can anyone suggest best time to start getting active with exercise after c-section cut?

[binabi2002]

hi all..its only been 3 weeks since my op with a 10 inch C-section cut and was wondering what kind of exercise i should do to start getting my stomach muscles in shape again

[worth71]

Were you not given any notes on when you can resume different activities? That's a large cut, and although you are probably healed outside on the inside its still healing, and I would say minimum of six weeks before any vigorous exercise but check it out with your doctor to be on the safe side xx

[Impatient]

8 weeks Binabi. You must give all 7 layers of muscle a chance to really knit back together before putting any strain on them. It might take even longer. But certainly not earlier than that, though in the meantime while you can't carry heavy things yet, and shouldn't be driving, you can exercise by walking which is highly recommended. Just pottering about the house doing regular not too demanding activities. If you try anything and it hurts -stop you are doing too much, wait a bit longer.

you can push an upright hoover around, as the weight is born by the floor, but don't attempt to carry it up the stairs yet.

At three weeks you are no where near ready for exercise that will put any pressure or strain on your tummy muscles yet. Any attempts at exercise will set you back, as they have not had enough time to form a strong enough bond between the two cut halves. Even if you are going stir crazy at home, give your body a chance to heal properly. it's had a very major surgery, of the most bendy bit of you.

I'd say it was about 3-4 months before I was able to try and lift the lighter kiddies. by 5-6 months I was fine, free of op pain, but not very strong. and gradually since then my core strength has built up again. It's not as good as it was, but it's not too bad.

I'll never have a flat toned tummy again. The bloat from the ovarian cysts was so big and i had diathermy all over the insides and now my tummy seems to have a disconnected sag all its own, even if my tummy muscles inside are tensed up.

Small price to pay for a big op.

Theres no hard and fast rules, just don't over do it or expect too much too soon. But don't be a couch potato either. walking outside (snow permitting) for a couple of hundred yards and back is enough, don't go too far from home till you are sure you are okay to go a bit further. Build up from there. Don't laugh but there online exercise vids for the elderly who are confined to wheelchairs or armchairs and some of those gentle exercises are good for doing at home to keep you arms exercised without hopefully putting too much strain on your tummy. You can do those while watching tv.

[Chiligirl]

As a fitness trainer I will not work with anyone until at least 10 weeks post c-section. As Impatient says, there's sooo much healing needed first. And when ready, starting by conditioning the deep core muscles is essential, pilates would be ideal. If you can, speak to a trained fitness professional who is used to dealing with post natal tummies. Ask me if you need help finding the right person. Xx

[InsideOut]

Can't believe you weren't given advice (and warnings) by doctor/midwife on this!! It's really important as other replies above have explained. When I had my c-section I had a sheet explaining what I could do when and a series of exercises to gradually do but not from as early as 3 weeks. Perhaps you should ask if something like this is available although of course I'm sure there is lots on the web.

[binabi2002]

hi ladies

thanks for all ur responses.

i found the leaflet that was given to me and not really well explained....u all have brought more clarity. yesterday i went out of the house to the shops with a friend...i held a small bag...lets say i soon found out today when i was sore all over that it was the wrong thing to do so early....i will stick to walking up and down the garden path...much safer and controllled

its very difficult to rely on family and friends when i've been so independent...my mind is well and truly recovered but my body is nowhere near....yes i need to listen to my body...and make the most of this time for convalescence....i had some physio before the op so will use those pilates moves later in weeks to come

thanks again