Articles
Exercise after pregnancy: How to get started
Content
Benefits of exercise after pregnancy
Exercise and breast-feeding
When to start
Physical activity goals
Activities to try
Overcoming barriers
Physical activity goals
For most healthy women, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity — preferably spread throughout the week — after pregnancy. Consider these guidelines:
- Take time to warm up and cool down.
- Begin slowly and increase your pace gradually.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Wear a supportive bra, and wear nursing pads if you're breast-feeding in case your breasts leak.
- Stop exercising if you feel pain.