In an ideal world a woman's pre-pregnancy body would immediately return following delivery. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Part of the reason that women's bodies do not immediately return to normal is that even after the baby is delivered, the uterus remains enlarged for nearly six weeks. In order to avoid sagging tummy muscles women must exercise.

If you had a cesarean delivery, a complicated birth or post-partum complications, check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program. Otherwise, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says that you can start exercising as soon as you feel up to it.

Some general suggestions for an effective exercise program include the following:

• Warm up before exercising and cool down afterwards.
• Start slow and increase your exercise program gradually.
• For best results, aerobic activity should be done three to five times a week for 20 - 40 minutes.
• Be sure to include some muscle toning exercises.
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially if breast feeding.
• Include your baby in the exercise routine.

Aside from shedding pounds, post-partum exercise will make you feel better too. Exercise will give you more energy, reduce the risk of depression and will improve your ability to relax and better handle stress.