About this topic
Finding time to exercise can be hard after you have had a baby, but exercise is so good for you. Exercise can help you lose weight. You may also get stronger and have more energy. Exercise helps your physical and mental health. Often, you can start with light exercises, like walking, as soon as you feel comfortable. ‚
What will the results be?
Regular exercise may lead to: ‚
- Weight loss
- Heart and lungs working better
- Muscles that are strong, toned, and firm
- More energy
- Better sleep at night
- Better mood
- Lower stress and worry
- Prevention of postpartum depression
Will physical activity be limited?
Most often you will be able to keep doing the same kinds of exercise you were doing while you were pregnant. The doctor may tell you exercise is OK to start in a few weeks after having your baby. Other times, the doctor will tell you to wait until after your 6 week exam. If you have had a cesarean section or any problems giving birth, you may need to wait a little longer. Check with your doctor about when you may safely start exercising. ‚
What problems could happen?
You have many hormone changes after having a baby. Hormone changes can make your ligaments and muscles weaker. Weakened muscles and ligaments mean you may be more likely to have: ‚
- Ligament, muscle, or tendon damage
- More vaginal bleeding
- Muscle and joint pain
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection such as a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher; chills; wound that will not heal.
- Sudden raise in vaginal bleeding
- Dizziness or fainting
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Helpful tips
- Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible.
- Warm up slowly and stretch before you work out. Use good ways to train, such as slowly adding to how far you run. Do not work out if you are overly tired. Take extra care if working out in cold weather.
- Keep a healthy weight. Keeping a healthy weight will lower stress on your joints. Eat a well-balanced diet with calcium and vitamin D to keep your bones healthy.
- Do not do activities with jumping, bouncing, and cutting right away. Start with easier things. Slowly add to your work out.
- Always drink lots of water when exercising. Drinking water is especially important if you are breastfeeding.
- Feed your baby or pump your milk before exercising.
- Join an exercise class for new moms. Some classes have you bring the baby to the classes. You may hold, lift, and move your baby as part of the exercises.
- If you start having more vaginal bleeding when you exercise, stop right away.
Where can I learn more?
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ‚
http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq131.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20120917T1522492066 ‚
Department of Health, State Government of Victoria ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Postnatal_exercise ‚
March of Dimes ‚
http://www.marchofdimes.com/pregnancy/losing-baby-weight.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚