Postpartum Exercises: A Guide to Regaining Strength and Shape

The journey of motherhood brings with it immense joy and significant physical changes. As you prepare for this life-changing experience, it's essential to consider not only the care of your newborn but also your own postpartum recovery.

Postpartum fitness should start before birth

A proactive approach during pregnancy can significantly influence your postpartum recovery. There are a few strategies to prepare your body for a quicker return to exercise post-delivery:

1. Regular, pregnancy-safe exercise: Engage in activities like prenatal yoga, swimming, or walking. These exercises will not only maintain your fitness levels but they will improve circulation, and can reduce pregnancy-related discomforts.

2. Pelvic floor strengthening: Incorporating pelvic floor exercises or perineal exercises, such as Kegels can aid in a smoother delivery and expedite postpartum recovery. Furthermore, strengthening these muscles reduces the risk of incontinence and aids in regaining abdominal strength.

3. Core muscle workouts: Focus on safe core-strengthening exercises. Make sure you focus on those exercises tailored for pregnant women. This helps in maintaining good posture, reducing back pain, and aids in quicker muscle recovery postpartum.

4. Balanced nutrition: A well-balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and adequate protein supports muscle health and overall well-being, making it easier to bounce back postpartum.

5. Hydration and rest: Adequate hydration and rest are crucial. They play a significant role in muscle recovery and overall health, which in turn can impact your postpartum exercise routine.

6. Mental preparation: Mental health is just as important of your birth preparation. Practices like meditation or birth preparation classes can help in managing stress during your pregnancy and building a positive mindset towards postpartum recovery.

Embarking on postpartum exercises

Understanding the timeline

Exercises are integral to postpartum care, yet the timeline to start postpartum exercises varies. If you had an uncomplicated vaginal birth without significant tearing or an episiotomy, light exercises such as walking or gentle pelvic floor exercises can typically begin a few days after delivery. However, if you've had a cesarean section, experienced complications, or suffer from postpartum pain, it's crucial to wait until your doctor gives the go-ahead, usually around 6-8 weeks postpartum.

Exercises to avoid initially

In the early weeks postpartum, it's important to avoid high-impact exercises, heavy lifting, and advanced abdominal workouts like sit-ups. The following activities can strain your already sensitive pelvic floor and abdominal muscles, potentially leading to long-term issues. Stay away from them.

• High-impact activities: Running and jumping can be too jarring for the weakened pelvic floor and abdominal muscles.
• Heavy lifting: This can put excessive strain on your pelvic area.
• Advanced abdominal exercises: Movements like sit-ups can worsen diastasis recti, a common condition where the abdominal muscles separate during pregnancy.

Focus on gentle strengthening

Reducing the postpartum belly and regaining strength involves a gentle, gradual approach. Start with exercises that engage your core and pelvic floor without straining them. Some exercises to consider include:

• Pelvic tilts and bridges: These exercises engage the core and gently strengthen the abdominal muscles.
• Pelvic floor exercises: Strengthening the pelvic floor can indirectly aid in tightening the abdominal area.
• Low-impact cardio: Walking or swimming can help with overall weight loss, including the belly.

As always, speak to your healthcare professional to find the right exercises for you.

Pelvic Floor: The Foundation

The pelvic floor is a key area to focus on postpartum. Strengthening these muscles can help in reducing the postpartum belly and improving overall pelvic health. Kegel exercises, which involve tightening and releasing the muscles you would use to stop urinating, are highly effective.

Remember to listen to your body (and your healthcare professional)

Preparing for postpartum recovery starts during pregnancy. By maintaining a regular exercise routine, focusing on pelvic floor strength and good perineal care, and taking care of your nutritional and mental health, you can lay a solid foundation for a smoother postpartum recovery. Once your baby arrives, remember to listen to your body and consult with your healthcare provider before starting any exercise regimen. Your postpartum fitness journey should be about nurturing and strengthening your body at a comfortable pace, celebrating the remarkable journey it has been through.

Read more about Exercise After Pregnancy