Postpartum exercise - Health & Medicine

American Fitness, March-April, 2002

At its 48th annual meeting held last year, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) distributed new information on exercising during the postpartum period. "Walking, stretching and floor activities are safe to perform from two days to two weeks after delivery," reports Elizabeth Joy, M.D., FACSM.

"The new mother should use fatigue as her guide and remember that hydration is important." Joy and fellow researcher Michelle Mottola, M.D., caution against returning to dance or aerobic routines within the first few weeks after delivery, due to weakened abdominal muscles. Moderate exercise in the postpartum period will facilitate weight loss and decrease the risk of urinary incontinence. Another benefit of postpartum exercise is an improved sense of well-being. Beginning pregnancy with a healthy lifestyle encourages a woman to carry healthy practices throughout her pregnancy.