Exercise after birth? When?

Question

Do i really have to wait 6 weeks before exercising? I had an uncomplicated birth. Nothing wrong. Online it says to wait 6 weeks before any exercise other than walking. But i just wanna do sit ups honestly. I feel great too. Im almost 5 weeks postpartum already.

Answer

A week and a half isn’t going to get you to toned abs any faster. Better to start slowly and see how you handle it.

Answer

So fun story. I didn’t wait and I wasn’t doing anything crazy very mild ab stuff. 
I now have a hole in between my abs that has caused an umbilical hernia for this pregnancy 🙃 and the only way to fix it is with surgery 
At your own risk.

Answer

The muscles of your stomach can separate if you strain too much too soon. I  personally wouldn’t risk it. Waiting two more weeks to do some sit ups seems like a no brainer to me. But walking is good exercise and helped me feel more normal.

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My midwife said gentle exercise when you feel comfortable. Swimming or walking should be okay. I started around 4 weeks pp and it didn’t delay my healing

Answer

Yes, you really have to wait.

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I've read that situps can worsen diastis recti if you have any and to avoid them. I would google postpartum core exercises online that gradually build up the intensity safely. I started with kegels and a bit of pelvic floor work in the first 2 weeks then moved on to breathing exercises that gently engage your core then finally light core workouts at 6 weeks pp. I took things very slowly.

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I was walking 3 miles a day in the hospital and back at the gym a week after being discharged 🤷🏻‍♀️ all doctor-approved. I'm very big on health and fitness. I worked out 5+ days a week prior to pregnancy and continued all my normal workouts through all 40 weeks of pregnancy as well. I ran 6 miles the morning I went into labor as well. My doctor wasn't concerned about it. He knew I knew how to listen to my body and do what was best for it. It didn't affect my healing in any way.

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When your doctor clears you for it.

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Talk to your doctor if in doubt. He knows what state your body is in.
But I think you wait that long to avoid bleeding. You're still healing inside after birth.