05/27/2026
Being cleared at 6 weeks postpartum is not the same as being ready to return to pre-pregnancy intensity.
There’s a lot of confusion around this fact, and it’s understandable. You might think hearing “you’re cleared” means you can jump back into what you were doing before pregnancy. But there is some nuance to the 6-week clearance.
🎯What it means:
The 6-week clearance means key medical markers have been checked (bleeding stopped, stitches healed, etc.)
✖️What it typically does not cover:
It doesn’t always include an assessment of your core or pelvic floor, and providers often don’t give guidance on how to safely resume exercise postpartum.
When returning to exercise postpartum, remember: your body is still healing at 6 weeks.
Start with core and pelvic floor recovery, along with movements that mimic the activities you’re already doing every day as a new parent.
⏳ Take your time as you progress and build intensity, and always remember…Slow is fast.
05/20/2026
There’s a lot of misinformation out there, and unfortunately, it often sparks more fear and confusion than clarity.
Here are 5 things we wish everyone knew when it comes to Pre/Postnatal Fitness ⬇️
▫️Exercise CAN begin during pregnancy
ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) encourages those with uncomplicated pregnancies to engage in moderate physical activity for at least 20-30 minutes per day on most, if not all, days of the week. Even if you weren’t active before, pregnancy is a great time to start as it has a host of benefits to not only support your pregnancy, but labor, birth, and postpartum as well.
▫️Postpartum leaking isn’t normal
“Peeing a little” postpartum may be common, but it is not normal. It’s a sign of pelvic floor dysfunction, and treating it can improve both your core strength and quality of life.
▫️Heart rate is not an accurate gauge of exertion
Heart rate response to exercise varies widely during pregnancy, which is why ACOG recommends using “Rate of Perceived Exertion” (RPE) instead. RPE relies on listening to your body and gauging effort based on how you feel, which is a much more reliable indicator during pregnancy.
▫️Core work is not just safe, it’s essential
Core work isn’t just safe during pregnancy, it’s essential. It helps reduce common aches and pains and sets you up for a smoother recovery postpartum.
▫️6 Week clearance ≠ return to pre-pregnancy intensity
Getting cleared by your medical provider means that stitches have healed, bleeding has ceased, and other medical markers have been cleared. It does not necessarily mean your body is ready for pre-pregnancy training intensity. When recovery is rushed in favor of higher-intensity training, your body is often not yet ready to manage those stresses, which can ultimately slow progress and increase the likelihood of injury. Remember, slow IS fast.
📩Share this with someone who could use more clarity and less confusion around pre/postnatal exercise
