Many women who give birth via C-section are surprised at how their stomach looks immediately after delivery--still big, round and squishy. Unfortunately, after being stretched for nine months, it will take some time for your stomach to return to its normal state. You will also have to wait--usually six to eight weeks--to get the go-ahead from your doctor to begin an exercise program to return your belly to its pre-pregnancy shape.
Kegel Crunches
For the first few weeks after a C-section, it is best to simply continue the pelvic exercises you should have been doing through your pregnancy. Contract your pelvic muscles, hold for three to five seconds, then release, relax and repeat. After the doctor gives you the go-ahead, move on to more strenuous abdominal exercises.
Crunches
Lie flat on your back, with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor. Place your fingers on your ears and point your elbows to your feet. Slowly inhale, contracting your abdominal muscles, then exhale and lift your head off the floor, bringing your chest to your knees. Hold for a second or two, then return to your starting position. Since you are recovering from major surgery, you may only be able to do a few repetitions at first. Work up to two or three sets of reps of eight to 10 each.
Reverse Curls
Lie flat on your back with your legs straight and parallel to the floor. Place your fingertips on your ears and point your elbows outwards. Inhale, then exhale, tilting your pelvis towards your chest, lifting your bottom off the floor. Hold for one to two seconds, then gradually relax and lower your bottom back to the floor. Repeat this exercises eight to 10 times.
Side Crunches
After your C-section, you may find that you have skin hanging on your stomach. Strengthening your oblique muscles will help tighten up that loose skin. Lie on the ground with your feet on the floor. Put your hands on your ears, as you did to crunch, but instead twist to the side so the opposite elbow touches the opposite knee. Slowly twist back to the middle and lower yourself down. Repeat on the other side.
