Approximately one in four U.S. women have their babies through a Cesarean section or C-section, according to MedlinePlus, a website published by the National Institutes of Health. While new mothers are typically encouraged to start walking shortly after the surgical procedure to expedite recovery, they should limit stair climbing for a time as the body recovers.
Recovery
It can take quite a bit longer to recover a C-section than from a natural or vaginal birth. You made be advised not to engage in abdominal exercises for 6 weeks or longer after delivery. After healing, the incision may leave a weak spot in the wall of the uterus. Pain and discomfort usually subsides within a day or two after surgery. Your doctor may advise you to avoid using stairs until your incision has healed and suggest low-impact exercises that may help you recovery more quickly. Doctors usually discourage driving until you can comfortably wear a seat belt and make sudden movements.
Recommendations
Stair climbing should be completely off limits during the first week following a Cesarean. Avoid repeated stair climbing as you continue to recover from a C-section advises the American Pregnancy Association. Try to limit stair climbing to once a day. If getting to your bedroom requires using stairs make a rest area on a sofa or daybed on the first floor of your home.
Considerations
Ask your health care provider about which exercises are safe for brief periods as you recover from a C-section. Start slow and gradually increase time spent exercising. How you feel can help gauge whether you should decrease or increase you activity level. Avoid jumping, bouncing motions, abruptly changing directions during exercise, cautions the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Outlook
Talk to your health care provider about the best time to safely resume stair climbing and exercise in general. Exercise after pregnancy can promote weight loss, improve cardiovascular fitness, boost your energy level, decrease stress and lower the risk of postpartum depression. Notify your doctor if physical activity causes heart palpitations, pain, bleeding, dizziness or if the incision becomes red or swollen.
References
- Medline Plus; Cesarean Section; June 2011
- KidsHealth: What to Expect Emotionally in the First Few Weeks
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center; Postpartum Fitness; May 2010
- Baby Weekly: Recovering from a C-Section
- MayoClinic.com; Exercise After Pregnancy: How to Get Started: March 2011
- Encyclopedia of Surgery: Cesarean Section
