I gave birth to our daughter (first baby) almost four weeks ago. She was born at 32 weeks. I only gained 15lbs during my pregnancy. I am back down to what I weighed before I was pregnant, but I still have the pouch that just kinda hangs. I am breastfeeding (well pumping right now because she is in the NICU) I heard that that helps things shrink and your belly go back. I was just wondering if it is too soon to start exercising and if not, what is the best exercise/diet. If it is too early, when is it safe to start exercising again? Thanks so much! It is just that my maternity clothes are too big, and my pre-pregnancy clothes fit, just a little more snug around the belly.
2006-09-04 06:50:02 · 8 answers · asked by sweet_lil_hillbillee 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
Oh yeah...I am 21 years old..this is my first pregnancy and I weigh 160lbs. Thanks!
2006-09-04 06:51:12 · update #1
I know where you're coming from. after my son was born I was still 40 pounds over weight and was more worried about that that my belly pooch, but I just had a daughter about 6 weeks ago and this time I'm in the same boat you are. I only gained about 12 lbs and my 8lb 7oz daughter accounted for most of that so I'm back in my normal clothes, but with that pooch. My suggestion is to just walk. That was how I lost all my baby weight last time, and it's not too strenuous. you shouldn't do anything too taxing till after your 6 week checkup, and with your baby in the NICU and you having to pump, you should maybe still take it easy. Breastfeeding burns ALOT of calories and pumping is harder than just breastfeeding; you need your energy to keep up with that.
2006-09-04 11:22:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, your body takes time to heal. Also once you go back to your normal weight, where do you think that excess skin that has been stretched goes to? If you don't take care of it and use lotions etc, you will probably always have the pouch even after your weight goes down. Just like stretch marks need to be prevented because once you get them they can't just disappear them may however fade. You need to wait 6 wks before you can do exercising, however you can walk around the block with your baby. I don't recommend dieting but you should cut out junk food and try to eat well. Have several little meals a day. It has also only been 4 weeks, give it time, you should be enjoying this time with your new baby and not worrying about your weight. It will come off, it takes time, as long as you don't sit around all day and watch tv and eat junk food.
2006-09-04 14:05:02 · answer #2 · answered by Michelle 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As for exercising you do not need to worry about that yet. You need to wait at least 6 weeks, which is when you should have your checkup with your doctor and if everything is healing correctly ease back into a exercise routine. Right now especially with your baby being in NICU you need to make sure you are consuming adequate amounts of nutrients and calories for you and your baby. As of right now you need to focus on getting enough calories in your diet not cutting them out. Don't go crazy with the calories, I think that a breastfeeding mother should consume approximately 3000 calories per day, just make sure they come from healthy foods not junk food. Breastfeeding, exercise, and drinking plenty of fluids should help you lose your weight. When breastfeeding try to cut back on cokes and chocolate, they reduce milk production.
2006-09-04 14:28:01 · answer #3 · answered by shortansassy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well it does help to pump or breast feed. I was 98 lbs when I got pregnant with my first. I weighed 153lbs when I gave birth. it took me two and a half years and a lot of crunches and even more sit ups to get my pouch gone. I finally got it gone, only to find out I'm pregnant again. so don't give up on your tummy. I takes a lot of work.
2006-09-04 13:57:50 · answer #4 · answered by Dark Angel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its not to soon to start exercising in fact my partner started exercising 1 week after. One of the best exercises to do is Pilate's, it concentrates on the core muscles (the abs) as for the best diet keep it healthy lots of fruit and veg
2006-09-04 14:00:05 · answer #5 · answered by the man to ask 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Honestly, I don't know. Wanted to say congrats! Seems to me gaining only 16 pounds is not normal (meaning to little), I coudl be worng. Sorry, I just feel sad that we are living in a time where woman are over worried about weight! You are very young don't rush it! It will come back in time! Love yourself hun you just gave birth! I sincerely doubt you will have time to worry about exercising as you will be taking up your time with a newborn!
2006-09-04 14:01:57 · answer #6 · answered by J. A. M. 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Brestfeediin is great for losing baby weight. You start exercising, but keep it easy. Try swimming, it really helps. I think it's tottally normal that your belly is still saggy. It takes 6 weeks for the uterus to get back to normal. Mine went away gradually, but was gone before my son turned 1.
2006-09-04 13:56:22 · answer #7 · answered by Delphine F 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sit-ups and crunches will probably get rid of it, BUT you need to ask your doctor to see if it's okay to start exercising again.
2006-09-04 13:55:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋