C-Section and abs...

Jennifit

Jennifit

Cathlete
Hi,

I am expecting twins in October and am scared that if I have to have a c-section, my abs will not not be the same. (well, i know they won't be exactly the same ever again!?!;-) )

Does anyone have any personal stories they could share to calm my fears? Can you get your abs hard again?

Thanks so much!

Jenni
 
Well....this isn't a personal story, BUT one of my best girlfriends has had 2 C-sections and she has the most amazing abs. In fact, when most people see her in a bathing suit(yes...she does wear a 2 piece) they think she has never had any children. She does do ab work everyday and she did a lot after both pregnancies, but I would say you can definitely have toned, hard abs again after a C-section.


Jennifer:)
 
I had a c-section in 1988, but not with twins. I have not had issues with not having flat abs. It is much harder to heal and come back from, than having a vaginal delivery(had one of those in 1993), but for me, I found you can have flat abs.
 
Hi Jenni,

I didn't have twins but I've had 3 pregnancies, all of which were C-sections! I just had my 3rd pregnancy 11 weeks ago so I'm still working on dropping the weight and getting back into shape. I will tell you that after I had my other babies, I was able to get back down to my pre-pregnancy weight and had flat abs again. In fact, I think after both pregnancies I was in better shape than I had been before I got pregnant.

The jury is still out on this pregnancy. For some reason I'm brain dead trying to figure out what I did before, but I've gotten some great advice and refuse to give up so I know I'll be fine.

Good luck!
Traci
 
I had a c-section 2 years (dd will be 2 tomorrow, in fact!). My abs are stronger now than before I got pregnant. But it didn't happen overnight. I was really put off by the fact that I couldn't do reverse curls right away. At my 6-wk check-up, my dr said it would take about 12 weeks. And it did. I started off doing Cathe's beginning stability ball ab workouts (from basic step/body fusion and high step circuit). I also remember that the ab/core workouts from SJP and KPC eventually were also very helpful in getting my abs back. Of course I did others but I remember thinking those two specifically really seemed to help.
 
I cannot tell you how much better you all made me feel! I have been nervous about that and all the hard work I put into my abs...THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for calming my fears and inspiring me! I love to hear about fit moms! They are the coolest!:)

jenni
 
I'll chime in here too....I've had two kids 17 months apart and both were c-sections. I think my abs are better now than before I had kids!!
 
Don't worry - here's another who had 3 CS's and even at 48 I show my stomach.

IMO - if you have the genetic structure or the ability to build your muscles, stretching them a bit won't hurt at all. Just like those of us who have stopped exercising for a few months or longer - you can always regain that muscle if you work at it.

Good luck with your delivery :D
 
I've had 2 c-sections and one was a set of twins. I carried the boys full term and they both weighed over five pounds. I'm only five feet tall so I was really big and uncomfortable. Anyhow...I had these boys 23 years ago and my section was VERTICAL!!! I could just choke my doctor! I still have issues with my midsection, but it's getting better. I'm built just like my mom...a true apple. I try to eat as cleanly as possible, but I'm a sucker for chocolate. You are going to be fine. If someone as old as me can make improvements, then I'm sure you'll do much better. Don't worry. Enjoy the babies...they grow up way too fast!
 
I had 3 c-sections also.Around two yrs between each one. I wouldnt say my abs are flat but for having 3 c-sections they look pretty good. My abs look as good as my 14yr old neices if not better. That in itself makes me feel good .
 
>I had a c-section 2 years (dd will be 2 tomorrow, in fact!).
>My abs are stronger now than before I got pregnant. But it
>didn't happen overnight. I was really put off by the fact that
>I couldn't do reverse curls right away. At my 6-wk check-up,
>my dr said it would take about 12 weeks. And it did. I started
>off doing Cathe's beginning stability ball ab workouts (from
>basic step/body fusion and high step circuit). I also remember
>that the ab/core workouts from SJP and KPC eventually were
>also very helpful in getting my abs back. Of course I did
>others but I remember thinking those two specifically really
>seemed to help.


I remember not being able to do reverse curls. It was a bit frustrating, but like everything else, it comes back. It just takes time, patience, and diligence.
 
I've had 3 c-sec. as well. For me, it was the size of the babies that made a difference. #1 ds was 9.2 and 22.25", since I am 5'2 and short through the waist, he really stretched me out! I got a bunch of stretch marks from him, but my abs still went back pretty good. #2 dd did a lot of damage to me. She was 8.5 and 20" but was posterior and very low. My lower abs took a beating! #3dd was only 7.3 and barely had any effect on my abs.

So, you will just have to see! Either way , they will be worth it! Be sure to take your time. Your body will need time to heal and you will be exhausted getting up at night with two. Respect your body. I tried to rush things with dd #2 and had some problems with my incision. Marnie
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top