QuestionI just had my third child and my first c-section a week ago. I know I am not supposed to go up and down stairs except to come down in the morning and go up to bed at night. I have a treadmill in my basement family room which is where I spend my day with the baby. My Ob said I can take short walks if I feel up to it but it is too cold to walk outside. How soon can I begin walking on my treadmill and for how long should I start out with?
AnswerStart walking at a moderate speed, no incline, for 20 minutes, or less if you fatigue earlier. Wait a day or two. If you do not experience any negative side effects, then you can use your treadmill for 20 minutes on most days of the week. After 2 to 3 weeks at this level you can slowly increase the time, speed, or add a small incline.
In the initial period after a C-section, you need to avoid all movements that may stress your abdominal connective tissues as these need to knit together first. That's why heavy exercise, and lifting heavy objects are not recommended.
Generally, it takes about 4 to 6 weeks for your connective tissues and skin to heal after the surgery. In the mean time, you can do isolation exercises for the Transverse Abdominis, pelvic tilts, and abdominal squeezes to start rehabbing your abs. These moves compress the abdomen and reduce tension on scar tissues, and help increase blood flow to your surgical site, which speeds healing.
