I've been told by some people that it isn't recommended to work out right after delivery.?

Question

Those who have been through this or just know, how long after delivery were you able to work out? I heard it's not safe. I was planning on hitting the gym right after my delivery :)

Answer 1

I've had 3 kids naturally, the second 2 without stitches, and trust me whatever birth you have you will need time to heal.  Do too much too soon and your body will suffer.  Better for your general well being to follow your baby's example of rest and close bonding time.  Gentle pelvic floor and core body exercise can be resumed about 3 days after birth.  Wait for the all clear from GP at 6 week appointment before working out.  (FYI secret) many new mums can't even get out of PJs and showered til 3pm, let alone find time for the gym.  Good luck, its the start of an amazing journey!

Answer 2

You can plan to go back to the gym right after, but you may not like the stairs for a couple weeks. (Even if you have been exercising the whole pregnancy.) Your body needs time to recover, at least 4 weeks. If you plan to breastfeed you will burn many many calories that way to "keep up" with your plan. When you begin to feel comfortable, slowly work your way up to where you want to be exercise wise.

Answer 3

Your body needs a good 6 weeks to get back into pre pregnancy state.  And thats just for the internal portion of your body, it takes the uterus 6 weeks to shrink back to size, and the same amount of time for your organs to shift back into their original position.  Even though you said that you wanted to get back in the gym right after delivery I highly doubt that will be the case, you will be exhausted.  Give your body some time to heal.

Answer 4

definately plan on waiting at least 8 weeks. Your body is about to go through something incredible and you really need to give it time to heal.  I started working outa bout 3 months after my son was born,  and was still having pain doing it (i had an epesiotomy so i was very sore down there) it really depends on how your delivery goes as well, if you have a really rough time it might take longer for your body to heal. Just take your time, relax and enjoy your newborn, they grow up so fast, dont worry too much about getting right back into shape, it will happen, and breastfeeding really helps too!  good luck and congrats

Answer 5

Well I guess that depends on your delivery.  A C-section will require staples in your belly - not good for the stairmaster.  Many women have episiotomies  - also I wouldn't think that would be good.  My doctor even suggested after my routing vaginal delivery to stay off of the stairs for a few days.  

Enjoy your baby and leave the gym.

Answer 6

Not only will doing that before your 6 week check up make you even MORE exhausted then what you already will be,it can hurt you. You are not suppose to do anything strenuous until your 6 wk check up and they give you the ok to resume regular activities. If you tore and had to have stitches during delivery you take a risk of tearing the stitches in which you can get a severe infection and have to get the stitches redone...and also your body needs a little time to recooperate anyway after birth.So just give it 6 wks and then hit the gym...trust me bonding with that beautiful baby is gonna be more imprtant than toned abs!

Answer 7

Have you had a baby before?  I am thinking that you will not want to just "jump back into the gym" right after delivery. You will not feel all that fantastic. You can probably do some light exercise fairly quickly after delivery, but you need about 6 weeks to recover from delivery, so you don't really want to be going crazy right away!