How Long After C-Section Did You Wait to Exercise?

ValerieMartini2Olives
ValerieMartini2Olives Posts: 3,024 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I have a c-section on March 1st. Overall I feel pretty much back to normal. I really want to start exercising again. Is 3 weeks enough of a wait if I feel well enough to get back into it? Or should I wait longer? How long did you wait and what kind of exercise did you do?

Replies

  • Sabrinaplus5
    Sabrinaplus5 Posts: 7
    5 years. LOL!!!
  • xXxHBICxXx
    xXxHBICxXx Posts: 370 Member
    I had 2 c sections, wait 6 weeks at least and talk to your doctor 1st! Seriously you can rip your stitches (inside and out) and you can really hurt yourself, c sections are no joke!!! That is a major surgery girl take it easy, I don't think a 15-20 minute walk will hurt but I wouldn't push to far from that
  • maru84
    maru84 Posts: 128
    I started biking at 4 weeks after a vag delivery and it was too soon!!! I should have waited!! You especially need the full six weeks with a section. Maybe start now with some hatha yoga (good stretching) and some easy strength training (not squats or abdominal work) and hold off on cardio a few more weeks. Walking is a great option now too, short distances, if you get a good baby carrier (not those awful Bjorns, one that has baby facing toward you, legs bent at 90 degrees, so she wont kick your incision) you can take baby with you and burn a few extra calories.
  • Ashwee87
    Ashwee87 Posts: 695 Member
    Walking may be the best bet for a few months. I am 14 months PP. You don't want to do too much and end up pulling inside stitches as well as everything that is healing internally. I know I was still pretty sore for a couple months after mine if I did too much.
  • jnsb
    jnsb Posts: 20
    I started running again at 5 weeks PP after my doctor cleared me. I ran through 30 weeks, though, and kept up with power walking and spinning up to delivery. Definitely wait until your doc gives you the ok. You do NOT want to open that wound again.
  • jacque1129
    jacque1129 Posts: 113 Member
    how long did you doctor say you should wait before taking on vigorous activity? if it hasnt been long enough just walking should be enough.
  • extraordinary_machine
    extraordinary_machine Posts: 3,028 Member
    What does your doctor say? With my first c/s, I was playing soccer 6 weeks post-partum (with my doc's approval) but with my second, I waited 8 weeks to get back into anything hard. I walked and swam around 5 weeks.
  • bellesouth18
    bellesouth18 Posts: 1,071 Member
    I had one. I was teaching gymnastics at the time, so my doctor made me wait 10 or 12 weeks before I could go back to that since it was so strenuous and involved so much lifting. I'd wait at least 6 weeks or whatever your doctor recommends. Don't push your luck by tearing open anything on the inside or outside.

    Edit: Since my son weighed 10 lbs 9 ozs at birth, he was the heaviest thing I was supposed to lift for the first few weeks after surgery.
  • ashleen7
    ashleen7 Posts: 258 Member
    Wait until you get clearance from your doc. C-section is a serious surgery so don't rush it, waiting an extra 2-3 weeks may be all the difference between getting back to your full fitness without too much hassle or starting back too early and ending up with serious complications.

    ETA: I waited 6 weeks to start back gentle exercise and probably around 8 weeks before I started anything too rigorous.
  • jenns1964
    jenns1964 Posts: 384 Member
    That is a question for your OB/GYN.
  • cryswest57
    cryswest57 Posts: 141 Member
    You can do kegels, pelvic tilts, and walk for now. I had my c-section Oct. 8th. If you have ab separation, I highly recommend the Bellefit. I got it, and it brought my abs back together completely. It's expensive, but completely worth it if you have ab separation. I'm 5 months post-partum, and I really started about a month ago. I watched my diet before that. Reverse crunches once you are cleared are great to do too. I wish I did kegels and pelvic tilts right away.
  • SleeplessinBerlin
    SleeplessinBerlin Posts: 513 Member
    As an obstetrican, I'd advice you to wait at least 6-8 weeks before you start any vigorous exercise. If you are determined to start earlier, please talk to your doctor first.
    If you miss physical activity, start with pelvic floor exercises. Then gradually increase the intensity and length of your workouts.
  • Taraanne76
    Taraanne76 Posts: 111 Member
    I waited 6 weeks and until my dr said ok. I had a severe hemorrhage after c/s so I followed all the rules. I also didn't want to impede healing and complicate any future pregnancies. I would say wait but if you really can't then just walk. Enjoy your newborn b/c they grow so fast!
  • laceybrobie
    laceybrobie Posts: 495 Member
    I have had 2 c sections.. Let me tell you, just wait... If you need to do anything , start by walking with the baby in a stroller around the neighbor hood slowly.. don't rush to get around at first... you don't realize how bad those muscles are... .. I tried to soon and hurt myself pretty bad..

    Start working your core again on the floor... My core is so weak now from 2 that I really need to get back to it.. I did turbo jam when my daughter was 2 months old.. Some days I felt that It was too soon. Some it was fine..

    Take the next few weeks and just enjoy your new baby.
  • shadow2soul
    shadow2soul Posts: 7,692 Member
    My doctor told me at my check up (which I did 6wks post partum) that it was okay for me to start exercising vigorously again. But you should really ask your doctor, since everybody is different. I would think it would depend on how well the incision is healing.

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