Apart from giving your body a chance to recover, you will need to be extra careful you don't push yourself too hard.
Dos:
1. Do wait at least six weeks
It is important you give your body a chance to recover, so wait until you have passed the six week mark before even considering undergoing any exercise. While walking is generally ok to do soon after Baby, anything too strenuous should be avoided until you get the ok, particularly if you had stitches or a complicated delivery.
2. Do take extra care
Even if you were a keen runner or weightlifter prior to getting pregnant it is important you take extra care when doing any form of workout. This is because your ligaments and joints are more susceptible to injury after pregnancy and your back muscles can be a little weaker.
3. Do talk to your doctor before you start anything
Do talk to your doctor before you undertake any intense exercise regime - the last thing you want to do when you have a little one to look after is hurt yourself.
4. Do start slow and steady
It is important you take it slow and steady to start off with. Remember, you have probably not been exercising that much throughout the last trimester and won’t be in the same fitness place you might have been. Don’t push yourself too much and stop if you start to feel unwell or dizzy.
5. Do wear appropriate clothing
Make sure you wear a support bra and nursing pads if you are breastfeeding; ensure your runners fit properly and that your laces are tied correctly to avoid any injury. You may also need to wear a sanitary pad to stop any leaks.
Don’ts:
1. Don’t keep working out if you feel pain
It is important you stop exercising as soon as you feel any pain. Listen to your body and stop when it asks you to - the last thing you want to do is hurt yourself.
2. Don’t start unless you feel ready
It is important you don’t start exercising until you feel ready. While mild exercise is generally ok if you didn’t experience any complications during labour, you should talk to your GP and listen to your body rather than start as soon as you hit the six week mark.
3. Don’t start swimming until you have stopped bleeding
To prevent infection, it is important you wait until you’ve stopped bleeding for seven days before you start swimming; you will need to wait longer if you’ve had a Caesarean.
