Physical activity for women after childbirth: birth to 12 months (text of the infographic)
Published 7 September 2019
© Crown copyright 2019
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/physical-activity-guidelines-pregnancy-and-after-childbirth/physical-activity-for-women-after-childbirth-birth-to-12-months-text-of-the-infographic
The infographic summarises the UK Chief Medical Officers’ physical activity guidelines, 2019.
Physical activity:
- provides time for yourself – reduces worries and depression
- helps to control weight and return to pre-pregnancy weight
- improves tummy muscle tone and strength
- improves fitness
- improves mood
- improves sleep
If you’re not active, start gradually.
If you’re already active, keep going.
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity every week.
This can be achieved:
- out and about
- during leisure time
- at home
Examples of moderate intensity physical activity include:
- jogging
- walking
- cycling
- climbing stairs
- yoga
- dancing
- playing with your newborn
Start pelvic floor exercises as soon as you can and continue daily.
Build back up to muscle strengthening activities twice a week.
It’s safe to be active. There is no evidence of harm for post-partum women.
Depending on your delivery listen to your body and start gently.
You can be active while breastfeeding.