Cardi B is shaking off criticism after hitting the gym just a week post-birth. The rapper shared an Instagram video of herself on the StairMaster, mere days after welcoming her third child with Offset.
The post ignited a whirlwind of online reactions, with some fans worried about her health and others accusing her of caving to “snap back” culture pressures, according to TMZ.
Facing social media backlash for her quick return to the gym post-birth, Cardi responded by explaining that her exercise routine is to “avoid postpartum depression,” not to “snap back.”
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“I’m not doing heaving lifting, no muscle straining, squatting none of that… just cardio. Sometimes to avoid postpartum depression you gotta keep your mind busy and for me that’s work and staying active,” she said on Twitter on Monday, in response to a fan.
Cardi took umbrage at a comment about the pressure women in the industry face to lose weight post-birth, pointing out that she had just welcomed her third child, as reported by the Daily Mail.
“But you know what’s funny?? Y’all dragged me down when I gained 15 pounds because I was 5 months pregnant but now yall fake concerned and wanna talk about pressure???” Cardi hit back.
“Y’all said I was pregnant to avoid working now that you see I’m still at it it’s something else?? So yeah I’m taking this personal but its FOR ME because either way y’all are gonna have something to say.”
After the fan answered and said she was speaking in more general terms about society’s expectations of women and “snap back” culture,’ Cardi wrote back a more agreeable message.
“Totally babe!! And I do agree about society and pressure…I just was never the type to care about snap back after birth,” she stated.
“I don’t know what it is about this time around but I have this burst of energy where I want to do EVERYTHING… It’s like I want to complete all my goals in one day.”
But, some obstetricians and gynecologists are providing varied perspectives on Cardi’s post-birth workout regimen. One doctor mentioned that most in the profession would advise against immediate post-birth gym workouts, though it depends on the individual case.
For women who have a natural and smooth delivery, light activities like walking may be approved. However, the doctor advised expectant mothers to consider consulting with OBGYNs before engaging in strenuous exercise.
Another doctor shared a different view, stating they wouldn’t clear a patient for exercise until 2 or 3 weeks postpartum, though some might approve it at the 1-week mark.
A third OBGYN advised fans not to mimic celebrities and urged patients to consult medical professionals first.
Doctors expressed concern over Cardi’s quick return to the gym due to the risks of premature postpartum exercise. They stressed the need for bodies to heal after childbirth, warning of potential side effects such as hernias, strained muscles, pelvic prolapse, and bladder issues.
The warning is particularly severe for women who’ve had C-sections, as premature exercise can lead to infections at the incision site, loss of abdominal strength, and scar trauma.
