02/06/2026
Returning to exercise postpartum - A story
I had an incredibly important conversation with a patient a few weeks ago about returning to exercise postpartum. She was coming in to see me at 6-weeks postpartum, her OB had already assessed her and she was "good to go!".
She has a history of being active and was rearing to go and get back to everything - working out, lifting weights at the gym, pilates, running etc.
Assessment revealed reduced deep core connection and stabilization as well as reduced pelvic floor muscle strength/endurance.
We spent a good chunk of time in our session focusing on how to re-connect with her deep core and pelvic floor and she was surprised at how challenging it all was, especially due to her active history.
We discussed that when given the 'green light' from her OB, that was purely from a medical standpoint - which is important, no doubt. But may people believe this refers to returning to all activity, which it does not (or should not).
When returning to activity, we need to focus on re-building a solid foundation. Our body did something amazing, it grew and birthed a human - incredible! But things need time to heal, recover, and re-connect.
In our follow up session, 2 weeks later, she voiced how much she appreciated our conversation from the previous session. And that, had we not had that conversation, had she not come in to see me, she knows would have pushed too hard, gone back to intense exercise too quickly, and possibly paid for it later.
I don't say this to scare anyone from exercise, movement is important for SO MANY reasons. I say this to re-inforce that we need to take it slow, focus on a strong foundation, and (ideally) get guidance from a professional for our specific circumstances.
So, reach out to a local pelvic physio to get your complete 'green light' on returning to exericse postpartum.
And, as always, if you have questions, please ask away!
