Exercise After C Section!!!! - Shirley,NY

K.,

I'm an exercise physiologist who's also certified in pre & post natal fitness. I would highly recommend waiting until your 6 week appointment, or at least your doctor's approval, before starting your workout. I also had a c-section 8 weeks ago and understand the itch to get back to working out just play it smart.

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CHECK with your OB/GYN... you do NOT want to pop a stitch! Or open up the incision... remember... you are not just stitched up on the surface... but LAYERS underneath too... your muscles/abdominal wall, uterus etc. And they all are STILL healing....

Tell your OB/GYN what kind of exercises.... you are thinking of.

I have had 2 c-sections... and 6 weeks post-op is for healing... to go back to FULL exercise activities.... you need to check with the Doctor first.

You had MAJOR surgery.... I ditto the woman below.

all the best,
Susan

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You need to wait until at least 6 weeks and get a doctor's clerance. We usually suggest 8 weeks after a c-section due to it taking that long for your abdominal muscles (internal which were cut into) to heal. The very reason we do not allow you to drive for 2 weeks after a c-section or to lift anything heavier than the baby. We actually tell women not to do stairs more than three times a day after a c-section. So please please wait. It also effects how the muscle wall of your uterus heals which is VERY VERY important if you EVER plan on considering a VBAC (vaginal birth after a c-birth). So you may feel well, but if you start to work out and the internal muscles do not heal well (which we do not know unless we are doing another c-section), it will effect your next pregnancy AND delivery. Congratulations BTW and it will only be a litte more time. Right now spend those extra hours with baby!

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WAIT!!

Yes it's only a week, but you do NOT want any complications.

And when you do go back, go back slowwwwly.

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Chances are you'll have to wait another 3 weeks. That's 21 days - that's it. Be patient and wait until your doctor clears you to exercise again. Why risk 21 days of exercise when it could turn into months or years of recovery because you were too impatient to properly heal.

Your doctor, who knows your health history and performed the procedure, will be able to give you the best answer. Please wait to hear from him or her as how to best proceed. Just because you feel great does not mean that your body is fully healed.

I was told to wait 6 weeks with a vaginal delivery. I assume it might be longer with a C-section. I would ask the doctor. Hey.... you said it yourself... it's only a week. So just wait the time you're supposed to wait. The doctor has given you instructions for a reason. You don't want to rip the area and regret it. You'll have plenty of time to run around and exercise.

Hi! I had two c sections and was always told to wait 8 weeks before resuming more normal activity. You should def. ask your Dr before you start. Also, from experience I can tell you I felt the same way as you. Didn't want a c sec. but had to have the first one. Was nothing like what I though. I recovered quickly and easily. With my second it was the same so I didn't take it as easy. BIG mistake! I ended up w/a major pain in my right side under where my stitches were (but deep inside.) It hurt for quit a long time sometimes it made me actually cry it hurt so much. The Dr said I may have pulled something inside and so it healed differently? Not sure. I didn't even do anything that strenuous! So just be careful! When you do get the ok, get back to it slowly. It set me back weeks because of the pain! Frustrating, yes worth it, YES! Good luck, and congrats on the baby!

You can be up and about, walking, maybe even running - it's the lifting over so many pounds they don't want b/c of the the stitches.

Sorry, you need to wait. I can't remember how long it was after my 6 section. I thought 6-8 weeks, but it could have been even more. Ask your doctor. They will tell you for sure. Don't push it b/c then you'll just get hurt and then ReALLY have to wait! Walk that energy off with your new baby! : ) and I just want to say CONGRATS on having so much energy - my son is 3.5 and I am still looking for some energy! LOL!

You need to get the ok at the 8 week point from your ob-gyn to make sure everything has healed. I had 2 c-sections and also workout a lot, but I have heard horror stories about tearing that area. Waiting a couple of more weeks could make a big difference in healing properly.

I was told to wait for Dr clearace, you could really mess something up there, but that does not mean you can not walk a bit. It is major surgery I would call your Dr and see what they have to say about it.