Exercise after a c-section- when's it safe?

[mumof3littlemonkeys]

Hi

I had an emergency c-section 5 weeks ago. During the c-section I also had an ovary removed and 1 little cyst and 1 large cyst removed. Just wondering if other people who've had c-sections know when would be safe to do some exercise. Im talking about a bit of cycling on my bike at home. I haven't needed painkillers for about a week and have been able to look after my 3 kids and do housework etc.

I really want to start exercising again but obviously don't want to do any damage or set back my recovery

TIA

I think I waited a year to do anything other than lift or swing a baby.

But I'm not sure if that is becuase I was told not to, or becuase I didn't have the energy.

I did know when I was overdoing it (walking wise) cos my scar BURNED and ached.

I'd check with your doc at your next check up, he knows the details of your overall health and any particulars about your c-sec.

not sure because of your additional surgery but I started walking at about 3 weeks and did some post natal pilates classes at the hospital at about the same time. No proper gym type exercise for 3 months because they wouldln't let me in. just holding your stomach in will count as exercise enough for now

I have waited 5.5 years so far, just to be on the safe side

I was going for long walks after about a week, and back running at 4 weeks.

I think you've had a lot more than a CS though. Start going for walks after 2 weeks and take it from there.

I was told swimming was fine after 6 weeks but 3 months for more strenuous exercise.

I think the key is to listen to your body and don't try to do too much too soon - I made that mistake and ended up getting my wound infected, v painful and made my overall recovery a lot slower (as well as antibiotics making ds very colicky as was breast feeding).

I have waited 5.5 years so far, just to be on the safe side

Woman after my own heart

I would be checking to see your abdominal muscles have knit back together first of all. It took me about 16 weeks after my EMCS before my muscles were sufficiently back together enough to do any exercise. I had a post-natal fitness instructor check for me.

However, I did a few classes and my scar started to hurt so I stopped. Now I just need to get bloody started again!

I rode my horse for first time 6 weeks after my emcs. Was totally fine. I started walking every other day starting at a mile 3 weeks after my section. Now, 20 weeks after i'm now riding 5 times a week and competing again. Its obv up to how you feel but I felt totally fine

I too rode my horse after 6 weeks for both emcs + elcs.

Had a check up after 3 weeks and was back at the gym straight away, took it easy for a few weeks as I'd lost some fitness and held off on the sit ups for a couple of months

I had reccurrant infections and strains from
Overdoing it too soon after my emcs so realistically I'd say about 3 months. After elcs a couple of weeks.

I started running 5 weeks post ELCS. This was when I started to get a bit more sleep! I took it very gently for a while and didn't do any abs work till post 3 months (putting any stress at all on that area just didn't feel that comfortable).