Exercise after pregnancy

Background: Exercise is a critical protective factor for most chronic medical conditions and is strongly recommended during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The preventive health effect of exercise status (versus non-exercise) is similar to the effect of being a non-smoker (versus smoker). This makes lifelong exercise habits for the population critical for public health. Childbirth is a traumatic process (whether vaginal or by Caesarean section) that temporarily prevents usual exercise postpartum.

Objective: The aim of this article is to describe the return to normal exercise in the months postpartum, including the additional challenge of commencing good exercise habits for those new mothers who were not regular exercisers before childbirth.

Discussion: Pelvic issues, regardless of mode of delivery, affect return to exercise postpartum. Development of musculoskeletal injuries is also a significant risk, for example De Quervain's tenosynovitis from new activities such as changing, bathing and nursing. Hormonal and postural changes, extra body weight and support networks all affect successful return to exercise.