The body after childbirth
Pregnancy and childbirth place significant strain on the body, and it can sometimes take a while for the body to recover. While the body manages the healing process naturally, exercise and physical activity are recommended to strengthen the abdominal area and muscles.
More strenuous exercise, such as aerobics, running or horse riding, should be postponed for approximately two months. It is also important to pay attention to your posture during the first few weeks, when your muscles are still weaker. Consider the height of the changing table and pram, and try to remember to keep your back straight and your shoulders relaxed.
The pelvic floor after childbirth
After childbirth, the pelvic floor may need time to recover. Some women experience a feeling of heaviness in the pelvic area or urinary leakage, for example when coughing, sneezing or being physically active. If you experience symptoms that do not improve or affect your daily life, you can contact a midwife or physiotherapist for advice and help finding the right support.
An abdominal support garment helps relieve strain and pain
Many new mothers find that wearing a supportive abdominal support garment helps relieve strain on weakened abdominal muscles. The garment supports the abdomen and helps the abdominal muscles recover after pregnancy. Particularly after a caesarean section, an abdominal support garment can provide effective pain relief without side effects while reducing strain on the incision. Wearing a support garment over an abdominal incision can also make coughing and laughing less uncomfortable. Ideally, start wearing the garment soon after childbirth and continue until the muscles have had time to recover. Combining exercise with an abdominal support garment can therefore help the body recover after childbirth by providing effective support for the surgical wound and stretched muscles.
Choose the right abdominal support garment
Some abdominal support garments provide gentle lift beneath the abdomen and are suitable for fuller stomachs that have not returned to their pre-pregnancy shape. Other garments are designed for smaller stomachs. They contour the torso and abdomen and can be adjusted as the body changes. Make sure you choose the garment that best suits your needs.
When should you seek help after childbirth?
Recovery after childbirth varies from person to person. If you are unsure how your body is healing or have symptoms that do not improve, it is a good idea to contact your midwife or healthcare provider for advice. Seek medical attention if you develop a fever and persistent pain in the lower abdomen, or if a surgical wound becomes red, swollen or starts to discharge fluid. Heavy bleeding after childbirth should also be assessed promptly.
