Physical Recovery Day 1 - 7
Immediate postnatal advice
A gradual return to exercise after birth is recommended but it should not involve high-impact exercises or sit-ups too quickly, to allow your stomach and pelvic floor muscles to recover. See here for more information about pelvic floor exercises.
See our postnatal videos (Click Here) for exercises that are safe during the initial post-partum period and then progress to exercises suitable after your 6-8 week GP check...
Breathing exercises and supported coughing as per video above.
Pain, for example from Caesarean section, can affect your ability to breathe deeply and cough effectively.
- Try to breathe in and out deeply 4 -5 times every hour, especially if you are spending a lot of time in bed or sitting.
- Coughing (if you have had a Caesarean section or have abdominal pain) support your lower abdomen/painful area with your hands or a folded towel or cushion.
- Circulation exercises to reduce fluid in your feet and hands Briskly circle and move your feet up and down.
- Circle your shoulders.
Getting out of and into bed using a log-roll and pushing up on your side with your hands.
Immediate postnatal advice
Postnatal exercises for as soon as you feel ready
Further resources please visit Pelvic Obstetric and Gynaecology Physiotherapy and follow the steps illustrated