Running after birth

[cookiecrunch94]

Hi everyone. I'm currently 2 weeks post vaginal birth, second degree tear. I'm looking for some experiences of when you felt able to do any impact exercises such as running? At the moment I can walk for about 30 minutes comfortably, so was thinking of waiting 12 weeks until I feel completely healed. Is this too long? I know the guidance says at least 6 weeks but I don't want to push it too hard. I ran a lot pre-pregnancy but did nothing during pregnancy, I'm looking at starting with a couch to 5k when I feel able to. Thanks

You'll see varying opinions from as soon as you feel ready to 6/12 months plus. With all 3 of mine I started off around 6-8 weeks post partum, after I'd had my doctors check. I started off with C25K each time and built up slowly. If I felt off or not quite right I'd go back a step or take an extra day off between sessions. What you're planning sounds sensible.

Recommendation is to wait 12 weeks before getting back to running/high impact exercise, to allow your pelvic floor to recover and reduce the likelihood of injury. From 6-8 weeks better to start with walking/swimming/yoga/pilates to build up strength and endurance etc. and pelvic floor exercises if you’re not doing those already.

I think you're doing really well walking fir now. Agree with the PPs, try some low impact exercise like Postnatal Yoga or one of The Body Projects low impact workouts fir now and see how you feel in a few weeks