New mums should avoid strenuous exercise for 3 months, expert warns

New mums who are hoping to lose some weight and regain their pre-baby bodies after giving birth should ease their way back into exercising, one expert has underlined.

Louise Whyte, personal trainer at Penelope Fitstar, said that it is "perfectly natural" to fret about losing weight once the baby has been born, but rushing back into strenuous workouts is not a good idea.

"Although you may look and feel fine, for the first 12 weeks following delivery there will still be a lot of internal changes happening to get your body back to normal," she explained.

Furthermore, it is important to realign your posture before getting back to exercising to avoid injury, she notes.

It is advisable to avoid high-impact exercises for a minimum of three months, Ms Whyte points out, as the hormones produced during pregnancy and breastfeeding work to soften the joints, which can leave people at risk of injury.

Did you find it difficult to get back your pre-baby body?