How soon after delivery can you do ab exercises

How soon after delivery can I do ab exercises?

If you had a C-section, your abdominal muscles were cut and need ample time to heal. This usually takes 6 to 8 weeks. Your doctor will let you know when you are ready to begin working your abs at your follow-up appointment. If you had a vaginal delivery, you should wait 4 to 8 weeks depending on the individual. About eighty percent of women who have delivered a baby have a gap in the abdominal muscles from pregnancy and delivery. It takes several weeks for this gap to close and beginning a strenuous abdominal exercise program too soon can cause damage to the tissue of your midsection. Hot Mamas, don’t fret! The flat abs of your dreams can be yours soon enough. A little patience goes a long way. Beginning to crunch your way silly when your ab muscles haven’t had adequate time to heal will only set you back further. Begin a walking program as soon as your doctor says it is safe, eat healthfully and mindfully, stay clear of the junk that goes right to the trunk, and hold on to your patience. Flat, toned abs of days past are in your future! Stay tuned as I outline the most effective ab exercises once you’ve crossed that 8 week mark…

Are sit-ups safe while pregnant?

During your first trimester, you can continue doing ab exercises however you gosh darn well please, be it sitting, lying down, on a ball, standing up, etc. After your first trimester, things get a little trickier and you have to get a bit more creative to work your abs. After your first trimester, you will want to avoid doing anything lying flat on your back. When you are flat on your back during your second and third trimester, your baby is put in a position to literally crush all of your internal organs which doesn't feel very good and isn't safe. If you are comfortable on a stability ball, you can continue to do crunches while lying on the ball. Just make sure to keep your chest higher than your hips throughout the exercise. Another great core exercise is the side plank which uses the muscles of your internal and external obliques (your waist). It is crucial to continue to work the muscles of your core throughout your pregnancy because it is these very muscles that are going to do the job of pushing out your baby!