Abdominal Strength - Ladies with multiple C-Sections?

Core exercises. Plank exercises. If you do Jillian Micheal's 30-Day Shred, she has some good ab exercises that will help.

I've had four c-sections. I talked about it in a post yesterday, but I also have Pelvic Adhesive Disease, which basically means that all of my internal organs are scarred together from my sections. The ONLY thing that has worked for me is lots and lots of core work. I hate every second of it, but it works. I'll never be 100%, but I've gotten to around 90.

I am getting there, but it is a slow process. I used to have really strong abs, and now I get pain doing things I did easily before. I can now do planks and sit ups, though. I had my section nearly 6 years ago, and for at least 2 years had no strength in the area at all.

Edited to add - I have had one C-section and one appendectomy, so 2 scars..

I've had 2 c-sections (my most recent was 3 years ago). I've done some circuit training and that has helped me strengthen a bit down there. I'm sure if I do more, it will be a lot better.

Excellent question. I have had 3 C-Sections, the last being 20 months ago. I've also had a umblicus hernia repair and my gallbladder removed. A total of 5 abdominal surgeries within 7 years. I have been doing various DVD's for about 5 months such as Turbo Jam and Jillain Michaels. All of these DVD's work on abs. I can def feel the muscle underneath but still have a LONG way to go!

I'm looking forward to the other replies for some tips as well!:embarassed:

Time. Do the work and over time you will slowly, SLOWLY see improvements. 20 years ago, and a hyserectomy 17 years ago. Just takes time and work. Good luck

In my weight loss and getting fit journey, I have disovered things about my body that I really wasn't aware of. One of those things is the loss of lower abdominal strength since the birth of my children. I had 2 c-sections, the last being 5 years ago. Before that I had very good lower abdominal strength - but I have discovered it's been compromised since the surgeries.

My question is for the ladies who have had multiple c-sections...have you been able to regain that strength/control and if so, what did you do to achieve it?

Which type of C-section did you have? A lower transverse or the up and down kind that goes from your navel to your pubic bone?

My first pregnancy I had the up and down kind of C-section. The next three pregnancies were natural V-back deliveries. I don't really know how good my stomach would look. I'd have to lose 60 pounds to be at my goal weight. I'll let ya know when I get there. I do know that I have the sparation above my navel that I have heard the medical community talk about. It seems that it makes for a less than desirable out come.
Deb

I've had two c-sections as well (most recent was two years ago). Other than having a small section on the front of my belly that doesn't seem to have any feeling (poke - nope, can't feel that), I don't seem to have any other long-term problems. I've still got quite a bit of weight to lose, so I'm not close to seeing definition, but through doing core exercises, I can feel the abdominal muscles doing their thing. As long as you've been cleared by a doctor, there shouldn't be anything you can't do!

I had 3 c-sections, last one was 1 yr ago and the dr told me that he would go through the same section but that did not happen due to the babies all being huge. Needless to say I have 3 scars in 3 places and NO feeling in any of them. I started the 30 day shred and My stomach muscles are sore so it is working.

I had 3 C-sections and a 'repair' surgery (all going in through the same lower abdominal transverse incision) within 4 years. The last was 20 months ago and I'm having a really hard time. I do well with upper ab and oblique exercises, but I struggle to get even 6 crunches out. I was recently told by a trainer that pelvic tilts are good for helping to regain strength in the lower abs when you are at the point where crunches are too much. Lay on your back on the floor with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Tilt your pelvis upward by tightening your lower abs while keeping your back flat on the floor. As you gain strength, you can start to lift your hips off the floor until your up on your shoulders with feet still flat on the floor. I haven't tried it yet, but I plan to start these this weekend. Good luck mommas!

I have had 2 c-sections with the last one being 7.5 years ago. Since then I have not been able to tolerate doing abdominal work like sit-ups or crunches. Each time I try it is like my intestines are pushing out through my abdominal wall and getting twisted, and I have to wait for everything to relax and settle back down. My doctor couldn't find a hernia and suggested it might be adhesions...So I do planks, running, and push ups. I am finally seeing my stomach flatten since switching from just intense walking to the aforementioned combination of exercises.