really got back into running in the last month after giving birth a year ago- I had to stop running at about 20 weeks pregnant because DS was bouncing on my pelvic floor in a most unpleasant manner by then, so it's been a long time. On the advice of other running mums, I have been doing my pelvic floor exercises regularly and assumed I'd have no problem when I started running again, but in fact I have been pretty much leaking wee-wee with every step, esp downhill. I had to nip behind a bush tonight as I thought the floodgates were about to open! Will I ever be fully continent again?? Anyone got any great tips (over and above the standard stuff the midwives give you), or am I going to have to stick a Tena Lady down my Ron Hills?

(Very carefully, just in case it starts it off again)

Took me a few months but I had some terrible problems with my PF. Just keep going and the running will help to strengthen the muscles, promise! X

Thanks Possom, that's great to hear! I will persevere, with Tena Lady as my friend in the meantime.

I found that the problem was much less when I was menstruating, and finally worked out that it was wearing a tampon that helped. In the end I wore one of the smallest ones whenever I did an aerobics class. It supports the neck of the bladder, so that wee leakages are hugely reduced - even doing jumping jacks. I think you can actually get plastic devices to do the same job.

The good news is that it does improve, and now, many years later, I can run, trampoline and do jumping jacks with no problems.

Oh thanks Butterbur, that's interesting, I was "on" last week and it was far less pronounced. I might try my Mooncup instead of the Tena Lady, then. But I might try both at once to start with- belt and braces, and all that....

I would also add that you probably need to do some concerted effort with the old pelvic floor exs!
Do 10 second holds x 10 and also 1-2 second holds for 10 reps. Twice daily. Make sure you have really nailed the technique.
I see alot of patients who find day to day no incontience probs but running seems to be a real issue. It nearly always improves with the exs and time.
Good luck.

I would agree that it will improve over time. I still have to make sure my bladder's empty before I run though.

I always make a point of doing my pelvic floors when I'm in a queue!