Postpartum weight gain can happen for a number of reasons, from the fact that you're fatigued or don't have time for a regular excercise routine, or because of an underlying health condition that requires attention, such as postpartum thyroiditis, diabetes, or PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).
One such recent study reports that children born via cesarean are 15 percent more likely to become obese, and the increased risk is independent of the mother's weight.
Why is it Hard to Lose Weight After a C-Section? After a c-section, your body needs time to heal. You may experience pain, discomfort, and fatigue, which can make it challenging to exercise and eat healthy. Additionally, hormonal changes can affect your metabolism, making it harder to lose weight.
Embarking on a weight loss journey after a C-section can be challenging but with the right approach, it is possible to achieve one's goals. By prioritising a healthy diet, regular exercise, and patience, new moms can gradually regain their pre-pregnancy shape and transform from flab to fab.
You should plan to return to your pre-pregnancy weight by 6 to 12 months after delivery. Most women lose half of their baby weight by 6 weeks after childbirth (postpartum). The rest most often comes off over the next several months. A healthy diet with daily exercise will help you shed the pounds.
There is a common belief that getting a Caesarean delivery might make it harder for women to reduce post-pregnancy belly fat but the truth is that while it involves major surgery to the stomach area, new mommies can still lose excess belly fat by practicing certain Yoga asanas.
Returning to exercise
Try to build up gradually and stop if you have any pain. Once you have recovered from your c-section and no longer have any pain, it's usually safe to start low-impact exercises, such as swimming, pilates, yoga, gentle jogging and low resistance gym work.
You gain weight over 9+ months of pregnancy, so it's normal to take 9+ months to get back your pre-pregnancy body after your baby is born. However, a belly bulge that doesn't go away for months after delivery can be a sign of diastasis recti—a separation of your abdominal muscles.
For women with a c-section scar and pooch, a tummy tuck can effectively remove the protruding excess skin above the scar and provide a smoother, tighter appearance to the overall belly area.
Good news, though: The abdominal muscles are not typically “cut” during ac-section and are instead gently separated in the midline to access the uterus. So with a gradual return to exercise and some focused core work, you can absolutely regain core strength and function.
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.
Items like carbonated drinks, citrus juices, coffee, tea, and spicy food should be avoided as they increase bloating and gas. Fermented and fried food can cause heartburn and indigestion. Since mothers are breastfeeding, such foods can affect the milk and cause growth problems in the newborn.
A C-section pouch is actually caused by scar tissue left behind by your C-section scar. In some cases, the way your body recovers after surgery can cause excess fat to find itself in your lower belly area.
If you're given the green light, try out your belly wrap one to two days after vaginal delivery is recommended. If you've had a C-section, you must wait three to four weeks, or until your health provider approves.
Q: Can I still belly bind if I have a c-section? A: You can still do belly binding if you have a c-section. We will wait until 4 – 6 weeks postpartum, based on your healing and recovery. The belly bind still has many benefits within the first two months.
It's important to get out of bed and walk around within 24 hours after surgery. This can help ease gas pains, help you have a bowel movement, and prevent blood clots. You can try gentle exercises a few days after the C-section: Deep breathing: Take 2 or 3 slow, deep breaths every half-hour.
When Should A Woman Wear An Abdominal Belt? Our expert shared that these belts can be worn immediately after delivery and can be worn six weeks after vaginal delivery and up to three months post a caesarean delivery.