Infographic. Guidance for medical, health and fitness professionals to support women in returning to running postnatally

Running is an increasingly popular form of physical activity with many women now continuing to run throughout their pregnancies. Consequently, many women may want to return to running or take this up as part of an active lifestyle following childbirth. Profound physical and physiological changes accompany pregnancy, and subsequent tissue healing following childbirth is understood to take 4–6 months. These healing timescales should be considered to support a successful return to running postnatally. Running involves sudden rises in intra-abdominal pressure and considerable force transmission through the lower limbs and pelvis with potential contre coup effects within the uterus. Undertaking running too soon could be considered to increase the risk of pelvic floor dysfunctions, such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapses, abdominal weaknesses and lumbopelvic pain. Potential injury and long-term consequences such as these can create physical and psychological barriers for women returning to or initiating running following childbirth.