Can I shed post-natal flab and those ugly stretch marks?

Your body will go through many changes during pregnancy.  It may be hard to believe, but you won’t always look pregnant!  Adequate postpartum exercises can aid a speedier return to your pre-pregnancy figure, and increase your ability to cope with demands of a newborn baby.

Many new mothers are understandably anxious to lose those extra pounds and shape up as soon as the baby is born.  However, the immediate post-natal period is probably not a good time to start on any weight-loss diet, especially if you are breastfeeding.  Your body also needs important nutriends to repair itself.

Should an exercise routine be resumed immediately after birth then? Whether or not you are ready to exercise depends on individual factors, for example, your pre-pregnancy fitness level and yourpostpartum health status.  Remember to consult your doctor and a qualified instructor of physiotherapist first.

Ground Rules for the first 6 weeks

Pelvic floor exercise within the first 24 hours following delivery helps in the healing process of the pelvic floora due to stretching and apisotomy or tears.  Pelvic floor muscles are a sling of muscles which support the pelvic organs and help control expulsion of urine and feaces.  During pregnancy and labour, these muscles become stretched and weakened.  They should therefore be exercised regularly to return to normal functions after delivery.  Avoid doing sit-ups because of weak abdominals.

Pelvic tilts for toning of pelvic floor, lower abdominal and back muscles.  Also helps to relieve backache

Shoulder exercise and stretches to improve posture when holding and feeding baby.

Walking program – Start with a 5 – to 10 minute walk and progressively add 5 minutes per week.  Walking tones and strengthens postural muscles and lower limbs that have been weakened during pregnancy.

Do you have stretch marks problems during your pregnancy?  Read more about stretch marks here….