A healthy diet and daily exercise will increase your energy level and help you get in shape at any time of life. Having a baby and taking care of a newborn are hard work. It will take a while to regain your strength after the strain of pregnancy and birth. You should allow your body time to recover.
Benefits of Exercise
Daily exercise can help restore muscle strength and firm up your body. Exercise can make you less tired because it raises your energy level and improves your sense of well-being.When Can I Start?
Check with your doctor before starting an exercise program. You should start when you feel up to it and know you will keep it up.If you didn't exercise during pregnancy, start with easy exercises and slowly build up to harder ones.
Getting Started
Walking is a good way to get back in shape. Brisk walks will prepare you for more vigorous exercise when you feel up to it.As you feel stronger, think about trying more vigorous exercise. You will want to decide on exercises that meet your needs.
Your Exercise Program
Your workout should always include time for you to warm up and cool down.Warm Up
Before you begin each exercise session, always warm up for five to 10 minutes.Target Heart Rate
You should exercise so that your heart beats at the level that gives you the best workout. This is called your target heart rate.Cool Down
After exercising, cool down by slowing your activity. This allows your heart rate to return to normal levels. Cooling down is like warming up. Cooling down for five to 10 minutes and stretching again also helps prevent sore muscles.Finally …
Exercising after you have your baby can help you get back in shape. It can improve your physical and mental well-being. Before you begin your exercise program, talk to your doctor.This excerpt from ACOG's Patient Education Pamphlet is provided for your information. It is not medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for visiting your doctor. If you need medical care, have any questions, or wish to receive the full text of this Patient Education Pamphlet, please contact your obstetrician-gynecologist.
Copyright © January 2000 The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists