Answered by Wendy Paris on Monday, June 1, 2009
at
2:57 PM
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You can get back on track about four weeks after your C-section—as long as you keep it moderate, says Iffath Hoskins, M.D., a high-risk obstetrician and the chairman of the department of OB/GYN at New York University Downtown Hospital. While the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists does not have a specific statement on exercise after cesarean sections, the official word is that most changes resulting from pregnancy last four to six weeks after birth, and "prepregnancy exercise routines should be resumed gradually based on a woman's physical capacity." According to Dr. Hoskins, "You might do leg lifts or modified sit-ups (by putting several pillows behind your back and doing sit-ups from that raised position, removing a pillow every two weeks), walk or jog slowly on the treadmill, or even lift weights." As long as you can carry on a simple conversation while exercising without gasping for air, and you don't feel pain during or after the exercise, you should be fine. If you feel any discomfort, stop the activity and consult your doctor.