C-section recovery - what is normal???

[emsyj]

I had DD by crash section under GA nearly 15 weeks ago. Initially I made a good recovery but over the last few days I've had some pain around my wound. I wonder if this is normal and, if not, whether it has anything to do with my return to exercise?

The leaflet I got from the hospital said that you should not do high impact exercise for 3 months post-section, and I have waited that long, but have tried to go back to the classes that I used to do pre-pregnancy. I felt okay at the time but was that a mistake??

Can anyone tell me how much pain is normal at 15 weeks and whether it is safe to resume high impact exercise at this time? The pain is not unbearable - I haven't taken any painkillers or anything - but is uncomfortable.

I've had 2 sections and the only discomfort I have had after the first couple of months has been when carrying the baby in a sling for a long period (my scar felt as though it was being pulled). But then I don't exercise much. So I think the answer is - take it easy, see if it goes away and if it does resume exercise slowly.

If it continues I'd see a GP and maybe a physio to get some advice on exercising in a way that doesn't hurt.

I've had an em cs and a planned cs. While I was back at the gym at 12 weeks both time I took it very very easy. I remember going for a run 5 months post em cs and it hurt my scar.

IME gentle impact, yoga, weights, even crunches were all ok but bouncing around / running tended to make my stomach ache.

OK I will listen to the message my body is clearly trying to give me then and go for some swimming or something. ((sigh)) I do enjoy a bit of bouncing around but looks like I'll be waiting a while for that then!

thanks

I'd talk to the midwife/gynaecologist - 15 weeks is a long time to still feel like you don't trust your body.

I was horseriding at 6 weeks and although it was sore the first couple of times when actually using my stomach muscles that really was two or three times.

Hmmm yes I think I will have to go to doc as I definitely don't feel 'normal'.

emsy I'm sure you're ok, but you need to build up what you're doing and not just go straight back to what you were doing before.
I started with Pilates, walking etc and then increased what I did gradually after a couple of weeks.

Build up slowly, do ask to chat to a physio, some exercise is fine but you don't want too much pain.

Did you know it takes years for your body to return to normal after having a baby?