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Click to view mountainlake's profile Pro
mountainlake
74 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

Dec 16, 2007 1:19 PM

Running After C-Section: How Long Do I Have To Wait?

I had an unplanned c-section on 11/14 (after 34 hours of labor). At my peak, I was running 20 miles a week; I ran a 15k in February (right before I got pregnant). I slowed my running down some and quit running in June (I live in Florida and it was simply too hot to run outside). However, I swam 3 times a week for 40+ minutes and also walked.

I recovered quickly from the c-section and in fact went back to work in 2 weeks! I feel great and have been walking. How long until I can run, do you think? It will be 5 weeks on Wednesday.

I'm also looking for stories of other women who had c-sections and resumed running. How long did you wait? What challenges did you face? Any tips or advice?

Thanks so much!
Click to view lizard1020's profile Expert
lizard1020
49 posts since
Dec 16, 2007
1. Dec 16, 2007 4:47 PM in response to: mountainlake
Ask your doctor! She's the most qualified to answer. Glad you feel so great! lizard
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Click to view jrpol's profile Pro
jrpol
111 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
2. Dec 17, 2007 6:07 AM in response to: mountainlake

I had a c-section in November 2005. I must say that you're doing way better then I did! I didn't go back to work. I've been a SAHM ever since, but I didn't start running again until about 8 weeks post-partum. Actually, even then it was really slow. I waited until the doctor said it was OK. I'm sure you can't wait to get back out there and run again, but definitely listen to your doctor. As hard as it is to be patient, it's always easier then dealing with an injury.

The hardest thing for me was dealing with the exhaustion. I nursed my son exclusively so the first couple months and I never got more then 2 or 3 hours of sleep at a time. I was just tired so as much as I wanted to start running again, I wanted to sleep more. :8} At about 8 weeks I was able to go to the YMCA and use thier childwatch program and I could take an hour to myself and run on the treadmill. Once I got my endurance back I ran more in the evening outside after DH got home from work. I even ramped up my milage and ran my first 10K last June. Of course I got pregnant later that month and now I'm expecting baby number 2 in March. Now I'm looking forward to later April or early May when I can start running all over again! I know it will be harder this time (I'm trying to avoid another c-section, but we'll see how that goes) mostly because I'll be nursing exclusively again and chasing a 2 year old around.

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Click to view AEK702's profile Amateur
AEK702
31 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
3. Dec 17, 2007 7:53 PM in response to: mountainlake
I usually tell my patients to wait at least 6 weeks for everything to heal, but this is a decision that you and your provider have to make together. A c-section is major surgery, it is important to give yourself time to recover, even if you feel OK. Start slow, and listen to your body!
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mountainlake
74 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
4. Dec 19, 2007 7:34 PM in response to: mountainlake
Thanks everyone! I saw my doctor today and she gave me the all clear to start running again!
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