3 min readNew DelhiJul 24, 2023 05:00 PM IST
First published on: Jul 24, 2023 at 05:00 PM IST
After childbirth, especially after a c-section delivery, many women aspire to regain their pre-pregnancy shape and strength. However, it’s crucial to start the fitness journey slowly and steadily, with a particular emphasis on stretching exercises. Neha Marda, who welcomed her first child in April this year, believes in something similar as she started her stretching routine to get back to fitness three months after the birth of her baby girl, Anaya.
Taking to Instagram, the Balika Vadhu fame actor wrote that getting back in shape is what every new mother thinks of after she delivers. “But for those having C-section delivery like me, it is difficult since exercise is not recommended initially due to stitches,” she emphasised.
However, according to Neha, starting with some simple stretching exercises after three months of delivery “will help your body to strengthen muscles and bring stability, which basically is the first step in your journey.”
In the video, she went on to demonstrate a range of such simple yet effective stretches, including standing backbend, cobra pose, side bend, anulom-vilom, etc. “I started this routine three months after delivery. It will help increase strength and stability. Keep yourself healthy and happy,” Neha said.
Take a look
Dr Karthika Reddy, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad said that mothers having undergone C-sections should consult their doctor before starting the exercises post-delivery. “It is advisable to wait for at least 12 weeks to start or restart their fitness journey post caesarean delivery,” she said.
The expert further said that exercises to improve abdominal muscle tone should be done after excluding a condition called diastasis recti, which is the divergence of abdominal muscles caused by stretching during pregnancy.
“When you are ready to start exercising, walking is a great way to get back in shape. Check with your local fitness clubs or community centres for classes that interest you, such as yoga, Pilates, spinning, and dance. Some gyms offer special postpartum exercise classes and classes that you can take with your baby,” Dr Reddy concluded.
📣 For more lifestyle news, follow us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook and don’t miss out on the latest updates!
Neha Marda gets back to fitness post delivery (Source: Neha Marda/Instagram) 
Share
