Running after c-section ...

Support | Event Directors & Organizers

Search Cool Running Community

Browse Cool Running

CoolRunning.com > Cool Running Community > The Med Tent >

Up to Threads in The Med Tent

9 Replies Last post: Apr 5, 2007 11:39 AM by melromero3

melromero3

4 posts since
Dec 10, 2005

Mar 31, 2007 9:25 PM

Running after c-section

I just had a c-section on March 21st. Before I was pregnant I was running about 3-5 miles, 5 days a week. Once I got pregnant I had complications that prevented me from running during the pregnancy. I started walking yesterday (2miles) and did 3 miles today. I'm feeling really good and wanted to start running again. Do you think it would be okay to start the Couch Potato to 5K training program this early on? I am feeling really good for this soon postpartum and am dying to start running again. Can't believe I have to start from scratch again ) : Any advice would be welcomed. Thanks!

KEndra Russano

64 posts since
Aug 24, 2006

1. Apr 1, 2007 7:52 AM

in response to: melromero3

Re: Running after c-section

You really need to talk to your Dr. I have had 3 c-sections and my Dr was very strict-nothing but walking for 6 weeks. I know you are excited to get started again but you should talk to your Dr. - tell them you are anxious to get back to running and see what they say. Good luck and congratulations on the baby

melromero3

4 posts since
Dec 10, 2005

2. Apr 1, 2007 12:51 PM

in response to: melromero3

Re: Running after c-section

I have an appointment on Tuesday. Wow! 6 weeks sounds like such a long time. Maybe I can talk him into something a little sooner : ) Just need an outlet and need to lose this weight! Thanks so much for your reply, I appreciate it!

1arun2bfit

1 posts since
Nov 8, 2005

3. Apr 4, 2007 12:21 PM

in response to: melromero3

Re: Running after c-section

hi. i am currently on baby #3 and this july will unfortunately be cs #3 for me. i know the other way would be best, but after 2 cs my doc recommends the 3rd be cs too.

i would suggest that you listen to your doctor. after my 2nd cs i tore something inside just from lifting my 1.5 yr old. it is a big scar, and it definitely needs time to heal.

i can completely relate to you wanting to get back at it, i have to squeeze into a bridesmaid dress less than 3 months after this baby, so i want to get right back out there too, but let me tell you that if you do too much too soon, you can set yourself back even farther.

i would suggest that you just start to add more distance to your walking, and try to add a little speed once you are up to it. by the time 6 weeks have gone by you will probably find that you don't exactly have to start right at the beginning, though it will probably feel like it compared to where you left off. don't worry, it comes back faster than you think.

best of luck

4boysmom

1,307 posts since
Dec 10, 2007

4. Apr 4, 2007 12:40 PM

in response to: melromero3

Re: Running after c-section

NO!!! I had a c-section with my first. I felt fine the first couple of weeks afterwards--until I had to get back to real life. Simple stuff like popping a stroller over a curb or picking up a 2liter of soda hurt like he!!. My son was born in October. I walked through the fall, then started bicycling (trainer) in January/February. Mind you, I was not running back then.

Can't remember if it was son 3 or 4, but I started doing too much way too soon. And I bled forever. Almost long enough to require surgery...

Put the baby in a Snugli or the stroller and take a stroll around the block. Wear jeans to remind yourself that you are WALKING. Wait until ALL bleeding has stopped before increasing. And if you start bleeding again, BACK OFF!

Just like a running injury, if you do too much too soon, you will set yourself back even further than if you had just waited!

motherof4

36 posts since
Nov 15, 2006

5. Apr 4, 2007 12:40 PM

in response to: melromero3

Re: Running after c-section

I would do what the Dr. says and I bet that is wait 6 weeks. Walking is great too and you get to bring the baby with you. In the big picture waiting to run a few more weeks isn't much, but if you cause problems to your scar or insides, it could be a bigger problem down the road with other pregnancies and/or more loss running time. I had a c-section with #2 and I give you credit....I couldn't imagine running so soon....I just wanted sleep.

Don't fret...you won't be starting over again. Your body probably has some memory of running since you ran so often it probably won't be as long as you think getting back into it. I just took 2 months off for surgery (I did some cross training) and it was only 3 weeks of running before I was back up to a 8 mile run. Make sure you are spending LOTS of time streching so you aren't so sore when you start and to prevent injuries.

Good Luck and Congratulations on the baby!!

melromero3

4 posts since
Dec 10, 2005

6. Dec 26, 2007 3:13 PM

in response to: melromero3

Re: Running after c-section

Thanks so much for all your replies! Now I have a little bit of a dilemma. I went to the doctor yesterday and he gave me the ok to start running again, (Plan on theCouch to 5K) as long as I take it easy. Seeing that you have all had sections before I'm sure you know what you are talking about.

1arun2bfit, I wouldn't worry about having another section. I have had 5 children and this is the only section I've had and honestly, I would do it this way again in a heartbeat! The other way is not necessarily the best way. This last baby had better apgar's then my first four vaginal births. As long as the baby is healthy, that's all that matters! Good luck to you and the wedding. You can do it!!!!

4boysmom, sounds like you didn't have a very good experience! I have noticed the more I do the more I bleed.
That wasn't something I was even asked about at my appointment. Do you feel you started too soon? I'm thinking just starting slow very slow and see where it takes me. If I start bleeding more or hurt too much I will go back to just walking.

motherof 4, Like I said at the beginning, it's a dilemma for me. You all have experience with recovery after a section and say not too much too soon, but then my Dr. gave me the okay as long as I take it easy. Hmmmmm ( : I had this baby for someone else so I don't have the added stress of taking care of a newborn. Maybe that is why he is okay with it. It is much harder when you can't just focus on you and have someone else to take care of. I'd want to sleep all the time too. ( : I'm hoping my body has some memory of running. I haven't been able to run since the beginning of the pregnancy so it's been a really long time. I commend you on being able to run that kind of distance that soon after surgery. WOW!

Well, thank you all for your advise. I'll keep things in perspective and do what my body will let me do. You have all been a great help. Thank you!

http://This message has been edited by melromero3 (edited Apr-04-2007).

http://This message has been edited by melromero3 (edited Apr-04-2007).

chasing3

69 posts since
May 13, 2006

7. Apr 4, 2007 3:34 PM

in response to: melromero3

Re: Running after c-section

I'll be the nay-sayer who says Eeh! to your doctor. If you feel good enough to do week 1 of c25k, then try it. Doctors have said "6 weeks" for everything from intercourse to exercise for years. It's not a magic number after which you are "healed," and prior to which you were still "ill." I bet if we took a poll of women on this board (and their husbands) very few waitied 6 weeks to resume sex. Unless you had some complications or you aren't healing very well and don't feel too good, give a very light, short jog a try. I think your biggest problem to watch out for is increased bleeding -- this is from the placenta site, nothing to do with the csection incision. If you noticce increased bleeding, stop, and don't try again for a few days. But if you are walking 5 miles, jogging a little bit of that probably isn't going to bother you.

It seems to me if you're smart enough to know you have to start from scratch again, then you'll be able to tell if you're over doing. Just cut back if it's too much.

But, maybe you don't want to listen to me because I had a csection for breech twins (13 1/2 lbs total baby weight) and frankly I felt so much better once they were out compared to the toll of the pregnancy on my back, hips, shoulders, etc., the nurses were surprised that I got up and walked as soon as the spinal wore off. And I guess I had a very, very easy recovery compared to what I've heard other women tell.

good luck and congrats!

julie

http://interwovendesign.com/kick/userdisplay.php3?username=chasing3[/URL" target="_blank">

maryt091

806 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

8. Apr 4, 2007 6:38 PM

in response to: melromero3

Re: Running after c-section

I've never had a c-section, but I've had other surgeries and 6 weeks seems just about right to allow the body from having muscles cut through whatever the reason, and to heal so you don't start something bleeding, or delay your body from recovering.

Remember, too, your joints and ligaments are more susceptible to injury for up to ten weeks after birth because of hormones your body produces to allow your joints and ligament to stretch enough for the birth process. Not saying you should wait that long to start running, but you need to be extra careful to avoid injury - start back slow, etc. once you do start. You would hate to start too early or try to come back too fast and too high an intensity, then end up injured and need to take a lot more time off to recover from the injury.

melromero3

4 posts since
Dec 10, 2005

9. Apr 5, 2007 11:39 AM

in response to: melromero3

Re: Running after c-section

I tend to agree with you about the "6 week" thing. I feel fortunate that I have a physician that is a little more laid back.
I did day one of the c25k last night and my body did NOT have a "memory" of running. My incision site and tummy didn't hurt at all, it was the rest of my body. I really felt it in my joints, hips, back.... I made it but I really had to push myself. Felt like I was going to die by the time I was done. ( : Thought I had more stamina than that. Oh well, I will keep plugging away!!!!! Thanks again girls!

Go to original post

Mar 31, 2007 9:25 PM

Running after c-section

Actions

More Like This

New Runners

Training

Competition

Age Groups

Fitness

The Lighter Side

Feedback

Related Links