Red Flags: When to Stop and Get Checked
Some symptoms mean your body is not coping with the load yet. They are common after birth - but they are not normal, and they are treatable. Spotting them early protects your long-term running.
- 5
- Symptoms that mean stop
- Stop
- Pause running if any appear
- Physio
- See a women's-health specialist
- Treatable
- Common but not normal
The symptoms that mean stop
Stop running and seek assessment if you notice any of these: leaking urine or stool; heaviness, bulging or a dragging feeling in the vagina; pelvic, lower-back or pelvic-girdle pain; a bulge or doming down the middle of your abdomen during effort; or vaginal bleeding brought on by exercise.
None of these should be pushed through. Each is a signal that the current load is too much for where your recovery is right now.
- 1
Leaking
Any leakage of urine or stool during or after exercise.
- 2
Heaviness
Heaviness, bulging or dragging in the vagina.
- 3
Pain
Pelvic, lower-back or pelvic-girdle pain.
- 4
Doming
A bulge or doming down the middle of your tummy.
- 5
Bleeding
Vaginal bleeding brought on by exercise.
Common but not normal - and fixable
Many new mothers experience these symptoms, which is exactly why they get dismissed as part of having a baby. They are not. They are signs of pelvic-floor or core dysfunction, and a women's-health physiotherapist can assess and treat them.
The smart move is to pause running, get assessed, and return once the symptom is resolved - not to train through it and risk a longer-term problem.
Supportive kit for your comeback
As impact returns, a well-fitting high-impact sports bra and cushioned, supportive shoes make those first runs more comfortable - and recovery tools help between sessions.
High-impact sports bra
Firm, adjustable support matters more than ever postpartum, especially if you are breastfeeding. Get fitted if you can.
View on AmazonHoka Clifton
Maximum cushioning to soften the load on your pelvic floor and joints as you reintroduce impact.
View on AmazonFoam roller
Useful for gentle recovery and mobility work between your foundation and walk-run sessions.
View on Amazon
I'm Doing My Best Running Jersey
Lightweight, breathable unisex sports jersey in neon yellow. Designed for runners who keep showing up.
Free worldwide shipping on select orders
Frequently asked questions
I only leak a little - can I keep running?
Leaking, even a little, is a red flag. It signals your pelvic floor is not managing the load. Pause impact and see a women's-health physiotherapist - it is highly treatable and worth addressing early.
What is abdominal doming or coning?
It is a ridge or bulge that pushes out along the midline of your tummy under effort, a sign your deep core is not managing the pressure. Ease off, regress your core work, and get guidance before loading further.
Should I stop completely or just ease back?
Stop the activity that triggers the symptom and get assessed. Often you can keep doing symptom-free movement (walking, strength, non-impact cardio) while a physio helps you address the cause, then build back up.