how soon after giving birth can you start exercising and going the gym?

Question

I have 7 weeks till my due date but was just wondering how soon you can start working out again. i would like to get my figer back asap

Answer 1

You think you'll have time or energy with all the late night feedings and diaper changes? Girl, relax yourself, you'll get back to your exercising, enjoy your time with your new baby. Congratulations to you!!!

Answer 2

I know the feeling, but if you have enough energy to excercise after giving birth you must be superwoman!

Seriously though, if you have a straightforward labour with no complications, you should be able to be back in the gym after 6 weeks or so. Although it may take up to 8 weeks for you to stop bleeding so you might have to wait longer for a swim in the pool.

It will take some time to get your figure back as your stomach muscles have been stretched a lot, so you'll have to do a lot of ab strenghtening excercises when you are up to it. As for the extra weight you are carrying, water, fat etc, that will shift a lot faster if you breastfeed. I had some problems so couldn't make it to the gym for 2 months after the birth of my first one, but just breastfeeding shifted the extra weight and then it was 'just' a matter of toning up.

Answer 3

Depends on if you have a vaginal birth or a c-section. Typically it is about 6 weeks for a vaginal birth without complications. This is usually how long it takes for the bleeding to stop. With a c-section you may have to wait a few more weeks so that the incision is completely healed. If you have had any complications you may want to consult with your doctor before heading to the gym. Best thing to start slowly try walking, if the weather is nice take the baby in the stoller to enjoy the freah air.

Answer 4

if youve had a straight forward labour after your 6 week check you should be ready to go again. if you think thats too long after you wont soon enough because you honestly will not feel like working out for a while after labour! a. you're knackered after the birth and the baby keeps you up, so no sleep catch-up! b. you're very sore for quite a while and if you have stitches even longer. so, dont rush it. you lose most of the weight after giving birth, so depending how fit you were before you should snap back pretty quick. good luck and congrats!

Answer 5

Your doctor will not want you to (and rightfully so) until at least 6 weeks after giving birth. Most women tear or are cut some, so you'll have stitches that need to heal, and your insides get pretty banged up and abused after delivering a baby. :-) Give yourself those 6 weeks, then ease into it.
I know it's tempting to just jump right into it as soon as you feel good, but trust me, I've done that and regretted it.

Answer 6

Your'e going to need more sleep than anything, don't wear yourself out. I went up from a size 8 to a size 14 and my baby only weighed 5lb 130z, you could say i was holding alot of water! I breast fed for just over 2 weeks and lost alot of the weight that way. When i stopped breast feeding i started to use my excercise ball it's fantastic for doing sit ups on and you can use dumbells aswell, i go my figure back within 5 weeks. i still use it now to tone up. Laura x

Answer 7

The doctors usually recommend waiting 6 weeks before starting any exercise in order to give your body time to heal. Talk with you doctor though because if you have complications or a cesearean they may have you wait longer.

Answer 8

I think it depends on how the birth goes. If everything's fine and you have a natural birth, as soon as you feel up to it! If you end up having a c-section the recovery time will be slower and you will need to wait until you're given the all-clear by your doctor.

Answer 9

It is usually 6 weeks but if you feel up to it before then I would talk to your doctor and see what they suggest.

Answer 10

6 weeks after the birth you can start gentle exercising, nothing too vigorous though.