Immediately after giving birth via a c section, you will be weak and tired and need to be treated with care. Full cesarean recovery may take up to six months, but don’t worry, you should be able to start becoming a little more active within a few days.

After the operation just getting out of bed will seem like a challenge. Hospital staff usually try to get patients out of bed within the first 24 hours in order to help improve circulation and in order to get the bladder and bowels functioning again.

If you are up to it, try moving around your hospital room at first, taking very small steps and having plenty of rest in between attempts. This can be progressed after a couple of days to walking around the wards or hospital grounds if it doesn’t feel too painful to do.

In the early stages of recovery being active is vital as it improves blood flow to the wound, and speeds up the body’s recovery. Moving around also helps prevent blood clotting in the legs, which can potentially be very dangerous.

Recovery from any major operation should always be taken slowly. Follow a plan of action that includes gentle and regular exercise. Start off easily and increase the distance you can walk gradually over the following days as you feel up to it.

An ideal form of activity at this stage is walking with a pushchair. By holding the handles you will have extra support, taking some of the stress off the stomach muscles and lower back. The pushchair will also help you to balance and maintain an upright posture.

It is advisable to avoid walking up steep hills when walking with a pushchair until after your six week check up.

During your recovery you will be given medication to mask any pain. You should be aware that any pain you may feel will be hidden, so don’t make the mistake of doing too much just because you can’t feel anything.

To speed up full cesarean recovery you do need to stay active but you also need to work within your body’s own comfort zone. Avoid any stretching, twisting, excessive bending or impact movements, for the first six to twelve weeks so that the scar is given chance to heal fully.

Author's Bio: 

Jago Holmes is a registered personal trainer and director of New Image Fitness Ltd. He is a qualified personal trainer with over 10 years experience working with new mums and pregnant women. He has created a website for new mothers, devoted entirely to safe and effective weight loss after pregnancy - www.greatshapeafterbaby.com