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Begin Phase 2 exercises when you are comfortable and no longer need your pain medication, usually the third week after surgery.

Abdomen Tuck
Purpose:
Strengthens and tones abdominal muscles and stimulates intestinal activity

Position:
Lying on back

Exercise:

• Pull your abdomen towards your backbone and hold

Progression:
Start by holding for just a few seconds, then work up to 10 seconds; as you get stronger, you will feel your abdomen get flatter and firmer.

Bending and Straightening
Alternate Knee
Purpose:
Increases circulation, decreases risk of blood clots in legs, and provides gentle abdominal strengtheni

Position:
Lie on your back, bend one knee, and extend the other one out straight

Exercise:

• Keeping the foot of your bent leg flat on the bed, slide it down and then back up into bent position
• Repeat with your other leg

Progression:
Bend one knee as you straighten the other, so that your legs are moving in opposite direc- tions.

Pelvic Rock / Tilt
Purpose:
Strengthens and tones abdominal muscles, stimulates intestinal activity, and relieves back discomfort

Exercise:
Please see the “Prenatal Exercises” chapter for instructions.