QuestionDear Helene,
As a pregnant athlete, I remember your answers helped me a great deal during my first pregnancy- and I now have a new question regarding my second. My first pregnancy ended with an unexpected C-section. This was 3 years ago. I am now 20 weeks pregnant with my second child. Due to a very difficult first trimester, I stopped training for a period of 2.5 months. Last week, I started my high-intensity training again twice a week and I am doing okay. My question is whether or not I need to take any specific precautions with my workouts having had a previous c-section. Can I do everything I had done during my first pregnancy (which included high-intensity cardio with plyometrics, jumping jacks, etc. up until week 36 as well as weight training until week 40).
Thanks very much,
Nili
AnswerNili,
While there are no studies to support or deny the safety of high intensity training after a C, we do know that uterine rupture during the stress of a vbac labor is a real complication.
Your uterus does have a scar. To stay safe, I suggest that you avoid moves that could place too much strain on your uterus/scar such as heavy weight training squats, lunges, dead lift, clean and jerk, over head press etc. Lighter weights, above 12 reps, should be OK.
http://www.befitmom.com
