Being active or doing any form of exercise is very good for the body as well as mental wellbeing. It can alleviate stress and enhances your ability to function at full capacity for the day. Pregnancy for any woman is different and whether you were active before getting pregnant, exercising after giving birth is recommended. It helps to improve your mental state, is exhilarating for the mother to get out and about, as well as helps to get your body back in shape.
Exercising after Giving Birth
Six weeks is the starting point for women to begin getting back to their general routine of life after giving birth.Your first medical checkup for both mom and baby is at that time, and this is when you ask your doctor if it is time for you to start doing light exercises. If you had a regular delivery, then, chances are you will be given the go-ahead to begin your exercises. Problem deliveries or difficult deliveries like cesarean surgeries will cause you to be more cautious. This is because your body needs more time beyond the six weeks to start doing any strenuous activity.
Types of Exercises to Do after Giving Birth
Walking is the easiest form of exercise that anyone can do. Walking is a normal activity that is done daily by almost everyone. Mothers can walk with their newborns in carriages as well as using a strapon harness and you can walk as long as you feel up to the activity. It is advised you stop whenever you feel your body indicating fatigue, as after giving birth, your breastfeeding and waking up for feeds as well as any other situation must be taken into consideration.
Pelvic floor exercises are also recommended, as this will strengthen the lower abdominal muscles, helps with contractions of the abdominal walls, and will help to bring the pelvis muscles back into form, thus preventing leaks due to mild incontinence. Never start an exercise routine before consulting your doctor if you have complications or issue of back pains, or feeling excessively winded, these are signs of the need for allowing your body to get back to normal, as well as you could have done too much too early. Give your self an additional six weeks to recover some more, then consult your doctor again.
If you were active before getting pregnant, once you get the go-ahead from your doctor, you may consider contacting your physical trainer. He or she will put on the right types of exercise after giving birth. They will monitor your progress and let you know when to take it easier for a while and when to try a more difficult exercise routine. If swimming has been your main way to keep fit, this is a no-no after having your baby. The chlorine will cause infection in the birthing canal as well as other medical issues that will slow your recovery progress.
All of the above suggestions and cautions are geared to help you stay on track with your physical health and becoming active again after giving birth. The onus is on you to make the right choices.
