Post-Partum Prescription

Q: My doctor and I are both sports enthusiasts and he encouraged me to resume exercise as soon as possible after childbirth. He recommended, as you did, indoor stationary bicycling. I too thought that it would be an ideal activity, since it could be done at home and indoors, within earshot of my children.

Several weeks after giving birth, I hopped onto my stationary bicycle, looking forward to a quick return to my normally athletic self. Unfortunately, I was "sorely" disappointed when my vaginal/perianal area became swollen and tender after riding the bike.

Although I did not have an episiotomy, I did have sutures to repair a perianal tear which my doctor characterized as similar to an episiotomy. My doctor and I both agreed that I should discontinue bicycle riding for a while until the area was fully heated.

I suggest you warn your readers that bicycling might be a preferred activity only after perianal tearing or an episiotomy have completely healed. In my case this was eight weeks after giving birth. After my experience, my doctor is now cautioning his patients about this finding.

S.B.S.
Syosset, NY

Q: I am an active 25-year-old woman expecting my second child soon. After I had my first child, the doctor advised me to stay out of the pool for about six weeks until my stitches from the episiotomy healed completely. Furthermore, I found sitting on a bicycle rather uncomfortable for the same reason.

I found swimming to be the most comfortable and stress-relieving form of exercise while pregnant. I wanted nothing more than to get back into the pool after giving birth. Is it possible to get back in the pool sooner than six weeks if an episiotomy is performed?

C.G. Philadelphia, PA

Ouch! and the answer is...

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About the authors: Carol L. Otis, M.D., is Chief Medical Advisor to the Sanex WTA and a UCLA student health physician. Roger Goldingay is a former professional soccer player. They are married and the co-authors of The Athletic Woman's Survival Guide.

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Foreword: Billie Jean King

Comments by Barb Harris
Editor in Chief,
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