Pregnancy brings so many changes to a woman’s body. It’s very difficult for a new mom to take out time and set a fitness routine for herself. However if you can spare some time for workout it would be beneficial for you in many ways. It would help in enhancing your mood and improving the stamina as well as increasing the energy levels which would in turn help you take care of the baby. Having a proper fitness routine would also reduce stiffness or aches in your body and most importantly helps to lose those extra pounds you have gained during your pregnancy.
Few things which should be kept in mind before getting into any fitness routine are:
- Starting up slowly: Many women are in hurry to start their journey to get back in shape. However doctors advise whether it was a normal delivery or a C-section you should wait for recovery and regaining the energy. Walking would be the best idea to start your routine with.
- Wait till you stop bleeding: Once you do embark on some heavy activities watch for the signs from your body. It is better to begin your fitness routine when the bleeding or discharge from vagina has stop completely. This could take longer if you have had a C-section because body needs more time to heal.
- Let yourself heal: Wounds which you get during the delivery whether you had normal or C-section needs to be healed before you start working out. C-section would require minimum six weeks before starting any sort of exercise. If you start it earlier than the recommended period you may face complications.
- Watch your Pelvic Floor: Post delivery putting extra pressure on your lower abdominal is not advisable because the pelvic floor is weak. Exercises like crunches or abs should be avoided. You can start with kegal routine to re-strengthening you pelvic muscles.
- Hydration: You should keep yourself well hydrated as you start with you workout routine. While you are breastfeeding and sweating out you need at least have 1.5 litres of water every day.
- Avoid joint movements: The hormone called relaxin is responsible for softening the ligaments and joints during pregnancy and childbirth. Therefore, you should avoid exercise which involves too much jerky movements.
- Customise your fitness routine: You need not to go for a scheduled class or hit the gym to start your general fitness routine. Walking is a best way to start and gradually you can start with swimming which is very good for back muscles and easy on the joints.
- Rest: Your body has already gone through physical pain during labour or C-section. You are more stressed and exhausted in taking care of the baby. Therefore it’s very important to take adequate rest when you have started working out. This helps in faster recovery.
Now when you are aware of the reasons, here are some tips to lose weight in a healthy way post pregnancy and some secret tips from celebrity moms on getting back in shape post pregnancy.
– Yashoda Datta Sharma –
Mommy of twins with a passion for writing. Loves to help fellow moms to in the wonderful journey of motherhood. She has done B.A. LL.B and LL.M and her hobbies include writing and photography. She also loves to travel.