how soon after delivery can I workout?

marlee323 · October 2012

I am wondering what the time frames are to what sort of physical activity post vaginal birth. My little one is 10 days old! Thanks!

jeffnstef · October 2012

I'd say as soon as you have some energy, start slow and go for it. I was taking short walks about a week after delivery, but didn't start doing my workout DVDs and such until she was about 3 weeks old. You'll be surprised how quick you might get tired though. Rebuilding fitness is gradual, I'm still working on it!

tasiaceleste · October 2012

My midwife told me I "might want to wait two weeks" to start running again. I'm just about 38 weeks now and still running 5 miles a day and lifting 3x/week. If you had an uncomplicated delivery, you're probably good to go as soon as you feel up to it.

MesmrEwe · October 2012

Above all else, listen to your body! Start slow!

Also, be careful about what you do. I ended up with a severe diastasis recti (i.e. abs split about a hands width or more apart) so you'll want to watch what type of ab exercises you do while that heals. Things like crunches can make it worse.

brewcitybride · October 2012

Most doctors will tell you 6 weeks.

rogerskevin · November 2012

After six months you can start workout, but as of now you just need to walk don?t even think of heavy workout.

Sunidaze · November 2012

rogerskevin:
After six months you can start workout, but as of now you just need to walk don?t even think of heavy workout.

Wow...6 months? Huh. Never heard that one. I think (hope) you meant six weeks.

To the OP...you know your body better than anyone here and would assume your doctor has a pretty good idea as well. Do what you are comfortable with, if you are unsure or have any unusual discomfort, check with your doc. I know mine released me for regular exercise, sex, etc. at my 6 week pp check. Many people though have started earlier. I did start walking when possible (however, the summer I had LO was nearly as bad as this past summer and it was more often than not too hot out to walk with a newborn).

Momof2Es · November 2012

I worked out through my entire pregnancy last time, up until the Saturday before I was induced the following Monday. I asked my doctor how long before I could work out after I delivered DD and he said whenever you feel like it. I gave myself a week and then started slowly.

blueandgray · November 2012

Momof2Es:
I worked out through my entire pregnancy last time, up until the Saturday before I was induced the following Monday. I asked my doctor how long before I could work out after I delivered DD and he said whenever you feel like it. I gave myself a week and then started slowly.

This for me too. I had an easy pg, worked out through it all, and a good delivery with just a small cut. I started taking DD on walks 2 days after we got home from the hospital, just easy ones up & down the street. 2 weeks later these turned into longer, faster walks. There was one morning though when I got crampy & nauseous on a walk and started bleeding a bit again - I had just pushed myself a little too hard too soon, so took it easy for a couple more days. Listen to your body is the best advice. It took a long time (like 2 months) before more rigourous exercise like squats felt ok, the stitch line was sensitive for awhile for me.

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