Ab work after c-section?

[Jennifit]

Hi,

I have to have a c-section because both babies are breech
I am wondering what the real recovery time is for abs after the procedure? When did you start doing ab work again? The books and my doctor say 6 weeks, but I am wondering when fit women began abs again?

Thanks!!

jenni
36 weeks
TWINS!

 

[EricaH]

Hi Jenni! Congratulations on your twins! I have 12 year old twins and they are so much fun.

Anyway, I would definitely listen to your doctor and the books and wait the 6 weeks before working abs. In addition to the outer incision on your skin, the inner incision on your uterus has to heal. You don't want to do anything to cause damage to your uterus.

I have a feeling that you'll have plenty to keep you busy while you are waiting the 6 weeks.

Good luck!

Erica

 

[Jennifit]

Erica-
That was VERY informative! Thank you! Ok, I guess I will wait for it to heal!x(
When did you start working out again without doing abs? (walking, light aerobics, etc?)

OK, what is the one piece of advice you would give to a newbie having twins?

Thanks!

jenni

 

[EricaH]

Looking back, I started working out way too early after delivery. I was told to wait until my 6 week check-up and I didn't because I was anxious to get back to my normal routine. I know it's hard, but I really think that you should follow your doctor's orders and let your body heal and give yourself some much-needed rest. You have the rest of your life to get back into shape! Check with your doctor and ask him/her when you can do the things you asked about - walking, light aerobics, etc.

Will you be nursing? If so, you will need all of your energy to produce milk for the babies anyway. Also, one of those U-shaped nursing pillows is a lifesaver with twins - you can attach one to each breast and still have your hands free.

After your c-section, try to get up to walk as soon as possible. Someone gave me this advice before my c-section and I think it helped so much with my recovery. You need your rest obviously, but sitting around too much isn't good either - it's good to get moving.

My one piece of advice would be to accept any offers of help from friends/family! I have a very hard time doing this and it would have made life so much easier if I didn't insist on doing everything myself.

Good luck!



Erica

 

[Cruncholi]

Jenni,

I agree that you should wait the 6 weeks for the reasons the others gave (I actually waited more like 10 weeks).

I also wanted to add that you should ask your doctor before the surgery if he/she will incise (cut) your abs or separate them. My doctor separated my abs rather than cutting and I think that makes a big difference in recovery time and regaining strength in the core.

As another word of encouragement about the abs region, I found that my abs are not my problem area post-partum...it's my thighs and butt that are bigger! The abs came back pretty nicely!

Best of luck to you!

Linda

 

[Tammyspq]

Hi Jenni! (I'm "Jeni"!) I'm a certified personal trainer and am also certified through Sheila in Healthy Moms. I would actually suggest waiting until about 10 weeks (even moreso since you are having twins). A c-section, versus a vaginal delivery without complications, is MAJOR abdominal surgery. I would, however, see about meeting with a physical therapist who specializes in women's health so that you can learn how to do proper massage of the scar, releasing scar tissue, and the progression to start re-training your abs. The therapy can be done very soon after your babies are born and you may want to look into it now, before your busy-bees arrive. Also, because you are carrying 2 babies and are having a c-section, be extra aware of lifting your children and other "stuff". The weakened state of the abdominals can lead to low-back pain if one is not careful.

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

jeni - momma of Olivia - 4, Anasofia 14mos.