Nine months of fears, discomfort, stress and dreams are over and your baby is at home, as the wonderful present your and your partner were waiting for. However, after delivery you will find one day that the mirror says you are not back to your old self, at least not with all the extra pounds gained with pregnancy.



Depending on your pregnancy diet, the extra weight can range from slight to severe and even falling into obesity. The misconception of "eating for two" during pregnancy is a myth that still prevails today, unfortunately.

However, another modern myth is that you need to begin an exercising routine as soon as your baby is born. Gaining weight during your pregnancy was a long process that took about 40 weeks of eating for good or bad.

The same way, losing weight has to be a moderate process, which has to start from very basic exercising to a fitness routine that often your obstetrician, dietitian or health care provider can recommend, along with adjustments to your diet and dietary supplements.

Furthermore, it is not convenient to begin any weight loss program immediately after giving birth, whether a diet or exercising, because of the changes that your body will continue experiencing with breast-feeding and recovery of your own strength during the upcoming weeks.

Once again, it is your doctor who will determine when you can begin your fitness routine, but often you will be advised to start out slowly to avoid feeling exhausted. Your energy remains at the bottom line for the first weeks after childbirth, and walking a few minutes a day will be a good starting point at any stage.

After the sixth postpartum week, your will have to visit your doctor for a routinely check-up and the time in which you can resume most of your activities, including moderated exercising.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggest that women who were actively exercising before pregnancy can retake their routine as soon as they feel enough energy to do so.

Exercising is not bad, the problem is that women abuse it, or decide to stop eating to lose weight, without considering the hard work of their body during pregnancy and later getting ready for breast-feeding. For this reason, you need to continue eating well, without exaggerating food rations, too small or too large for your diet.

Start walking 5 minutes a day, and increase to 10, 15 and up to an hour, the time it takes to cover 3 to 3 and half miles. Walking increases your circulation and will help you to feel stronger for other exercises. Just remember warm up for a few minutes before exercising, and cool down after your activity to avoid painful leg cramps.