Fitness And Contraception After Pregnancy

After pregnancy, reducing the weight gained is a time consuming process. Even though childbirth is a pleasurable experience, it is traumatic for both the mother and the baby. Hence, rapid weight loss after pregnancy can cause adverse effects. Due to vigorous exercises after pregnancy, prolapse might also occur. Prolapse is a condition, which occurs due to weak pelvic floor muscles.

Mild And Simple Exercises Recommended

Hence, immediately after delivery, vigorous and sustained exercises must not be undertaken. Only gentle exercise is recommended. A physician’s advice for dieting and fitness programs should be undertaken. Your physician will also tell you that only after 2 or 3 months of delivery, when the periods resume to normalcy, should exercises and dieting be undertaken. Exercises such as sit-ups, "bicycling,” or "scissors" should definitely be avoided immediate after pregnancy.

Breast Feeding And Weight Loss

Breastfeeding is a kind of birth control, provided certain criteria are met. Like a balanced diet is necessary for the quality and quantity of breast milk without depleting the mother's requirements. Three or more servings of milk products and Vitamin A should be taken daily. Contrary to popular myth, physical exercises do not interfere with breast-feeding.

Healthy Eating And Post Delivery Recovery

The body needs at least six months to recoup after pregnancy. Healthy food is necessary for first three months after pregnancy rather than dieting. Intake of folic acid, calcium, and iron is essential after delivery. Also post delivery caffeine is not harmful when taken in limited amounts. However, exhaustion caused by delivery, and night feeds require more focus than worrying about weight loss.

FAQs About Contraception And Intercourse After Pregnancy

Here are some facts that will help you decide the right contraception for yourself after pregnancy

Q: When does resumption of menstrual period takes place after delivery?

A: Usually, the first period occurs after two months of childbirth, but it is also dependent on breast-feeding. Some women resume menstrual cycle only after weaning the baby from breast-feeding. By breast-feeding, the brain suppresses the ovulating hormone due to sucking. If breast-feeding is sought as a mode of contraception, round the clock feeding is necessary, as the intensity and frequency of sucking determines the hormone suppression.

Q: What is the best waiting time for intercourse and contraception after delivery and which types of contraceptives are recommended after delivery?

A: Though women are not inclined towards intercourse immediately after delivery, contraceptives are still advised. Contraceptives are essential after delivery, incase of immediate intercourse, since at that time ovulation cannot be predicted. However, intercourse within first six weeks after delivery is not recommended. Immediately after delivery, barrier contraceptives such as Progesterone mini-pill is the only contraceptive pill, which does not contraindicate with breast-feeding, and injectable contraceptives like Depo-Provera are advised. Incase of diaphragm, it has to be replaced, and IUDs needs to be placed only when uterus is completely healed.

Many women presume that breast feeding is an adequate measure for contraception as well as natural weight loss after pregnancy. However, after pregnancy, you need to see your doctor for the right advice concerning fitness and contraception after delivery. For more information visit pregnancy week by week.