Most women will be adjusting to their new role as a mother during that period, possibly getting used to breast feeding, disrupted nights, recovering from labour and birth, dealing with older children etc. I often tell mothers that even after a straightforward birth, it takes a good minimum of six weeks before they can think about exercising again.
But these questions often come up:

When is it safe to start exercise?
-check with your doctor/ midwife!
-you should wait until you're no longer bleeding, no longer in pain and should not exercise if you have any infection
-when it makes you feel better physically and psychologically
- Specialised & supervised postnatal exercise is strongly advised for the first 6-12 months postpartum.

What exercises are safe to do before the 6 weeks medical check?
- Walking
- Pelvic floors strengthening exercises ( best practiced after first urination post delivery; alternate continuous hold, fast twitch contractions and the 'elevator' which is a gradual increasing contraction followed by gradual release); a little often is best so at baby's every feed; practise these even if you have stitches as they will speed up the healing process.
- Abdominal hollowing or 'vacuum' by drawing the belly button in towards the spine while exhaling as if tightening a belt and without tilting the pelvis. Just like Kegel exercises, this can be done sitting, standing or lying down and several time throughout the day. (Certainly no traditional crunches, sit ups)
- Chest stretches to relieve upper back pain and improve posture

How will I feel after labor/birth in relation to exercise?
Every woman, every pregnancy and every birth is different so this will vary from woman to woman but
Normal symptoms can include:
- incontinence up until 3-4 months postpartum, especially when sneezing
- feeling of loose, achy joints ( wrists, ankles, knees)
- uncomfortable, full breast (from day 3)
- feeling of being much more out of shape than expected mainly due to fatigue from labor and disrupted/ lack of sleep
- weak, 'doughy' abdominals with possible resulting back pain

Symptoms you should consult your doctor about include:
- Trouble breast feeding straight
after exercise
- Fresh (red) bleeding during or following exercise
- Wrist pain interfering with grip