Sports Medicine
A Crucial Period
Good Pain, Bad Pain
On Your Knees
Secondary Injuries
Imaging Technology
What's Sciatica?
The Female Athlete
Putting Your Feet First
Itis Schmitis
Too Much, Too Soon
Under the Influence
Twisted
What's Goin' On?
Think Inches, Not Pounds
Preventing Vaginitis
That Painful Pull
Athlete's Heart
Exercise & Arthritis
Chilled to the Bone
Measuring Body Fat
Exercise and Your Breasts
Choosing a Sports Doctor
Lean on Me (Shoulder)
Exercise & Anemia
Exercise Abuse
Pelvis Sighting
Hand Aid
It's All in the Wrist
Back in Action
Altitude Adjustment
Tennis Elbow, Anyone?
Exercising in the Heat
Agony of the Feet
Restless Legs
Night Time Cramps
Birth Control Concerns
No Periods, No Babies?
Post Partum Prescription
Weight Loss Mystery
Undesirable Cooldown
To Brew Or Not To Brew
Fitness After Baby
Biking and Back Pain
A Hidden Athlete
Avoiding Osteoporosis
Drug Testing
Maximum Heart Rate
Headway Against Headaches
Torn Rotator Cuff
Fat Figures
SOS About PMS
Bloody Urine
Sag Story
Lackluster Leg
Bothersome Bulge
Gaining in Years
Taking It On the Shin
Aching Ankles
Hoop Help
Tender Toes
Meals For Muscle
Growing Pains
Hot Tips
High Altitude PMS
Personal Bests
Air Pollution
Ankle Blues
Heartbreak Heel
Yeast Relief



Post-Partum Prescription

Continued...

Answer: Giving birth has occasionally been compared to pushing a watermelon out through a nostril. In either case there is a strong likelihood of tissue damage. A normal vaginal delivery often tears the vagina or the perianal area and is routinely stitched up by the obstetrician. The repair to the vagina is called an episiotomy.

Depending on the amount of tissue torn, the injury may be superficial, requiring just a few stitches, or a deep, jagged tear requiring layers of sutures. The suture material is dissolvable and is absorbed by most women in three to six weeks. Swimming should be a safe and comfortable activity as soon as your bleeding has stopped and you are cleared by your doctor - within a few days or weeks.

There is little risk of infection if the area is kept clean and dry after swimming. The major concern about swimming is if the area has not healed enough to hold up to the stretching that may take place during the kick. By 21 days after surgery, the sutured site has regained as much strength as it ever with have. You might start by swimming with just your arms.

Depending on the extent and depth of the episiotomy or perianal repair, many activities can be very painful, if not downright gruesome to even imagine. Many women find that certain activities are unthinkable, and certainly stationary bicycle riding could be in that category. A small inflatable inner tube can be used as cushioning for some activities.

The new bike seats designed for men with a slot in the middle may be more comfortable. Walking is also a good post-partum activity - just be sure to adequately support your breasts, which may be tender.

Number one on the list of reasons to stop exercise is pain of any kind. After childbirth, be patient, listen to your body, go slowly, and return to exercise only when your body is healed and ready.

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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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Table of Contents

Foreword: Billie Jean King

Comments by Barb Harris
Editor in Chief,
Shape Magazine



General Health
Nutrition
Exercise
Common Medical Problems
Dental Health
Emergency!
Infectious Disease
Sexual Health
Emotional Well-Being
Eating Disorders
Alcohol & Other Drugs
Environmental Health
Prevention


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