When can you get safely back to physical pursuits after having a baby?

Question

I study ballet as a hobby two or three times a week, and last year I decided to try and get through the rest of my ballet exams so I could perhaps teach.

I haven't danced since March as I'm expecting my first baby (due December 8) and for the first few months I was too laid up with sickness to do anything. After that came the summer break and it seems to late to go back to classes now that I've only got 3 months of pregnancy left. So I've decided to leave it until after the baby is born.

Thing is, I would ideally like to take an exam next summer, but it will mean going back to ballet class as soon as possible in the new year. I've been promised help from my mum and partner to look after the baby while I take a few classes, and assuming that this works out and I have the energy/motivation (I've heard this is hard with a new baby) how soon realistically would it be "safe" to go back to taking an hour's class a couple of times a week (certainly no more than that at first?)

cj - Yeah I feel I will need to get back to doing things I enjoy - I miss dancing so much - I just think its too late to go back now before baby arrives! I know getting back to class will help me snap back into shape and get over any postnatal blues, while if I'm stuck at home all day I'll end up feeling really down!!!

Answer 1

Ask your doctor for sure, but my doctor told me to wait 6 weeks to start exercising again. He wanted to make sure my body had time to heal. Different doctors might have different opinions though.

Answer 2

Most new moms will not feel like moving until at least four weeks after the baby is born. Remember you will have just pushed a 8 pounder threw a very small space. It will need time to heal. I have had two kids, preg with a third, and I sat with ice there for the first week. And walked slow for a few weeks after that. You might be able to start stretching about two weeks after, but keep in mind you might receive stitches. If you do then it wont be your choice when you can start doing things. The best thing to do is wait and see what happens in your delivery. Every one is different. Good Luck, and Congratulations.

Answer 3

Its your abs you want to watch. They are so stretched out from pregnancy that the muscles ar actually separated from eachother, which can lead to a hernia after birth if you're not careful, or torn muscles.

Usually they say 4-6 weeks before you can begin doing full on sit ups and crunches, beacuse thats when the muscles are able to go back after the uterus contracts into place.

You can check with your doctor for sure. If this is your first baby, and you dont have a cesarian it might be a little sooner.

You're going to want to take it east at first as those muscles tone back up.

Answer 4

i advise starting a LOW impact aerobic workout for a couple of weeks when the baby is 3 weeks old (or whenever the after-baby "time of the month" period is over) and SLOWLY work your way up to the ballet. You also want to consider how much rest you are getting (because wee ones sometimes don't allow mommy any sleep) so you must wait till she's born to make the definite decision!
good luck & congratulations on the baby!

Answer 5

Since you are experienced as a ballet dancer, and as ballet is not traumatic to your body, you should be able to return to ballet as soon as just a few weeks after delivery...barring any unforseen problems such as a ceasarian section. As soon as you feel physically okay, do whatever you want. It will be good for you to do things you enjoy, so you dont suffer too much from 'post partum blues", which is a common depression after having a baby...especially your first. Take as much time as others will help you obtain for yourself. It will benefit you, and subsequently your baby will be happier as well. Good luck on your new baby, and on your career as a ballet teacher. :)

Answer 6

if labor went without any complications- mild physical activity is OK right after birth, as long as you feel game for it. Mild physical activity- walking, slow yoga, etc. Avoid sit ups, and intense work outs, since the abs need time to heal. However, start walking as soon as possible. This will help you bounce back faster.
Since dancing includes stretching, you will, most likely, have to wait 6 weeks, but it is best to ask your doctor.

Answer 7

Usually they say 6 wks to start excericing but i would check with your dr. Pregnancy loosens all your muscles and because ballet can be such a strain on your body i'd check with ur dr when the muscles start to return to normal. The last thing you want to do is cause yourself an injury

Answer 8

Usually it would be after your 6 week review, but I got back into my usual routines at around 3 weeks, you'll know when your ready to do it again, just make sure you take your time though as you could do some damage to yourself if you push it too far too soon.

Answer 9

Absolutely. As long as there were no complications with your pregnancy and labor, you should be able to start SMALL exercises and routines a few weeks after your baby is born. Check with your doctor, only she/he knows how well you and your baby are doing and how soon afterwards you can start dancing again.

Good luck!

Answer 10

Me personally it all depends on the person. After my first baby it took me the actually 6 weeks to get back to things and after my second baby I was up and working after 3 weeks.