Returning to sport after birth is a question of order, not of willpower. Running, jumping and heavy lifting load the pelvic floor heavily, and if it is not ready, the price is leaking urine or a prolapse that appears months later.
The sensible sequence starts with breathing and the pelvic floor, moves on to the deep abdominal muscles and the scar, and only then to load-bearing exercise. Most women can begin around week 6–8 after birth.
Before you return to running, it is worth checking how the pelvic floor copes with impact — that single assessment saves a lot of trouble later.
Therapy
- Assessment of the abdominal wall and pelvic floor
- Individually chosen training programme
- Rebuilding the function of the abdominal muscles
- Breathing work
- Gradual return to impact activity
- Home programme and guidance for returning to sport