You can generally start walking as soon as you feel up to it after a straightforward birth.
Here's a more detailed look:
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Straightforward Birth: If you had a vaginal delivery without complications, you can typically begin gentle exercise, including walking, soon after giving birth, listening to your body and stopping if you feel pain or excessive fatigue. According to provided reference material, this could be "as soon as you feel up to it". Gentle stretches, pelvic floor exercises, and tummy exercises are also good options.
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Cesarean Section (C-section): Recovery from a C-section takes longer. Consult your doctor before starting any exercise program, including walking. While short, gentle walks are encouraged to promote circulation and prevent blood clots, you'll need to avoid strenuous activity until your incision heals properly.
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Listen to Your Body: Regardless of the type of delivery, pay attention to your body's signals. Start slowly and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your walks. If you experience pain, bleeding, or dizziness, stop and rest.
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Postnatal Checkup: It's generally recommended to wait until after your 6-week postnatal checkup before starting any high-impact exercise, such as aerobics or running. This appointment allows your doctor to assess your recovery and provide personalized recommendations.
