What is your body like after 4 c-sections?

[Anonymous]

To be clear, I am grateful that my body is alive and that I have healthy kids. But the recent thread about how pregnancy doesn’t change your body made me internally eye roll. I am 41 and my pre-kid body ain’t never coming back.

[Anonymous]

I had three 3 sections. But I was fat when I had kids and for the 8 years before that and after my third one almost killed me I went on a crazy health kick and lost like 30% of my body weight. I'm still overweight, but I am healthier and fitter than I've ever been in my life. So I do think you can get to a decent place post c section.

That said of course I have the shelf, and that isn't going anywhere. And the plank hang (gross loose skin that falls when you're in a plank). I think my hips are permanently wider and my feet have changed. And my boobs are def less perky, even though I never breastfed. My hair has some greys, and my face has some lines, for sure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had three 3 sections. But I was fat when I had kids and for the 8 years before that and after my third one almost killed me I went on a crazy health kick and lost like 30% of my body weight. I'm still overweight, but I am healthier and fitter than I've ever been in my life. So I do think you can get to a decent place post c section.

That said of course I have the shelf, and that isn't going anywhere. And the plank hang (gross loose skin that falls when you're in a plank). I think my hips are permanently wider and my feet have changed. And my boobs are def less perky, even though I never breastfed. My hair has some greys, and my face has some lines, for sure.

Interesting. I am also in the best physical shape of my life. But aesthetically it will never be the same. No planking will ever help this stomach. I do wonder what the point is some days. Pre pregnancy I had sort of a mini hourglass look and now I’m just sort of …capable looking. It’s sad.

[Anonymous]

Other than the loose skin and pouch issues specific to a c-section (shelf, hang plank described by PP), how is a c-section any different when it comes to "getting your body back"? I am about to have my third c-section, and I didn't think the post-childbirth path back to being in shape is going to be any different for me than for my friends who had vaginal deliveries.

I am asking seriously, because I have not tried to get back in shape between children, so maybe there is some obstacle specific to c-sections that I don't know about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Other than the loose skin and pouch issues specific to a c-section (shelf, hang plank described by PP), how is a c-section any different when it comes to "getting your body back"? I am about to have my third c-section, and I didn't think the post-childbirth path back to being in shape is going to be any different for me than for my friends who had vaginal deliveries.

I am asking seriously, because I have not tried to get back in shape between children, so maybe there is some obstacle specific to c-sections that I don't know about.

There is pregnancy and delivery. Pregnancy causes ab separation no matter what, it just depends on the degree. Genetics, torso length, size of babies and number of babies are all factors. Any delivery and subsequent PP period can cause damage to pelvic floor, issues with butt clenching, hip instability, etc. C sections is the cutting of 7 layers of the abdomen- it most certainly has its own effects on the body and recovery. Scar tissue and lack of time resting/healing after surgery can make it worse. Scar massage is important. 2 weeks bed rest is important until week 3-6 with limited movement. For any other surgery PT is a requirement. Its not even suggested from most OBs and they certainly dont have them associated with the office.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I had three 3 sections. But I was fat when I had kids and for the 8 years before that and after my third one almost killed me I went on a crazy health kick and lost like 30% of my body weight. I'm still overweight, but I am healthier and fitter than I've ever been in my life. So I do think you can get to a decent place post c section.

That said of course I have the shelf, and that isn't going anywhere. And the plank hang (gross loose skin that falls when you're in a plank). I think my hips are permanently wider and my feet have changed. And my boobs are def less perky, even though I never breastfed. My hair has some greys, and my face has some lines, for sure.

Interesting. I am also in the best physical shape of my life. But aesthetically it will never be the same. No planking will ever help this stomach. I do wonder what the point is some days. Pre pregnancy I had sort of a mini hourglass look and now I’m just sort of …capable looking. It’s sad.

Well I'm considering a tummy tuck, that will solve your problems and mine. Just not sure its worth it as it is entirely for aesthetics for me. But yeah, you stretch out a shirt it doesn't ever quite look the same, it is true with our abdomens as well!

[Anonymous]

I’ve had 3 sections. Everything was fine until the third when I developed a hernia in my incision. It’s still there and my abs are totally separated. Physically I’m ok’ish but there’s so much extra skin on my stomach and my boobs are tiny but they hang so low. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Anonymous]

4 is beyond recommendation.

[Anonymous]

Pilates.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:4 is beyond recommendation.

Are you her OB? What is this adding to the conversation?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:4 is beyond recommendation.

Are you her OB? What is this adding to the conversation?

And your comment adds what?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:4 is beyond recommendation.

Are you her OB? What is this adding to the conversation?

And your comment adds what?

Consequences for you being a jerk.

- not the pp

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:4 is beyond recommendation.

I’ve actually been cleared for a fifth! It depends on your scar tissue. My understanding is that risks do rise with the fifth.

In case anyone is curious: after first c-section (sibley, horrible), I switched to Georgetown…my doctor there was from a culture where c sections are the norm/default. I said I wanted four kids so wanted a vbac — he told me that he recommends up to four c-sections. We’ve since moved and my new doctor at a major research hospital is the one hung him for five and wouldn’t even recommend me to a high risk clinic.

I mention this because I think it’s sad that people automatically think that the medical wisdom is to stop at 2, if they really want more kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:4 is beyond recommendation.

Are you her OB? What is this adding to the conversation?

And your comment adds what?

Consequences for you being a jerk.

- not the pp

Not unlike yourself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Other than the loose skin and pouch issues specific to a c-section (shelf, hang plank described by PP), how is a c-section any different when it comes to "getting your body back"? I am about to have my third c-section, and I didn't think the post-childbirth path back to being in shape is going to be any different for me than for my friends who had vaginal deliveries.

I am asking seriously, because I have not tried to get back in shape between children, so maybe there is some obstacle specific to c-sections that I don't know about.

There is pregnancy and delivery. Pregnancy causes ab separation no matter what, it just depends on the degree. Genetics, torso length, size of babies and number of babies are all factors. Any delivery and subsequent PP period can cause damage to pelvic floor, issues with butt clenching, hip instability, etc. C sections is the cutting of 7 layers of the abdomen- it most certainly has its own effects on the body and recovery. Scar tissue and lack of time resting/healing after surgery can make it worse. Scar massage is important. 2 weeks bed rest is important until week 3-6 with limited movement. For any other surgery PT is a requirement. Its not even suggested from most OBs and they certainly dont have them associated with the office.

+1 My lower abs were very affected by my c section. I didn’t realize it and was compensating with other muscles. It’s like any surgery - if you got shoulder surgery, you would get PT to get your shoulder working again. With c sections they just sew you up and send you on your way, which is not cool.