A Cesarean section is major abdominal surgery that requires an adequate recovery period in order to prevent internal tearing or incision-site infection. Once you're feeling better, swimming is a gentle and effective way to start exercising, according to Kids Health. Unlike women who've experienced uncomplicated vaginal delivery, women who've had Cesaran sections have to contend with their incision sites before they can safely swim. Some women may be able to heal in two weeks, but for others, it takes six to eight.
Step 1
Visit your doctor to get clearance before starting an exercise routine. Your doctor will need to evaluate your wound to make sure it's closed. If you swim before your wound has closed, you risk serious infection at your incision site, according to CSectionRecovery.com. Recovery can take six to eight weeks.
Step 2
Evaluate your lochia, or post-delivery vaginal bleeding. Wait until your bleeding has stopped or can be controlled by a regular tampon.
Step 3
Dress your incision site in water-tight bandages designed for swimmers for extra protection against infection.
Step 4
Start slowly, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Swim at half intensity or less and use slow, gentle strokes. Build slowly to your prepregnancy intensity.
Step 5
Tread water or perform leg kicks if lap swimming strokes cause abdominal pain or or if you feel a tearing sensation. Decrease your intensity if your vaginal bleeding increases, your breast milk decreases or you feel dizziness or abdominal pain.
Things You'll Need
- Waterproof bandages
