Postpartum Exercise?

tealowl · July 2014

Hi ladies!

I've haven't been able to do my normal workout routine for months (obviously), but I'd like to get started after baby is born, granted theres no complications or anything. Excercise helps me with anxiety/depression issues, and I'm worried about PPD. And I'll be breastfeeding, so I would need to stay away from most medications anyway...

Does anyone know an average time that's okay to start back up your normal exercise routine? I was at the gym 2-3 times a week in classes and jogging 2m a few times a week also, so not super strenous or anything.

BPer · July 2014

Most OBs will not clear you for regular exercise (aside from walking which you can do once you're up for it) until your 6w PP appt.

marsalisails · July 2014

i've heard 6 weeks. but after DS i was at least walking 3 weeks PP (i only bled for about 2 weeks PP, and had a pretty easy recovery).

i know if you have a C/S they recommend 6 weeks for obvious reasons. i'm hoping for 4 this time...i'm 5 years older and a LOT more out of shape than the first! hopefully if i give birth vaginally, i can make that happen - mama has about 80 pounds to lose!

glitterclaws · July 2014

I was cleared for exercise at my 4w PP appointment. I had an emergency c-, so I haven't really felt up to working out. I'm pretty sore/tired after doing housework, but I am hoping to start some walking this week. Morning sickness in the 1st tri and bedrest in the later half of the pregnancy has left me pretty weak, so I'm not looking forward to all the work I have ahead of me!

jnnfrrose6 · July 2014

As others have said, you usually wait fo be cleared at your PP appointment, but you should be able to go for walks and do some light stuff earlier.

iris427 · July 2014

I would take it easy except for light walking until you have your postpartum appt. FTR there are also multiple medication options for treating PPD that are safe for breastfeeding.

fmb2011 · July 2014

Yep, I've always been told light walking is ok until your 6 week check up then you're usually cleared unless you have any complications.

argonne · July 2014

I was running again at about 2.5 weeks PP. I was walking about 2 days after I got home from the hospital. I had an appointment with my MW at 2w PP and I asked her when I could start running again. I wasn't bleeding anymore and I only had a very small tear that was healed, so she gave me the go ahead to start slowly, but to stop if my bleeding started again or something hurt.

BP607 · July 2014

Short walks that you feel up to should be fine and then like PP said, 6 weeks for regular exercise. I felt like getting out and getting some fresh air and walking ASAP was great for me and helped me heal and feel stronger again. Just do what you feel up to and don't push it to begin with.

marathonmom823 · July 2014

I started walking at 4 days pp, and went for my first run at 9 days pp. I had no tearing and a very quick L&D, and recovered fast. My bleeding stopped at day 9. I'm starting to really miss the Bootcamp workouts I was doing, and am looking forward to getting back to those in a couple of weeks.

With DS, I waited two weeks to start running, but I had a small tear and 5 stitches.

*LrCg* · July 2014

I started back up when I felt like it, I just listened to my body- I think I was maybe 1 1/2 -2 weeks after. I never torn in any of my births (which probably will make a difference) but honestly it was just that I was tired and didn't feel like it until then (however I was making dinner the next day and cleaning the house so that's a "mini" work out & my way of getting out stress and feeling in control). There's nothing magically about that 6 week appointment. Just like they say you have to wait 6 weeks for sex- that's really silly. As long as your not bleeding (and even some people question that but others like to wait until your done bleeding because with bleeding that means there is an open wound where the placenta was attached and there is a very slight risk of injection).

bgoodbpar · July 2014

I was walking 3 days pp and resumed regular light exercise about 3 weeks pp after my stitches healed and bleeding stopped and I felt up to it. It really is a matter of listening to your body. I felt much better being active versus sitting around waiting. I think it helps your recovery a bit being a little active (walking).

Big+Lil · July 2014

I swear walking was what helped me recover quicker last time, and I started 3-5 mile walks after the first week. I started working out at 6 weeks. I'm looking forward to the car seat attachment for my double bob being delivered tomorrow so I can sweat out this swelling.

alyss0nl · July 2014

You will most likely be cleared at your postpartum appt at 6 weeks. I also have anxiety/ depression issues, so until I'm cleared by my OB, we will be doing lots of night walks.

TexasGirl81 · July 2014

Whatever you do, don't over do it. Listen for the doc to give you the clear. If not you will only prolong your bleeding.

I made the mistake last time and was doing to much to soon. Even though you feel like you are good to go, just chill and let your body heal.

cakebatter27 · July 2014

I've always heard waiting til 6 weeks for your old normal exercise routine. I've been walking 2 miles a day still so I'm hoping I can continue doing that starting maybe a week PP and after 6 weeks gets back into my beach body programs.

tealowl · July 2014

BPaws said:

I've started walking already (9 days post cs) but am waiting until I get clearance to add my weights and running back into it! I'm in the same boat as you with the depression concern, and I found PlANNING to exercise or at least looking at future goals has helped me a little the last few days (signing up for a half marathon in November made it feel more "real").

I signed up for a 5k in September! It's an easy one, so you can walk or run it.

Plus if I do it, my work gives us 'points' for doing health stuff, and if I get to a certain amount of points by 9/5, I get $100! And races are worth 500 points, haha.

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