Pregnancy, Prolapse, Jogging

Submitted by Mommy78 on August 20, 2013 - 12:08am
Body: 

I noticed my prolapse shortly after the birth of my 3rd, who is now 17 months old. I just joined this site today but I have read a few posts and I do see hope and encouragement. I decided to have a home birth after my two c-sections, and ever since discovering the prolapse I have been doubting whether I made the right decision. Sigh.

Anyway, I have given up jogging with the understanding that that could make things worse. Now I am reading here that if I learn the posture it can actually be helpful. Even an OB/GYN told me today that running should not worsen my condition. I have a treadmill. Would jogging at a slight incline be more helpful for the posture? Is it best to wait until my daughter is fully weaned, or wait a certain amount of time, like until she turns two so that my ligaments have more time to strengthen? Or can I just go for it? I have 15 pounds to lose, and that is just depressing on top of everything else. I know that jogging would help.

Finally, I would like to be able to have another child and I'm concerned about what would be best for my health. The doctor I saw today said that a c-section is best to prevent further damage, especially if I think I may want to try for more after that. But if I know I want my 4th to be my last, I could have a vaginal birth, but she would recommend in the hospital for fear that my uterus would detach and I would bleed a lot and need emergency care. She said my uterus is very low. My cervix sticks out sometimes a fingertip depending on where I am at in my cycle. I have rectocele and bladder prolapse as well.

I would prefer to have a home birth again, but I don't want to be foolish if I am truly at a higher risk of something dangerous happening because of the prolapse.

Forum:

123Butterfly

August 20, 2013 - 5:15am

Hi and welcome to this forum. I'm in a pretty similar situation. After my third baby I also noticed that terrible feeling... My son is now almost 11 months old.

First of all I would like to say, that this could have also happened with another c-section. So you should not regret your decision. For the baby the best way is a vaginal birth.
I'm still a newbie here and have to learn so much more, but someone here spoke about treadmills are only good when walking on them, not jogging. Sorry, that I can't tell you the reason, but perhaps another member can jump in and explain it to you.
Before you begin with jogging, you have to learn the posture. Take your time, because it should be second nature before you do something with such high impact like running.
Furthermore I think, you should give your body the full 2 years. And when you're still breastfeeding there are hormones, that keep your ligaments weak still up to 6 months after weaning.
So take it slow and then you can start jogging again.
I think, if you decide to have another baby, you should read a bit more in this forum, especially posts by alemama. And then you can make your decision. I personally think, that a vaginal birth at home while listening to your body is the best one can do - for the baby and the own body. But that is something only you can decide. There are pros and cons for both: vaginal birth or c-section.
All the best
Butterfly

Surviving60

August 20, 2013 - 5:24am

Hi Mommy and welcome. We do have a few avid runners here, who have returned to doing a certain amount of running after discovering prolapse. But these are women who have studied, learned and totally incorporated the posture into their lives. I would caution you against jumping into the idea of running as a way to lose weight and help prolapse! It takes time and hard work to “live” this posture (I was into my second year when it finally started to stick). Meanwhile, you should do as much conscious posture walking as you can….this is what got me there! It will help your body settle into this configuration. I still do it whenever I can. The treadmill is OK for this as long as you can stand up in good posture and are not having to lean into the machine.

Once this is second nature, then you can decide about trying running. Those for whom running was/is an important aspect of their lives, have found it quite liberating and joyous. Meanwhile, I’d suggest you study Christine’s works, and design your plan around that. Exercise-wise, she has enough good moves to last a lifetime! Posture and firebreathing, mindful walking and prolapse-friendly exercise, and good food choices will get you where you need to be.

We have had some great birthing experiences on this forum by prolapsed women. But if your particular practitioner does not support your birthing preferences and/or hasn’t experienced how this can work in her own practice, it could be an uphill battle for you to get the guidance and support you need. I hope one or more of these moms will come on here to comment. - Surviving

wholewomanUK

August 20, 2013 - 7:14am

Hi Mommy 78,
Welcome - so glad you found this site! As with all women with pop. My heart goes out to you. It takes a while to even get used to the idea of having a prolapse. However, basically there are things you can do to make it worse and things you can do to make it worse. The WW approach informs you of both, so you can have the knowledge and control over your pop and your life.

There are many previous posts on the forum, by women with pop who've successfully become pregnant and given birth. It may well be worth looking those up for your interest - and encouragement.

I also had a uterine prolapse which I now successfully manage and live with. With the WW approach, exercises, posture and principles, I am mostly symptom free but feel that I have a weakness. Just like some people have a vulnerability to back problems. So sometimes, usually for identifiable reasons such as carrying too much shopping etc, my cervix drops down &/or I have a dragging feeling and sometimes pains in my inner and back thighs (my early warning sirens!)... Then I know I need to take greater care; diet, good elimination, exercise, posture etc... The either quickly - sometimes gradually if I'd been 'care less' with my WW approach, the pop comes under control and the symptoms reduce or disappear. So - just to illistrate that many of us live with and control our pop's, but can lead 'normal' (which lets face it, is a fairly broad category!), healthy and happy life.

I am a little unclear re part of your post. Your doctor was concerned your uterus would detach if you gave birth vaginally. I'm unclear about this. In your post you said you gave birth vaginally with your last child, so if that went ok I'm not sure why he/she thinks it wouldn't be next time. Unless there was some indication there might be a problem. I'm also a little unclear about the uterus detaching itself. I've not heard of this. I can't think how it could detach from it's ligaments. Perhaps they are concerned the ligaments would stretch and prolapse issues be exacerbated. My GP in the UK used to describe my choice of a vaginal birth following a c-section first time around, was "trial by scar"! I've heard and understand those concepts at least. Perhaps you could ask the doctor exactly what he/she means. Also, what % of women experience this.

Anyway, having had a c-section, personally I thought there were certainly disadvantages of having surgery. Apart from the pain and inconvenience of having had major surgery and trying to look after a baby and toddler (not easy!), I also think my abdominal muscle tone and body shape has been forever compromised and I wonder if this contributed in some way to my pop.

However, giving birth is undoubtedly a major factor in pop. Pop is more common amongst mothers.
It's such a personal choice what one chooses. If I was armed with the knowledge and experience of the WW approach, I think I would choose to give birth vaginally. The idea that c-section surgery is without problems is simply not true. But each woman needs to make and take responsibility for her own choice.

Re running. I agree with the others that it's probably best to really get the hang of the posture first - and then progress to any other activities. Once women have fully understood and integrated the WW posture and principles, then women can creatively adapt whatever they do to fit in with these.

I would recommend to any woman with pop, to buy the Saving the WW book and if appropriate buy one of the WW dvd's most suitable for them. An individual consultation or WW class would also be very beneficial for women who have that possibility.

Wishing you all the best,
wholewomanuk