Working out Post Partum: How soon is too soon?

I am in the military and need to get back into shape. I didn't work out at all after the 5th month of pregnancy. During pregnancy, I continued to walk (moderately), but did not workout.

How soon after child birth did you begin working out?
How soon is too soon?
How long did it take to get back into pre-pregnancy shape?

Most doctors make you wait 6 weeks. You need to heal.

Six weeks is the standard and you should always confirm with your doctor first. It's important to make sure that all or organs and stuff have shifted back to where they should be before you start working out. I can't tell you how long it takes to get back into prepregnancy shape since I've never managed to.

6 weeks

Thank you all for the replies. I haven't had my 6 wk check up yet. I will take your advice and wait. I'm not in a rush to work out. I'm not sure how long it took me to get back into shape with my 1st son (who is now 8 yrs old). I joined the military when he was 2 yrs old and that was the only time I started working out.

well i have been a runner my whole life and continued to run in my pregnancy until i got preeclampsia and had to stop completely. after i gave birth, i felt ready to start again at two weeks, my hubby and mom made me wait for three weeks and then call the doc to see. my doctor told me i could start if i wanted to..."if i MUST" were his words but he told me not to push it and stop when i feel like i need to. but every situation is different and every doctor is different. i'm now five weeks pp and have been running for two and i feel wonderful. if you really want to start i would call your doc., but if you can wait i would do that.

Quoting mandy poo:“ well i have been a runner my whole life and continued to run in my pregnancy until i got preeclampsia ... [snip!] ... running for two and i feel wonderful. if you really want to start i would call your doc., but if you can wait i would do that.”

Oh, wow. I applaud you for staying active during and after your pregnancy. I feel great too. I have a lot of energy now. Thank you for the reply.

I hear you! I'm a marathoner and ran through my pregnancy and was back out running 4 wks PP ( I do admit to sneaking in a run at week 3). My doc works w lot with athletes and said 6 wks is ideal but really it boils down to knowing your body. if your bleeding starts up again or you have any pain at all just stop. I felt totally great 3 wks PP but forced myself to wait until week 4. I'm now 6 wks PP and back to running everyday and lifting. If you were in shape before pregnancy you will bounce right back! No worries- you'll be fine!

Quoting precious moments in 2009:“ I am in the military and need to get back into shape. I didn't work out at all after the 5th month of ... [snip!] ... child birth did you begin working out? How soon is too soon? How long did it take to get back into pre-pregnancy shape?”

i beleive the military cant make u do anything until 6 wks.