As your body heals and the pain decreases when you move around, you can slowly try bending (between weeks 4 and 6). First, bend slowly up to a few inches and stand back up. When you straighten up, you will Stretch yourself to get up. Remember to progress slowly and stop if the pain is unbearable.
But it's important to listen to your body and not overdo physical activity. Avoid bending, stretching, or lifting — and don't carry anything heavier than your baby for the first four to six weeks.
Week Four of C-Section Recovery
At this point during your C-section healing journey, you'll be moving more swiftly and comfortably, taking longer walks, and noticing your bleeding taper off.
We know that every patient has a different labor and delivery experience, but in general, it takes around six weeks to completely heal from your C-section. “We realize many of our patients also face the challenge of caring for the baby while they're recovering,” said Dr.
After a c-section, you should sleep on your back or side. This shouldn't put too much strain on your c-section wound. You can also try sleeping on your back with your head elevated. Use pillows to keep your spine aligned and take pressure off your joints.
You need to give your body at least 6 weeks for the incision to heal, and for the abdomen to recover from the trauma.
During the first six weeks after having your baby, you can gradually increase activity at a pace that suits you. You could start with a five-minute walk, and gradually extend this time when you feel able. Ask your midwife or health visitor if you're unsure about what's best to do.
Some women do experience symptoms related to their C-section scar long after the operation. Some women feel pain, restriction, or a pulling sensation on or around their scar months or even years after surgery. This is normally due to the build-up of scar tissue which can stick to muscles or even organs and cause pain.
Increased bleeding after your lochia starts to decrease can be a sign you're overdoing it and need more rest. Seeing ongoing clots could mean your uterus is having trouble getting back to its pre-pregnancy size. In either case, it's always best to call.
Hold off from having intercourse at least until you have been to your six-week postpartum checkup. Rushing into things too quickly and even sex four weeks after a C-section can lead to complications such as infection.
How long before I can exercise after a c-section? Most people are cleared for exercise at 6-8 weeks after delivery by their obstetrician provided there have been no complications. While you may be feeling more like yourself around week four remember to stick to your post-op guidelines. This is to ensure proper healing.
It takes about six weeks to recover from a C-section, but each person's timeline will be different. An incision — typically a horizontal cut made in your lower abdomen — can take weeks to heal. During that time, it's recommended that you avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby.
After you've been home from the hospital for 3 weeks or so, you might be walking for up to 15 minutes, gradually building up the time if it feels good. Keep up your daily pelvic floor exercises too.
Doctors, traditionally, have advised women to avoid stairs after a C-section. But Kathryn Houston, a clinical instructor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of California, San Francisco, shrugs off that recommendation. “Stairs are fine as long as you take them slowly,” she says.
In most cases, there are no restrictions on walking at a casual pace, but it's best to avoid any power walking until you get that all clear from your ob-gyn or midwife.
The Takeaway About Exercise after a C-section
But ONLY once your body has healed which could be anywhere up to 12 weeks post pregnancy. Immediately after birth, start with walking, your pelvic floor exercises and gentle movement.
In short, avoid anything leading to big crunches and sit-ups – these aren't a safe exercise after C-section because they put a lot of pressure behind the ab wall and scar – leading to pain and more damage.
Side sleeping is a great choice when you're recovering from a C-section. Research shows that sleeping on your left side can help increase blood flow to vital organs, aiding healing. It's also the most common sleeping position – you're bound to find this one relaxing.
Sleeping on Your Side
But whether you go with or without extra cushioning, this well-loved c-section sleep position might make it easier for you to get into and out of bed. Many new moms find the side-lying position is the most comfortable breastfeeding position while recovering from a c-section.
You'll undergo a physical exam.
Check your weight and blood pressure. They may also take your pulse and listen to your chest. Check your abdomen. They'll feel your belly to be sure that there's no tenderness and check your incision if you had a c-section.
If you're wondering, “when can I exercise after c-section?,” take heart: You won't have to wait too long. “A c-section is an abdominal surgery, so six weeks is the minimum you should wait,” says Nazneen Vasi, PT, a physical therapist and owner of Body Harmony Physical Therapy in New York City.