Delivering a baby via a Caesarean section can alter your stomach muscles even more than standard delivery. Considered major abdominal surgery, a C-section can create a puffy collection of skin in the stomach following delivery. After taking six to eight weeks to allow the muscles and nerves to recover and for your uterus to shrink back to its normal size following pregnancy, your body may be ready to exercise. Exercise can help to tone the abdominal muscles and burn calories that help you to lose weight and tighten your stomach following surgery.
Cardiovascular Exercise
Cardiovascular exercise is needed following your C-section to burn calories that help to reduce fat on your abdomen. While it is impossible to predict where you will first lose fat, cardiovascular exercise can help to reduce your overall fat. Examples of aerobic exercises that do not place too much strain on your stomach following your C-section include walking, swimming or bicycling. Hospitals, health centers and gyms also offer post-pregnancy aerobics or yoga classes that also are geared specifically to new moms that may be ideal to help you lose abdominal fat to tighten your stomach skin.
Initial Toning Exercises
In the first few weeks after your physician clears you for exercise, perform toning exercises that are gentle on your abdomen and surgical scar. Examples of exercises include the pelvic tilt, which helps to strengthen your lower abdominals. To perform, lie on your back and contract your abdominal muscles to tilt your pelvis upward. Hold this position for 10 seconds, then release the tilt and return to your starting position. Repeat this exercise five times. Another abdominal-strengthening exercise is the leg slide. Lie on your back with your feet flat on the floor. Contract your abdominal muscles to slide your right leg out and straighten it. Take a deep breath out to return your leg to your starting position. Repeat this exercise five times, then perform on the left leg.
Advanced Toning Exercises
One month after your physician clears you for exercise, you may wish to engage in abdominal toning exercises that place more stress on the abdominal muscles to tighten the skin after pregnancy. Examples of exercises you can perform as your surgical scar heals include abdominal crunches. To perform, lie on your back with your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands behind your head and contract your abdominal muscles to lift your head up. Repeat 15 to 20 times. You also can perform bicycles, which work the oblique muscles when you twist side to side.
Warning
In some instances, your stomach muscles and nerves may have been weakened to the point where you cannot achieve a flattened stomach. If you have been exercising and eating a healthy diet for six months to a year, yet do not experience you desired results, surgery to remove excess skin and fat may be your best option to achieve a toned midsection. Discuss your options with your physician, particularly if you wish to have another baby. If this is the case, you may wish to postpone surgery until after you have decided to no longer have children.
References
- ShapeFit: How Can I Lose Belly Fat After Pregnancy?
- MayoClinic.com: Exercise After Pregnancy: How to Get Started: March 31, 2009
- BabyCenter: I Had a Cesarean. When Can I Start Exercising?: Jill Stovsky
- Nutra Check: How to Tone Up Post C-Section
- Pregnancy.org: Can I Get Rid of This "Mother's Apron": Alexandra Allred
