Health Tips and Wellness Tips

After Pregnancy Exercise is Crucial

Exercising After Pregnancy

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.

 

Sartorial Expectations When You Are Expecting

Most mommies gain about 30 pounds during their pregnancy and are often, sartorially, at a loss. In the first couple of months, between weeks 8 and 16, clothes with elastic waists will suffice.

You will notice weight gain primarily around the hips, the waist, the thighs, and upper arms. While your bone structure will remain pretty much the same, the fat content of your body will increase dramatically. So your pregnancy dresses must also be able to cope with such weight gains.

In the first trimester, pants and skirts with flexible or elastic waists, or clothes without any form-fitting shape are ideal. Opt for loose and baggy tops which conceal your slightly protruding tummy. Always select fabrics that stretch because these are the clothes that will see you through most of your pregnancy.

In the latter, half of the pregnancy you will be spoiled for choice. Almost all maternity clothes are made for this part of the pregnancy and you might almost feel human as you try on these clothes.

Whether you opt for designer, tailor-made, or off-the-shelf clothes, you will soon be spending a pretty penny on your wardrobe. Try to make sensible purchases, for example, pregnancy dresses with a tie-up on the back or the side, wrap around skirts with adjustable waists, and so on.

Such clothes will see you happily attired even after the baby is born. You can always mix and match and select combinations judiciously pre and post partum.

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.



About The Author


Article by Beverley Brooke, author of "Ensure a healthy safe pregnancy for you and your baby", visit www.pregnancy-weight-loss.com for more on pregnancy health issues.

beverley.brooke@healthandfinesse.com

 

Topics for further research:

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when does pregnancy start showing
reason for a negative pregnancy test