Are Abdominal Exercises Safe After A C-section?

Posted on Fri, 1 Dec 2023

Question: Hello doctor I had my second c section 8 weeks ago.. two weeks after the surgery I had a small tear in the incision which healed well. My first delivery was also a c section. Can I go ahead with abdominal exercises like crunches and sit ups? I have started light exercises at 6 weeks.

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
After 3 months

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
I have gone through your question and understand the concerns.
Post caesarean section, heavy exercises like crunches and sit ups should be started after 3 months of the procedure.
This is the time in which the abdominal muscles heal properly and gain their original strength.
If muscles are strained earlier, then they may give away leading to hernia.
I will suggest you to start exercises at 3 months after caesarean section.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma
OBGYN
Maternal and fetal medicine specialist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T