Exercising After Pregnancy - How Soon?
by Beverley Brooke
Generally
most women can begin a formal exercise program within 6 weeks
of giving birth, though this time frame might be slightly longer
for some women, including those recovering from a C-section. Most
women recovering from a C-section will be able to exercise after
there incision has healed and their doctor has cleared them for
exercise.
Just
how soon you begin an exercise program will depend in part on
how you feel. If you had an easy delivery with no tearing and
few interventions and regularly exercised prior to birth, you
may feel up to some light exercise within 2 weeks of giving birth.
If
this is the case, your doctor will probably allow you to engage
in some light activities, including walking. Strenuous activity
should generally be avoided however until several weeks after
birth.
For
some women however, even light exercise in the weeks following
delivery is not possible. If you had an episiotomy or tore severely
while delivering for example, your body may not physically be
ready for a formal exercise program for at least 4-6 weeks after
birth (note… this is also how long most physicians recommend
that women abstain from intercourse!).
How
soon you begin exercising thus depends on your body and your unique
situation. Be sure you consult with your physician before embarking
on a new exercise program regardless of your activity level before
and during pregnancy.
Let’s
say that one more time because it is important… YOU MUST
CONSULT WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF YOU WANT TO EMBARK ON
AN EXERCISE PROGRAM. Your body goes through a lot of physical
trauma when you deliver a baby. Starting an exercise program too
soon will delay your recovery and could potentially injure your
body permanently. It may also take you longer than six weeks to
heal fully if you start exercising too soon.
Now,
if you feel better and capable of working out before you hit the
six week mark, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare
provider. Most will encourage light exercise including walking,
and some may encourage other types of activity particularly if
you were active before you got pregnant.
Each
and every individual is unique and different, thus their ability
to return to a regular exercise routine will vary after delivery.
It is important that you listen to your body.
©
Beverley Brooke
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by Beverley Brooke- Visit http://www.pregnancy-weight-loss.com
to ensure a healthy pregnancy for mom and baby and lose weight
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