Healing and losing the weight

The length of time it will take for your body to heal after delivery is affected by your general health before and during pregnancy, the type of delivery, and any complications during delivery and the postpartum period. Generally, if you are in good health and had an uncomplicated delivery, it will take approximately six weeks to recover from childbirth.

Usually, recovery from a vaginal delivery is much more rapid than the recovery period from a cesarean. Many women will feel like they are back to their normal selves within a week or two of having a vaginal delivery, while women who have undergone a c-section generally take more time to recuperate. That is not to say that within a week women who have had a vaginal delivery can resume their regular routine. It will still take the body approximately six weeks to get back to its pre-pregnancy state.

Some general guidelines for postpartum activities are as follows:

Vaginal Deliveries:

• 1 week: You can begin driving again.
• 2 weeks: You can begin light exercise such as walking.
• 6 weeks: Postpartum exam. After medical clearance, resumption of most activities including an exercise regimen, sexual intercourse, and work.
  

C-Section:

• 2 weeks: Post-operative check up.
• 2 weeks: You can begin driving again.
• 6 weeks: Postpartum exam. After medical clearance, resumption of most activities including an exercise regimen, sexual intercourse, and most other activities.
  

Losing Weight

If you gained the recommended 25 to 35 pounds with pregnancy, you should be able to shed the weight, by eating sensibly, by the end of the second month after delivery. Other factors that can affect your weight-loss rate include: your daily caloric intake; the amount that you exercise; whether you are breast- or bottle-feeding; and your pre-pregnancy weight. This is an area that can cause the most anxiety for the postpartum woman.

Crash or fad diets are not only ineffective--they may be potentially harmful. To lose those extra pounds you gained during pregnancy, dedicate yourself to sensible eating, a decreased caloric intake, and regular exercise.

Review Date: 2/19/2007
Reviewed By: Douglas A. Levine, MD, Gynecology Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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