As per the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, after pregnancy, it is okay to gradually resume exercising as soon as you get a go-ahead from your doctor or midwife and as long as you feel up for it. If you had a normal uncomplicated delivery, you may start exercising in just a few days. Exercises like walking, modified push-ups and stretching can be done. If you have had a complicated delivery or a C-section, you would require to allow proper time for your body to heal. Post healing, you can consult your doctor and start with mild exercises.
You can start doing Kegel Exercises as soon as possible. This will help you deal with incontinence. Starting physical activity after pregnancy totally depends on how active you were during your pregnancy and how smoothly your child-birth went. Do not force yourself to do exercises. Be guided by how you feel and how much energy you have. A person who had normal delivery may feel different from the woman who had a C-section. Whatever be your circumstances, keep it gentle. Hormones during pregnancy and breastfeeding can affect joints for several months after childbirth. Be careful and do not do high-impact activities soon. As soon as your strength returns, you can extend your walking routine by speed and take long walks. But whenever you feel a bit tired, sit back and relax.
With Cesarean birth, 6 Weeks’s time is needed for healing. During this while, you can start with light walks and start working out after consulting your gynecologist.
All this information is helpful, but how would you know you are too early for exercises-
1. Vaginal discharge becomes redder and starts to flow more heavily
2. Bleeding restarts after you thought it had stopped
3. Pain in joints or muscles while doing any exercise
Only exercising is not enough. You also have to manage your diet early after pregnancy. This can affect your mood and energy level, and it can affect your lactation as well.
Be patient, do not rush on doing exercises. Always remember, a healthy body is better than a lean body. Read More
