I get lots of questions from new moms about when and how to start exercising again after having a baby. What’s safe? How do I know my body is ready? Is there anything I should watch out for?
You've just had a baby – congratulations!! – and now you've entered into the transitional period called “postpartum.” Since your baby is no longer occupying the space in your abdomen, all of your organs and muscles are settling back into their usual places. Your abdominal muscles, which stretched apart to make room for baby, are slowly coming back together. Your connective tissues and ligaments that softened to make space for the birth are shrinking and firming up. Your hips, pelvis, and spine are re-aligning too.
Pregnancy is such a fun and exciting time for a family! There are so many new things to learn about, new sensations that you’ll feel, and your baby’s body is developing new parts and systems every day. But what about the changes happening to your body? Pregnancy can change your posture, your balance, and put additional pressure on your joints and pelvic floor–all of which increase the workload of your muscles and ligaments.
