How soon to exercise after birth?

[melibu84]

Hello, I was just wondering when other mum's started exercising again after giving birth?

I gave birth to my son, Zachary, on the 2nd July.

Before I became pregnant, I had, for the first time in my life, started to get really into exercise! I was doing yoga (Yoga with Adriene on youtube) and cardio 2 - 3 times a week (Popsugar Fitness on youtube).

During my first trimester, though, I was too ill to exercise (constantly tired, nauseous and hungry!) and then in my 2nd and 3rd trimesters my muscles seized up when I tried :(

Everything I've read says to wait 6 weeks after giving birth to exercise, but I am keen to slowly get back into yoga, which I love and miss. I don't think a few stretches each day will be too much of a problem.

Would like to hear about others experiences :)

[MrsMook]

I used the Erin O'Brien postnatal DVD from about 6 weeks. Check your abdominal gap (easily googled) as until that comes together, it will affect your core strength and the type of exercise that is appropriate.

I started up building up walking early on too. After SPD that had me nearly housebound, and a CS, I started with walking to the postbox and back at 10 days.

[scaevola]

The concern is ab separation (diastalis recti). And I agree with MrsMook that you need to check that yours are sufficiently back in place before starting. 6 weeks is the rule of thumb, but individuals vary.

[melibu84]

Thanks for the advice, I didn't even know about the abdominal gap! I think I'll start off with some brisk walking this week, and delay the yoga until I've had my 6 week appointment.