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I can’t wait to get my pre-baby body back. How soon after giving birth can I start jogging and doing sit-ups?
That depends on your mode of delivery and if there are any complications that require a longer recovery. A general rule would be at least six weeks after delivery before taking up workout programmes other than walking, which is a good way to ease back into exercise. You have to avoid sit-ups, running or aerobic exercises, until your uterus has returned to its normal size and the pelvic floor has recovered.
Vigorous exercise may strain your pelvic floor muscles and cause incontinence or prolapse if you start too soon. However, you can begin exercises that strengthen pelvic floor muscles whenever you feel ready after giving birth. They help reduce the likelihood of leaks during exercise. Breastfeeding may help you lose weight, too.
Be cautious about dieting during this period, as poor nutritional intake will reduce calories in your breast milk. It is best to eat a healthy balanced diet instead of cutting down on meals. Remember that your body needs time to recover; it’s normal to take months to return to your pre-pregnancy weight.
My belly and boobs are huge, now that I’m in my third trimester. But why has my nose become bulbous?
Pregnancy doesn’t just change your body – fluid retention and swelling can affect the nose. Some expectant women may notice an increased roundness in the cheeks. Your skin also tends to look redder due to an increase in blood flow in the blood vessels. Unfortunately, that’s not all. Pregnancy hormonal changes can cause an increase in pigmentation.
Nearly one out of two mums-to-be show some signs, such as melasma (dark splotchy spots on the face) or new moles. Thankfully, the pigmentation is likely to fade after six months, though it won’t disappear entirely. So, wait till then before considering skin-lightening procedures. As for your chubby nose and cheeks, they will return to normal within six months after delivery.
ASK THE EXPERT
These questions were answered by Dr Goh Shen Li, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist in S L Goh Women’s Clinic at Mount Alvernia Medical Centre D. Got a question? E-mail us at magyoungparents@sph.com.sg.
