QuestionDo you know if it is always necessary to wait the "typical" 6 weeks after a vaginal delivery to begin working out again? Or should I just listen to my body? With my last pregnancy in 2004, I was walking laps around the hospital corridors 4 hours after giving birth. (Was pushing baby in bassinette on wheels.) lol So I am hoping I am feeling much the same with this one-due in 8 weeks. Thanks so much for your thoughts and advice on this.
AnswerThe advise to wait for six weeks postpartum refers to intense exercise, like jogging or heavy weight lifting.
Fit women with an uncomplicated vaginal delivery can, and should, resume physical activity a soon as they feel up to it. For many this can be just days after delivery.
Walking is a great place to start, as it increases blood flow, helps to speed recovery, and energizes the body. Gentle stretches are also very beneficial in the early postpartum weeks to help realign the spine and ease muscle pain and/or discomfort.
You can start rehabbing the abs with designated postpartum exercises like abdominal compressions, pelvic tilts, and heel slides. For a more complete discussion on how to retone the abdominal wall after pregnancy, consult my web site at:
http://befitmom.com/abdominal_reconditioning.html
Of course, if you have a "C" section, or delivery complications then you'll need to push back the resumption of exercise until it is appropriate for your body.
Since you're due in 8 weeks, I'd advise you to do 30 minutes of fitness walking on most days of the week. The better shape that you're in, the better that labor will go for you and the faster that you'll bounce back after childbirth.
