Post-Workout Aches After Having Baby
To start, I’m seven months postpartum and have scheduled my routine blood tests and a consultation with my primary care physician soon, where I intend to address these concerns. Lately, I’ve been experiencing occasional discomfort lasting three to five days, primarily in my lower back, legs, and sometimes my neck and shoulders. Since I’m breastfeeding and on birth control, I haven’t had a period, and it’s uncertain whether I will with the current birth control method. However, these sensations feel reminiscent of my old menstrual cramps, just prolonged, sometimes accompanied by bloating. I suspect hormonal changes or slow digestion might be factors at play. After discussing this with my OB, she recommended getting an ultrasound during the episodes, so I’m currently waiting for the next occurrence. Recently, I had my blood drawn for unrelated reasons, and everything appeared normal—except my creatinine levels were somewhat elevated. Although they remained within a typical range, it did lower my estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to 73, which my doctor attributed to mild dehydration. I’ve also noticed an uptick in muscle cramps, especially in my feet and hands during physical activities. Admittedly, I sometimes struggle with maintaining my water intake, though from 5 PM to 7 AM, I manage fairly well, consuming about 90-120 ounces daily, especially in the past week. On average, I produce around 20 ounces of breast milk each day. Despite feeling generally good, I hit the gym for my usual quick workout, involving leg presses (ranging from 190-300 lbs) along with various arm and abductor exercises (about 20-30 lbs). This routine has been consistent for the past four to five months. However, the following day, the familiar aches in my back and legs resurfaced. It felt akin to the onset of the flu, leaving me achy overall. My online searches suggested I might be overtraining or potentially experiencing rhabdomyolysis, but the latter seems a rather serious leap to make. My discomfort tends to subside with rest, there’s no noticeable swelling, my urine appears light yellow, and I experience minimal delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). I’m aware that I’m operating on around seven months of limited sleep, as I exclusively pump during the night and often prioritize everyone else’s needs before my own. My body is likely fatigued from these demands. Interestingly, while I enjoy mountain biking, I don’t tend to face this post-ride soreness. I go to the gym several times weekly, suggesting that my experiences might not be directly related. Is there anything concerning about this situation? Do these mild flu-like symptoms post-weight training make sense? I am prone to health anxiety, often linking any physical symptoms to each other. I look forward to discussing this further with my PCP in the coming weeks.
Answers (1)
8/7/2025, 3:01:44 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing a combination of muscular discomfort and fatigue, which can be common postpartum, especially as you adjust to new routines and responsibilities. Your symptoms of lower back pain, muscle cramps, and fatigue could be linked to several factors, including hormonal changes, hydration levels, and the physical demands of your workout routine combined with the challenges of motherhood.
Main Points:
- Your post-workout aches could be due to a combination of muscle fatigue and potential dehydration, especially with your current pumping and breastfeeding routine.
- Since you mentioned feeling overall good, your symptoms may indicate normal post-exercise recovery rather than something severe like rhabdomyolysis.
- It’s important to prioritize hydration and rest as immediate steps.
Explanation:
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Muscle Aches After Workouts: It's not unusual to feel sore after a workout, especially as your body adapts to physical stress. Since your discomfort feels flu-like and happens after exercise, it may simply be your body reacting to the exertion, especially if you are pushing hard in the gym.
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Hydration: Mild dehydration could contribute to muscle cramps and general fatigue, especially if you're not consistently hydrating throughout the day. Breastfeeding also increases your fluid needs.
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Sleep and Fatigue: The demands of motherhood and your limited sleep can exacerbate feelings of fatigue and muscle soreness. It’s important to ensure you’re taking time to rest and recover, as this can impact your overall physical health.
Next Steps:
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Hydrate: Increase water intake, focusing on staying well-hydrated throughout the day, not just at night. Aim for at least 90-120 ounces daily, and consider including electrolyte-rich fluids if you're engaging in intense workouts.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a log of when your symptoms occur, their intensity, and any other associated factors like sleep quality and what you've had to eat/drink. This will help you discuss specific patterns with your physician.
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Adjust Workout Routine: Consider scaling back on heavy lifting or high-intensity workouts if you continue to feel sore afterward. Switch to lower impact exercises or active recovery options (like stretching or light yoga) until you feel more balanced.
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Prioritize Recovery: Take rest days and listen to your body's signals. If you're feeling particularly fatigued, allow yourself to rest before resuming vigorous workouts.
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Discuss With Your PCP: When you meet with your doctor, bring up your symptoms in detail, including any patterns you've noticed. Discuss the need for the ultrasound and express any concerns about dehydration or overtraining.
While it's normal to feel anxious about health concerns, remember that your symptoms can often be managed with supportive practices. Take care of yourself as you juggle these demands, and look forward to your upcoming appointment for further insights.
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