What to Expect After a Caesarean.
Exercising after a caesarean.8
A great resource, which was used to find relevant
information to include in this section of the booklet, is the website
titled 'The Pregnancy Centre' which deals specifically with physiotherapy
issues related to pregnancy and birth.
It is found on the internet at: http://www.thepregnancycentre.com
Even before you venture out of bed, after your surgery,
you should begin to gently exercise. You can do this by working
your leg muscles by stretching and moving them around (after feeling
has returned), and by rotating your feet. This will encourage blood
flow and discourage the formation of blood clots in the deep veins
of your legs -> which is a concern after surgery such as you have
experienced.
It is important to regain your physical strength,
and flexibility, as soon as possible after the surgery. Lying motionless
in bed will only encourage the risk of blood clots formation in
your legs and/or fluid forming on your lungs. Besides you have a
little baby that needs you to take care of him/her!
On the first day, when feeling has returned to your
lower body and you have tried some leg exercises, you should try
sitting up in bed. You may need to organise a 'triangle' hand-pull
to help you get into this position, and lots of pillows to maintain
it for any length of time. Your midwife will help you get there
the first time you try. You may even wish to sit in a chair, getting
out of your actual bed with your midwife's help.
You should try walking as soon as you feel ready,
and definitely try by the day after your surgery. Your midwife will
probably encourage you to get up as soon as you are able, helping
you to the toilet or shower. She will stay nearby during that first
shower, just in case you should suddenly feel faint or weak. You
will feel so refreshed afterwards!
Don't rush yourself, but do try to become more active
everyday. Walking around your room is a good start, then down the
corridor. But always make sure that you don't push yourself beyond
what your body can physically cope with. And when you do walk, try
to stand up as straight as possible (don't do the 'caesarean stoop'!)
as good posture will strengthen your tummy and back muscles, and
reduce strain on your back -> which leads to backache, something
you don't want when your tummy is already sore.
Most hospitals have physiotherapy classes, and it
would be worthwhile attending at least on of these prior to discharge.
The physiotherapist may have already visited you in your room, to
get you started on some gentle post-surgery exercises. She/he can
give you advice on ways to:
Basically you should not do anything that you
find physically distressing during the early weeks of healing. Gently,
gentlyÉ
A very clear sign that you need to rest is when your wound or your
stitches ache (especially if you feel the need for pain killers
after a break without them), if you feel tired and unable to cope
or when you notice an obvious increase in vaginal discharge -> you
should inform your midwife or doctor if your discharge suddenly
increases.
Your body needs time to heal, and it takes several weeks for internal
healing to occur. So, though it's important to resume physical activity,
you need to find a balance between gently exercising and pushing
yourself too hard.
There will be plenty of time to exercise to lose that 'pregnancy
belly', or resume your fitness level, after your body has had a
chance to spend a little energy healing all the physical traumas
associated with the surgery you experienced.
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