Muscle weakness postpartum

[FatherNeilHannon]

I'm 2 weeks postpartum and have bad muscle weakness. Can barely hold the baby and can't get comfortable unless I'm lying down.

I had SPD so wondering if this is a hangover from that. Had anyone else experienced this? When did it clear up? Had c-section and not breastfeeding.

You've had major surgery so you just need to rest and repair for a bit so take any help that is offered to you. Once you're feeling a bit better some gentle walks will help improve blood flow and aid recovery. Yes the spd can linger for months but it should improve as your hormones get back to normal.
Once you've fully healed (6-12 weeks) you'll need to start rebuilding your core strength. You can try some light resistance bands, planking, pilates or yoga.

Hi,

Congratulations and also sorry to heat you are in pain.

What is the pain like?

I had a c section 19 weeks ago and I am in so so much pain.

At first it was sore when I tried to lie on my right side after c section but now the pain I get in the morning especially is excruciating, in right buttock and lower right hand side of my back, also sometimes on top part of my right leg.

I’m wondering if it’s something to do with c section or herniated/slipped disc

Xx

@Fingercrossed11
That sound a bit like sciatica, I'd go to your GP to get checked out.

I had a cesarean with our twins and had no pains despite getting an infection due to stitches not dissolving properly. So many report having a pretty rough time recovering. Mine didn't phase me really, I was back doing everything except driving and heavy lifting the day after surgery.

@Chelyanne
That’s great, it’s my second section and didn’t have this last time round albeit 6 and a bit years ago was my first one.
Didn’t realise sciatica would be so painful. Making me miserable with the pain

The weakness is in my arms though rather than my stomach.

@fingerscrossed11 there are lots of exercises & stretches you can try to improve it. Things like ibuprofen can help reduce and swelling short term. You can also use heat packs or hot water bottles for pain relief. There are several braces/supports available but can't say how helpful they are.

@FatherNeilHannon the only thing I can think of that may leave you with arm weakness is fatigue. If you're not getting enough sleep it can have you quite run down and lead to achy/weaked muscles (like when you're ill). Other than that maybe speak to the GP to see if they can think of some possible causes.

@Chelyanne
Thanks x

An iron deficiency can cause this. Worth getting checked out.

Yes, I had this at first - I couldn't pick up more than a couple of plates from the dishwasher at a time! I also had SPD and a c section. I think it was just post-surgery weakness, it went away after a while. Although my balance is nowhere near as good as it was - I need to work on that, I think the cut stomach muscles are to blame.

Two weeks post you're still healing, really do take it easy and rest when you can. If it's not improved in a couple more weeks perhaps go to your GP.

Thanks all - glad to hear I'm not the only one..I think an iron deficiency is a possibility, I only started taking the ferrous fumarate I was prescribed as I had bad constipation. I hope it starts to help!