Most doctors recommend that C-section patients not lift anything heavier than their baby (or 10 pounds) for the first three weeks, which may prove difficult when there is an older child at home.
Most doctors suggest not lifting your toddler or anything heavy for at least the first week or two after birth.
Getting up and walking around once you are home will help you heal faster and can help prevent blood clots. You should be able to do most of your regular activities in 4 to 8 weeks. Before then: Do not lift anything heavier than your baby for the first 6 to 8 weeks.
This list may feel restrictive at times, but remember it is with your optimal healing in mind. No lifting more than the weight of your baby for the first 3-4 weeks. No high impact or running for 6 weeks.
Women who've given birth via C-section have a few extra obstacles to clear, as they heal from abdominal surgery. Most doctors recommend that C-section patients not lift anything heavier than their baby (or 10 pounds) for the first three weeks, which may prove difficult when there is an older child at home.
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.
“It's recommended that you get up and walk around,” says Dr. Higgins. “We don't want someone lying in bed for two weeks.”
Things to Avoid:
The use of tampons or douche. Taking baths until your incision is healed and you are no longer bleeding. Public pools and hot tubs. Lifting anything heavier than your baby.
You must avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby for the first few weeks after your c-section, as this will put unnecessary strain on your weakened stomach muscles. To take the strain off your stomach, try using a Snugglebundl to lift your baby.
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.
Recovering from a C-section requires that you give yourself space and time needed to heal properly. This also means that some activities and behaviors may need to be avoided or adjusted until you're at least 6 weeks postpartum, you're fully healed, or your doctor has confirmed it's OK to do so. Avoid: stomach sleeping.
Also note that getting a stroller in/out of the car may not be ok until 8 weeks or so, but pushing a stroller on flat ground may be ok as soon as you can walk a ½ mile comfortably without pain meds.
How long does it take a C-section scar to heal? By two weeks, your scar should look and feel much better. That said, it can take anywhere from six weeks to three months before you're fully healed.
Since you'll receive two incisions — one in your abdomen and one in your uterus — your surgeon will close both incisions.
If you have a scar of any sort (episiotomy, caesarean) there is a risk you may cause trauma to your scar and slow down the healing process if you start exercise too early or do too much too soon. You might notice your scar feels sore after exercise, or it looks raw or leaks fluid.
As a cesarean section is an abdominal surgery, your doctor will likely advise you to not lift anything over 8-10 lbs, depending on the doctor as well as the details regarding your cesarean and your personal health. Lifting restrictions typically last anywhere from 6-8 weeks.
Gentle exercises for the first six weeks
High-impact exercise, tummy-toning workouts, and full-blown cardio are definite no-no's for the first six weeks after a C-section delivery.
After a C-section, she recommends women take eight weeks off and to avoid heavy activity to prevent complications. “A lot of women still have significant pain at two weeks after,” she said.
Lifting more than your baby, stretching, straining and deep bending are not recommended until about 4-6 weeks post-delivery OR until you are able to do these movements with no pain or strain and your incision feels like it has healed.
A C-section is a major surgery. Don't lift anything heavier than your baby for the first couple of weeks, and keep everything you might need within reach. Support your stomach. Hold your belly when you sneeze, cough, or laugh to keep it still.
Sleeping on Your Side
Sleeping on your left side aids in optimum blood flow, which is great for your recovering body. You may still need that full-body pregnancy pillow around to support your belly and hips.
10 days post-cesarean delivery
If you had an emergency C-section then you may need to wait a few extra days before you start walking outdoors. Your abdominal incision takes AT LEAST 6 weeks to heal, so it's important to avoid straining your tummy while healing is occurring.
Exercises To Avoid After C-Section
You should avoid planks, crunches, sit-ups, twisting movements, and push-ups in the first twelve weeks after starting to exercise again. It is vital that you only start exercising once your core has healed from the surgery.