02: Getting Back to Exercise Postpartum

Here are brief episode notes for Episode 2: Episode 2: Getting Back to Exercise Postpartum Whether you're trying to conceive, currently pregnant, or postpartum and wondering why "cleared for exercise" doesn't feel like enough — this episode is for you. Dr. Mbong Henry breaks down why doing too much too soon is one of the biggest drivers of postpartum injury, what the research says about minimizing deconditioning during pregnancy, and the Canadian guidelines on safely rebuilding activity in your first year postpartum. Plus: a mindset shift for anyone stuck in a season of waiting — an injury, fertility challenges, morning sickness, or the newborn haze In this episode: Why exercising through pregnancy lowers your risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and C-section The "confirmation bias" trap that leads to postpartum injury The Canadian postpartum physical activity guidelines (120 min/week, 4 days) How exercise protects mental health, pelvic floor function, and long-term disease risk Resources: Free: Postpartum Running Guide from Radiance PT Guidelines for Exercise in Pregnancy & Contraindications to Exercise 2025 Canadian guidelines for physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep throughout the first year post partum