Advice Column, Pregnancy, Pregnancy & Baby, Recently

WHEN AND HOW TO EXERCISE POST CAESAREAN

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  • Category Advice Column, Pregnancy, Pregnancy & Baby, Recently

If you are wondering what life post caesarean surgery is going to be like, this is the blog for you. We will be looking at how and when you will be able to start exercising again after your op, and what exercises may actually aid your recovery. Read on below now for these tips.

Pelvic Floor (Or Kegel) Exercises

You may have been practicing Kegel exercises before the birth of your child. This is the first type of exercise you will be able to, and should do post caesarean. This will help you with any incontinence you may experience, as well as help you re-strengthen your pelvic floor. Once your catheter has been removed, you will be able to start up on these exercises once more. 

Abdominal Exercises

You will also need to re-strengthen your abdominal muscles. These will help you protect your spine during recovery and keep your core strong. Here is a recommended ab exercise for during recovery:

  1. Lie on your side with a slight bend in the knee
  2. Relax your abdominal muscles and begin to inhale and exhale gently
  3. While exhaling, try to pull in your abdomen muscles ever so gently
  4. Whilst doing this, gently squeeze your pelvic floor as well
  5. Hold this pose for ten seconds
  6. Repeat this process ten times

When To Start Physical Exercise Post Caesarean

If you want to begin your physical work out again, you will need to wait between 6-8 weeks post caesarean as a general rule of thumb. Begin with light, low-impact exercises such as swimming, Pilates or yoga. Wait until 12 weeks to begin more high impact workouts such as running or resistance training. However, remember to always consult with your doctor before beginning any form (low or high intensity) training post your caesarean operation. 

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