thread: Exercise after c/section

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Jul 2005
    Vic
    474

    Exercise after c/section

    Hiya

    Just wondering if anyone who had a c/section had this experience..

    Its been about 7 weeks since my c/section. I did some situps at about 6 weeks when i was told everything should be back to normal and then the next day my scar was sore and i had some spotting that morning.... didnt think anything of it, just thought i would give it a bit more time, or maybe i was getting af... but nope, didnt come.

    Yesterday i did some pretty serious walking for exercise and again i experienced a sore scar and dark spotting.

    Anyonw know what this is all about?

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Jun 2005
    Victoria
    205

    Hi with my 1st c/section i thought i knew everything and actually popped opend my belly a little bit at 2 weeks post op lifting the pram. this time (feb 3) i found i got over it a lot quicker but also took it easier. walking is the very best thing to do, i started around 2 weeks post op both times. and my phsyio at the hospital said sit-ups are no good after a c/section she said to ly on the floor and sort of suck your tummy muscle back towards your bottom/suck your tummy in and hold for a couple of seconds and realease (i hope i explain this ok). she said this was ok from 2 weeks post op also.

    take care...trust don't rush it...i still have a belly and its been 12 weeks!!!

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Jul 2005
    Vic
    474

    Thanks narelle, ill give that exercise a go.

    The belly is just so frustraiting. I was quite big before pregnancy but have slimmed down a little during and directly after the pregnancy. Im buying heaps of new clothes and feel great..... its just the flabby wobbly tummy that sticks out all over the place that really gets on my nerves!!!! Grrrr

  4. #4

    Dec 2005
    255

    It's been 19 weeks for me and my tummy is still floppy. Walking is helping and i was also told not to do sit ups for at least 8 weeks - mostly due to the scar - but i am doing them now with abundance. If you can get to a heated pool this should help. I was swimming 3 weeks after with a kickboard which helped my stomach muscles. Good luck!

  5. #5
    AO Glassware Guest

    I think you should take it slow. I have the same problem. My doctor told me that I can do any excercise I want but my mom won't let me do the situp. She told me that it could take upto 4 months before you don't feel the sore. Don't worry, you are not the only who face this thing. We should take it slow for a long term healthy health.

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Feb 2004
    Melbourne
    11,171

    I agree with the others, you may have difficulty doing situps for quite a while. I found that doing anything too strenuous in the 1st 3 months caused my scar to hurt even though it was fully healed. I think it's just the added pressure on it.

    As for the spotting, I never had any related to exercising like that. Maybe just check with your Dr or ECHN regarding that?

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Feb 2005
    1,244

    Yep, I haven't been doing any belly exercises either. Just walking (at normal pace) and gentle stretching, mainly to relieve an aching back =) It has been six weeks since my caesarean but I still feel there is some tenderness there and I don't want to risk it.

    Cheers,

    Mel

  8. #8
    Kirsty77 Guest

    My doc told me to wait at least 3-4 months before even attempting aerobics or any kind of stomach exercises!!I'm glad I listened though as my scar healed well where as my sisters popped open at about 8 wks as she was doing situps!

    Just remember to take it easy. Walking is good and should get your heart rate up but you've just had major surgery!!Slow down!

  9. #9
    Registered User

    Feb 2005
    Mid North Coast NSW
    2,504

    I too took about 10 weeks before going for long walks. If I did too much housework I would get sore so back off.

    It was 4 1/2 months before I got up the courage to do sit ups. I think its better to go a bit easy on yourself...

  10. #10
    BellyBelly Life Member

    Mar 2005
    Sydney
    168

    my hospital gave me a flyer about post natal exercise when i left the hospital and i think it was something along the lines of 8 weeks before you can resume normal exercise. ethan is just over 7 months now and i haven't even walked around the block! hehe..

    i agree with just taking it easy. i've just done my usual running around looking after ethan while working part-time and most of my baby fat is gone... now it's just this wobbly belly!

  11. #11
    Registered User

    Sep 2004
    WA
    959

    Yep pass on the situps, and do the reverse once pp stated, there should be some suggestions on the c/s site - can't remember it. But definitely take it easy.

  12. #12
    butterfly_kisses1 Guest

    my dr told me after 3 months i could ride again(horses i mean)
    so bout 3 and a half months later i was back in the saddle
    BIG misteak i lasted half an hour and had major back pain
    after that my instructor ended up ending the lesson early and i
    was only doing some gentle dressage