Pregnancy Signs & Symptoms, Week by Week Pregnancy Guide

The C-section being a surgical procedure involves a couple of incisions made through the mother’s abdomen for the delivery of a baby. It is generally performed in emergency situations when the baby or mother’s life at risk. As this procedure involves the cutting of several muscles of the abdomen, recovery from this surgical procedure takes a longer time than vaginal delivery that is about six to eight weeks. There are several exercises to flatten your stomach after a C-section, such as muscle toning and fat burning exercises.

Some Fruitful Exercises to Flatten Your Stomach after a C-Section:

• Cardiovascular Exercise

The weight that you have gained during pregnancy has to be lost through cardiovascular exercises that raise the heart rate. You should begin with low-impact exercises after consulting your medical practitioner. You can begin with walking, riding a bicycle or swimming and later take up jogging or aerobic classes. Incorporate three; 30 minutes exercise sessions in your daily workout and then move up to five as your body progresses to heal.

• Bridge

This exercise helps in toning your muscles, without putting any stress on the c-section stitches. Begin by lying down on your back, with your legs apart and feet touching the floor. Your arms should be straightened at your sides, with the palms on the floor. Then your stomach muscles should be contracted, followed by your buttocks and your stomach and then middle portion should be backed off the floor and held in this position for 10 seconds. Then lower the body to the ground and repeat this four to eight times.

• Lower Abdominal Slide

This exercise is fruitful for the new moms as it targets the muscles of the lower stomach, which are affected by the c section surgery. Begin this exercise by lying down on your back with your hands at your sides, feet on the floor and palms facing down. Then contract the abdominal muscles to slide the right leg straight out in a controlled and slow motion. The muscles should be used to bring the leg to the starting position. Repeat with the left leg as well while taking deep breaths. Repeat this exercise for three to five times for each leg.

• Forward Bend

Do this standing exercise anytime of the day as it helps to strengthen the abdominal muscles. Begin this exercise with the feet, hip-width apart. Next, lift the arms above your head and then creating an angle of 90 degree between the legs and torso; bend the torso forward at your hips. Hold in this position for 10 seconds before returning to your standing position. Keep your back flat during this exercise and repeat it for four to eight times.

• Modified Cobra

Lie flat on your stomach with your palms next to the shoulders and tuck your elbows into the rib cage. Then lift the head and neck off the floor without straining your lower back and suck your navel in. Then return to the starting position. Repeat this four to eight times.

Getting a flat and well toned body post c section is not easy but with patience and hard work, you would be able to drop the extra fat and reshape your body in a matter of few weeks. Do not give up hope as the results are rewarding. Always consult your doctor before starting to exercise.