Source
r/fitpregnancy•
MutatedX

Running in pregnancy and uterine prolapse

I am an avid runner and have high-risk pregnancies. My OB recommended I stop running and switch to brisk walking halfway through the pregnancy. Today, I asked my Maternal Fetal specialist if he had the same recommendation, hoping he'd say 'no'. Turns out, what the OB didn't explain is that running or activities that cause bouncing of the uterus stretch the uterine ligaments and can lead to uterine prolapse in 20 years time. Two of the women in my office have recently had the surgery to correct their uterine prolapse and it doesn't seem like anything anybody wants. He also recommended those belly bands to help take pressure off the ligaments. Personally, I didn't know about this and wanted to pass on the knowledge.

Posted Aug 22, 2018, 8:00 PM UTC

2213
yrgrlfriday•

You're unnecessarily scared. Look at peer reviewed scientific literature. There's no causal relationship between running and uterine prolapse, but running can exacerbate an existing condition. You can run throughout pregnancy if you do not have existing risk factors.

10
MutatedXOP•

Could you link some articles? In my quick search I have only found articles agreeing with my doctor's analysis.

http://suecroftphysiotherapist.com.au/running/#.W33Sb3MpAwA

https://www.belliesinc.com/running-during-pregnancy-is-it-safe/

https://www.b-wom.com/en/blog/2016/07/08/how-running-affects-your-pelvic-floor/

3
yrgrlfriday•

My pleasure.

The articles you linked are from corporate entities trying to sell rehab or training services.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5315256/

https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/07/10/how-pregnancy-changes-a-runners-body/

Running associated with better pelvic floor muscle control: https://bmjopensem.bmj.com/content/4/1/e000296

No adverse effects on pelvic health, multiple studies cited, good overview of overly cautious recommendations prior to 1980: https://www.irunfar.com/2017/12/baby-on-board-long-distance-running-during-pregnancy.html

Detailed analysis of distance running at 39 weeks, Journal of Applied Physiology: https://www.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/japplphysiol.01426.2011

Also, anecdata but I ran up until I delivered each of three babies and I'm 40 and have no prolapse. My PCP, OB, sports physiotherapist, and reproductive physical therapist all encouraged running.

Not knowing your specific case and why you are considered high risk, though, I'd say definitely follow doctor recommendations.

25
arrrrr_won•

These are not the types of references the commenter was talking about. Those are not scientific evidence.

For most pregnancy and exercise issues I like this reference: https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/37/1/6?utm_source=trendmd&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=bjsm&utm_content=consumer&utm_term=0-A But it doesn't really get into the specific effect of running on the pelvic floor. I did find this: https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2014/08/06/bjsports-2014-093548.short which supports the idea that the connection between exercise and pelvic floor problems is overstated. You could probably find more from their references and references that cite this one.

I've found that overall, there isn't a lot of specific research on pregnancy, exercise, and outcomes. So if you want to know about a particular exercise and a particular problem, you'll probably have to dig a bit and abstract from related findings. It's frustrating for sure.

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drocks27•

I ran throughout my pregnancy and am now dealing with it. I don't have specifics of what caused it yet as the first apt I could get with a specialist is Aug 30th and I gave birth March 1st. This was my first pregnancy as well.

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SnyperBunny•

Yeah, you REALLY don't want prolapse. My mum is dealing with this now but it's also her bladder. She can't run, jog or lift things. I imagine it feels like the whole abdominal cavity is on the verge of falling out... 😵😱

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maybebabythrow1•

That’s interesting. I wonder if it translates to using an elliptical since you have similar (albeit less impactful) bouncing movements?

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MutatedXOP•

That's a solid question and one I'll pose next time I'm in. If somebody else doesn't post the answer then I'll give an update in two weeks at the next appointment.

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maybebabythrow1•

Thanks! My next appointment isn’t until 9/14 so I’m curious to hear what your doc has to say

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ExtraTree•

That's good to know. So scary. I am jealous of women I see running in their 3rd trimester. Even the elliptical makes me feel like the baby will fall right out these days!!😑

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orange_choc_chip•

Were the women who has prolapses runners?

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drocks27•

I didn't know either and it's too late for me now. I am dealing with this and have an apt. Aug 30th. That was the first apt I could get even though I am almost 6 months postpartum. It was my first pregnancy. I have my period already as well even though I am EBFing and I can't wear tampons because my cervix is visible from my vagina. I am hoping I will be able to get pregnant again but not sure with the location of my cervix if that is safe.

I didn't even run in my 3rd trimester. I walked at an incline and did squats .

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aswope0202•

Yeah running isn't worth that. I stopped cause I can't imagine all the bouncing to be helpful w a growing, heavy uterus and all your muscles relaxing. Also, your pelvic floor. I use the elliptical at high resistance, way less bounce than if you're trying the elliptical at less resistance and trying to 'run' on it.

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