You can usually start very gentle movement soon after birth if your delivery was straightforward, but more intense workouts should wait until after your postpartum check (around 6 weeks) and always be cleared by your own clinician.

General timelines

  • After an uncomplicated vaginal birth, light activity such as walking and pelvic-floor exercises is often considered safe within days, as soon as you feel ready and are not in significant pain.
  • After a C-section or complicated delivery, heavier exercise is typically delayed and should start only after approval at a follow‑up visit, often around 6 weeks or later, because a C-section is major abdominal surgery.

What “starting to work out” usually looks like

  • In the first weeks, focus on: gentle walking, pelvic-floor (Kegel) exercises, and very light core activations rather than full sit‑ups or heavy lifting.
  • High‑impact activities like running, jumping, and heavy weight training are often delayed for several months, with some guidelines suggesting waiting 4–6 months to return fully to pre‑pregnancy levels, increasing intensity gradually.

Warning signs to stop and call your doctor

  • New or worsening vaginal bleeding, sharp abdominal or pelvic pain, feeling of heaviness or bulging in the vagina, or leaking of urine or stool during exercise are reasons to stop and get medical advice.
  • Fever, wound pain, or redness around a C‑section or tear repair site also need prompt evaluation before continuing activity.

How online forums talk about this

  • Recent forum discussions show a wide range of experiences: some parents begin short walks within days, while others wait many weeks due to fatigue, pain, or mental health needs.
  • Many posters emphasize starting with just a few minutes, listening to the body, and not comparing recovery timelines with others, especially when sleep, support, and birth complications differ.

Key safety reminders

  • Always get personalized clearance from your obstetrician, midwife, or primary doctor before starting or progressing workouts after birth.
  • If anything feels wrong or too intense, scale back and seek medical advice rather than pushing through discomfort.