Of course you can. It’s generally advisable to wait until after the bleeding stops if you had a vaginal delivery before you start exercising. It may take longer if you had a c-section. Be sure to consult with your obstetrician/gynecologist prior to beginning your workout routine again. The first six to ten weeks of your baby’s life is going to be pretty hectic and don’t be surprised if your energy levels remain low for a while because you will be coping with sleep deprivation and healing all in one fell swoop.
If you want to get started sooner, consider taking a walk a couple of times a day for a few minutes at a time with or without the baby (provided someone is there to watch the baby of course). You don’t have to run a marathon and you don’t want to feel stressed by the walking. So if a slow, easy stroll around the block is your speed – then take it. As time goes along, you will build yourself back up to longer, more intense walks and you will build up to it slowly.
Don’t Go Too Fast
It’s important to remember that no matter how in shape or out of shape you were during your pregnancy, your body heals at it’s own rate. What might work for the lady across the street is not going to work for you. Taking things gradually promotes health and prevents accidents and injuries that can do you far more harm than the workout was doing you good.
If you are exhausted or begin to bleed vaginally after a workout, it’s important to remember to take a step back and slow down. There are plenty of new mom and baby fitness classes that are specifically designed for women who have just had a child. So, keep that in mind and remember – keep it on your body’s schedule and no one else’s.
During pregnancy, your body can go through several changes including having calcium leeched from it by the baby or babies as well as losing some muscle tone and fat. If you had a particularly difficult pregnancy due to morning sickness or other causes, this can make recovery take longer and building up your strength even longer. I know some moms who were back to their fitness best in three months, others who took six months to a year to get back into the fitness groove they may have known before their pregnancy.
Regular exercise is good for you before, during and after your pregnancy. Just take care of yourself and listen to your body and your health care provider so you don’t overdue it or get hurt.
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