How long did you wait to exercise?

nicolemviolette

I am SOOO anxious to get back into working out like I used to! I am 2 weeks PP as of today, and a few days ago my doctor said I could start walking and doing some things like crunches, (but she limited me to 50 crunches a day, boooo) She also said NO running, but that's ok because I don't like to run anyways.

So I was wondering how long everyone else waited before getting back into working out?

DawnieB1977

I'm waiting until after my 6 week check. I had a straightforward birth, and no stitches, but after my vein in my right leg got inflamed (superficial thrombophlebitis) so I want to check that's ok.

I've been out walking since she was about 10 days old. I spent pretty much all the time before that feeding, but my daughter lost weight, so she's mainly on formula now. I had the same supply problem with all my kids.

I have 2 older kids, so need to take them out a lot as they go a bit crazy if you stay home. So we walk a lot on the seafront, and go to the park. I also walk to take my eldest to school/collect him.

lisapr123

I had a beautiful C-section (seriously, I didn't want it but it went really well and I felt great!) on a Wednesday...came home Friday...shoveled snow on Sunday. The following Wednesday (so 1 week out) I went to the doctor to get my staples removed and he said I could do what I wanted, just listen to my body. I walked, did a little spin, lifted light weights, etc... I'd say within a couple weeks after that I was doing "normal" workouts. I found my body felt fine, I just lacked time!

tiggerhammon

I am so happy it went well for Lisa.
My experience was the opposite and, to this day, I am still hurt over having to have a Csection. I had so many complications with it and was unable to walk for 3 months (rereading of stitches, stomach bleeding, muscle tears... I had problem after problem.)
It took me about 6 months before I was doing mild exercise and about 9 months before anything more intense. I still struggled with mild stiffness and immobility in the muscles and tissues surrounding the scar for 2 years post partum. I didn't really feel back to myself for probably 3 years.
I am told they must have cut wrong because my issues are completely abnormal. But, this is my experience...

So long as everything goes well this time, and heaven forbid a Csection becomes neccesary ... I plan to start short walks 2 weeks post partum and exercising when given the clear.

lolablitz

I'm 2 and a half weeks pp and I'm dying to start running again! Thankfully I had a complication-free birth with a very mild tear (no stiches). But I've read running too soon can cause a collapsed bladder- yikes! - among other problems. I just started power walking while wearing my baby or pushing the kids in the stroller at 2 weeks pp. It feels great, although the first day I did have some super mild soreness down there. I'll keep walking until 4 weeks and call my OB and see if I can start slow jogging. I jogged until 34 weeks pregnant, so I'm hoping I'll get the go-ahead.

Dolci07

I was walking within a few days. Nothing strenuous for a few weeks though. I felt pretty much back to normal by 4 weeks. I had a vaginal birth.

jls8209

I think it all depends on how you feel, and what your doc says is okay. I had a bad tear and lots of stitches, at 3 weeks pp I could manage a 20 minute walk but I was incredibly sore for hours afterwards, and I also had light bleeding right up to my 6 week pp check up. I went back to the gym around 8 weeks pp and had to take it slow for a while. Listen to your doc, and listen to your body. If something feels wrong, stop. If you start bleeding or if your bleeding increases, stop and give the doc another call. Like everything else that goes on with pregnancy, resuming exercise is different for all of us.