Even if you had a normal, uneventful pregnancy, your chance of having a cesarean is nearly one in four. Since 25 percent of women will have a cesarean in the United States, you need to be aware of your risks.

The exercises for a vaginal birth are also applicable to cesarean recovery. The focus on your breathing will be stressed, because after surgery there are some complications that you are more likely to experience, like blood clots and breathing difficulties. Breathing deeply can help prevent these.

It is also imperative that you begin walking as soon as you are able to. Your intestines will be sluggish after surgery, and walking will help increase the movement of your intestines, peristalsis, as well as decrease the time of your recovery. It also helps avoid some complications of postpartum.

After a cesarean, you will also want to limit how much weight you lift or carry. A good rule is to carry nothing heavier than your baby for a few weeks. You will also want to minimize the amount of stair climbing you do. Set up a makeshift nursery downstairs. This prevents you from being isolated in your room and yet also keeps you from taking 40 treks upstairs for diapers.