Pregnancy and childbirth cause a lot of physical and emotional changes for women. You may have been able to maintain or improve your fitness during pregnancy or it may have been more difficult for you. You may have had a straightforward delivery and recover quickly, or it may have been more complicated and take longer.
After your baby is born it will take some time for your body to recover. It is important not to put pressure on yourself. Whatever your birth experience, getting to know your new baby and resting when you can is the most important thing.
Please watch the ‘top tips for early days after birth’ video which provides appropriate advice and exercises for after you have had your baby.
When you feel ready, beginning very gentle exercise at your own pace is good for physical and mental health.
Most women can gradually increase their exercise and build up their fitness over time, getting stronger and helping to prevent health problems in the future.
Why Do I Have To Be Careful?
You are at a higher risk of injury in the months after you give birth. Some of the bodily changes can have longer term affects if care is not taken. This is because;
Getting Back To Activity Safely
Returning to pre-birth levels of activity and exercise will take different time for everyone. Some people will be able to begin ‘low impact’ exercise like walking very soon, gradually increasing speed and distance. It is important that the exercise you take is safe for you;
Eat regular meals and include a variety of foods in your diet to help your body recover and give you energy.
If you have any concerns then it is wise to get advice. Speak to your GP who may refer you to a physiotherapist for more support.
It is important to get a balance between rest and activity, Having a new baby is a big life change as well as the physical affects it brings – take your time.
Take a look at these 4 short videos. They contain helpful physio exercises you can try at home to help with your recovery after childbirth.
For a referral to physiotherapy services please follow the routes below:
James Paget Hospital - referral via your GP, Midwife or Consultant.
Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital - self-referral via 24 hour answer phone on 01603 287 130. Please leave your name, hospital number, contact number and a brief description of the problem. You will receive a call back to speak about the problem. This service is for women who are planning to have their baby at NNUH, during pregnancy or up to three months after birth.
Queen Elizabeth Hospital - referral via your GP, Midwife or Consultant.
You can contact the Healthy Child Programme by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123 or texting Parentline on 07520 631590. Our opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.
If you are 11-19 you can text Chathealth on 07480 635060 for confidential advice from one of the Healthy Child Programme team.
