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Expert Q&A
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| By April Underwood Fitness Consultant Playa del Rey, California | ||
I am a part-time aerobics instructor with a 6-week-old. In trying toget back in shape, I have begun jogging again. Unfortunately, I am experiencing a great deal of knee pain within the 24 hours after my run. I have never experienced this in the 12 plus years that I have been working out. Someone mentioned to me that the change in the estrogen level from pregnancy could play a part. Do you have any information for me?

The excessive elasticity in your muscles and joints during pregnancy due tothehormone relaxin is still present during breastfeeding. This hormone could possibly be responsible for your current knee pain. Also, if you're runningyour pre-pregnancy mileage with your now postpartum weight, your knees could be hurting because you're carrying the extra weight. Your body isstill functioning as it does during pregnancy during postpartum, because ofhormones still circulating in your system. Take your time and try walkingwith intervals of running first. Also, be sure to check with your doctor incase there is something else going on that you're not aware of.
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More Answers by this Expert
- Can the change in the estrogen level from pregnancy play a part in my knee pain after running?
- If you exercise the Kegel muscles every day, how long would it take to see results? Are there any other methods that work?
- Am I putting my fetus at risk by running in a marathon at 61/2 weeks?
- Are step aerobics okay during pregnancy and if so, for how long (1st, 2nd, 3rd trimester)?
- Are yoga breathing techniques or exercises safe during pregnancy?



