Postpartum Belly Exercises

After nine months of pregnancy and given birth, exercise may be the last thing on your mind. However, it can help you shed pregnancy weight faster and improve your mood. With your doctor's permission, you can begin exercising immediately after childbirth. However, if you've had a complicated delivery or a caesarean birth, your doctor may ask you to wait until six weeks postpartum to begin abdominal exercises. The important thing is to take it slow and listen to your body. In addition to the following abdominal exercises, walking is recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists as a good way to get in shape after pregnancy.

Abdominal Tightening

When time is a precious commodity and your abdominal muscles are still weakened and stretched, this exercise helps you improve muscle tone while you tend to your newborn. Perform the exercise while standing upright with proper posture. Pull your stomach in tightly, as if trying to bring your belly button as close to your spine as possible. Inhale and exhale slowly as you hold the position. You can do this exercise several times throughout the day, but it helps to have one place where you'll always remember to do it, such as beside your baby's crib or bassinet.

Marching

The National Academy of Sports Medicine recommends this exercise for stabilization-level clients because it involves little motion through the spine and pelvis. Perform the exercise while lying on the floor with feet flat on the floor, knees bent. Pull your belly button in toward your spine and lift one leg off the floor, keeping it bent. Hold briefly, then lower and repeat on the other side for a total of 15 to 25 repetitions.

Floor Bridge

This exercise requires a bit more strength and builds muscles throughout the abdominal muscles and back. To perform the exercise, lie on your back with feet flat on the floor, knees bent. Contract all of the muscles through your core, back and gluteals as you lift your hips off the floor, forming a straight line from your knees to your shoulders. Perform the exercise 10 to 12 times.

Planks

This exercise strengthens and stabilizes your entire core and tones your arms--an asset for any new mom lugging around strollers and heavy car seats. To perform the exercise, lie on your stomach with forearms flat on the floor and toes pointing downward. Contract your abdominal muscles while you lift your entire body up in a straight line. Hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds. You can do this while your newborn has tummy time each day.

Kegels

While performing any of these abdominal exercises, you may also do kegels--exercises that tone the muscles of the pelvic floor. According to the Mayo Clinic, kegels can help control bladder leaks, heal your perineum and tighten the muscles of the vaginal wall. To perform a kegel, contract and release your vaginal muscles as if trying to stop the flow of urine. Perform kegels several times a day following pregnancy as part of your abdominal routine.