What to Expect During Your C-Section Recovery?

C-section recovery normally lasts six weeks, with the worst discomfort occurring in the first few days. Mothers should concentrate on progressive mobility, pain management, and incision monitoring. Common problems include vaginal bleeding and oedema. If you have any strange symptoms or have any concerns throughout your recuperation, you should seek medical treatment.

Utkarsha Gupta
Updated:26 Sept 2024, 11:57 am
Pregatips
There is no straightforward technique to give birth. The process of birth could be vaginal or by C-Section. However, if you had a c-section, whether planned or unforeseen, the postpartum time may be significantly more stressfu and your recovery may take a little longer. After all, you're not only caring for a baby; you're also recovering from abdominal surgery. C-section recovery is unique to each mother—and might vary from birth to delivery—but there are a few things you can anticipate to experience while recovering.

C-section recovery time:

You are likely to have some pain during the initial few days of your hospital stay. With a new baby to care for, you'll certainly be eager to get back on your feet—but healing after a c-section may take time. In general, full recovery from a caesarean section is about six weeks. You're likely to bear the worst of it during your hospital stay (women are often hospitalised for two to four days after a c-section).
Even while you're at home, c-section recovery may be both physically and mentally challenging. Aside from self-care, you must cater to a little infant. Doctors advice new mothers to honour their own c-section recovery and seek as much care as possible. For many women, a caesarean section may be their first operation. It's critical to follow a doctor's advice and avoid doing things.

C-section recovery timeline:

Here's what you'll probably be able to accomplish throughout your c-section recovery, and when:
  • Breastfeeding: You may start breastfeeding immediately after giving delivery or as soon as you feel comfortable. The pain medicine you got following the surgery will not interfere, although picking up the infant might be uncomfortable after a c-section. When you are ready to breastfeed your baby, seek help from the nurses or your spouse. Stretching your abdomen will be painful, so a positioning cushion that supports your back will help. You'll also want to try various nursing positions that don't put too much pressure on the surgical scar.
  • Walking: You won't be pacing the room rocking your child immediately after birth, but you should be able to get out of bed and stroll about within a day. Most uncomplicated c-section patients are walking and encouraged to walk within 12 to 15 hours after surgery. It may be painful at first, but getting back on your feet is critical for your c-section recovery.
  • Going to the toilet: When you're ready, your doctor will probably ask you to take a walk to the toilet.
  • Eating: Typically, the day following your c-section, you'll be able to go from clear liquids to solids—that is, once your bowel function is normal. However, you may want to hold off on that cheeseburger for a bit.
  • Exercise: Initially, your doctor would generally urge you not to carry anything heavier than a newborn, which weighs around ten pounds. Light walking (at your own pace) is essential for resuming normal activities. Pay attention to your body and see your doctor if you are experiencing acute discomfort, even if they have given you the go-ahead to exercise.
  • Bathing: The way your incision was closed will dictate when you may bathe during the c-section recovery period. Showers are fine—just massage your incision, don't scrub—but if your wound was closed up with staples, doctors recommend waiting approximately a week before having a bath. However, if it was stitched up, you may immediately take a dip in the bathtub.

Bleeding after a C-section:

Vaginal bleeding after a C-section can be the same as normal delivery. While you should not anticipate to see a lot of blood after a c-section, some bleeding is normal and indicates that everything is mending well. When the placenta separates from the uterus, many blood veins rupture and leak into your uterus (this also occurs after vaginal delivery). As your uterus shrinks back to its pre-pregnancy size, the blood vessels shut, and the blood should become lighter and less crimson over time. If you are not bleeding or are bleeding through a pad every few hours many weeks after delivery, notify your doctor.

Some swelling after a C-section:

Some swelling after a c-section is totally normal—due to the IV fluids used during surgery and the postpregnancy hormones—and should subside after about a week.The more you walk and move about, the easier it is for your body to eliminate excess fluid. If swelling increases and is accompanied by right upper quadrant discomfort, headache, visual changes, or vision issues, notify your physician. These are the indications of postpartum preeclampsia.

Pain during C-Section recovery:

Pain management is an important aspect of c-section recovery, and avoiding pain medications will not get you a gold star. Experts advise you to take anything they've given on time—even if you don't believe you need them right now. After all, the discomfort may not occur immediately: Medications supplied by epidural relieve pain immediately after birth, but as they wear off, you will most likely need an oral anti-inflammatory prescription. It will relieve not just incision pain, but also gas and uterine cramps, which most new mothers suffer following a c-section.

When to reach out to your doctor:

During your c-section recovery, periodically inspect your incision scar for any symptoms of infection. If your incision scar is red, puffy, or oozing fluid, you should seek medical assistance. Additionally, contacting your doctor if you encounter the following:
  • Postpartum bleeding that is extremely heavy for more than four days, lasts longer than four weeks, or contains huge clots
  • A persistent fever
  • Pain in your abdomen
  • A persistent headache
Remember that you can't have unrealistic expectations for your c-section recovery. Everyone's experience will be somewhat different. Take things easy, be nice to yourself, and contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.Medically approved by Dr Bandana Sodhi, Director- Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Fortis La Femme, New Delhi.

FAQs on What to Expect During Your C-Section Recovery?

  1. When is it the most painful after a C-section?A C-section incision is the most painful for the first three or four days after surgery. By the time you get home, you should feel better.
  3. When may I sit on the floor after a C-section?You can't simply lie down on the floor as previously. When you feel comfortable bending and straightening up without assistance, you may try to sit on the floor.

About the Author

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Utkarsha Gupta

Utkarsha Gupta is a seasoned freelance writer with 7 years of professional experience and a PGDM degree from FMS IRM, Jaipur. Despite her roots in management, her passion for writing led her to transition into the content industry. Utkarsha works as a freelancer with Pregatips who excels in crafting SEO-optimized content and specializes in a diverse range of topics, including pregnancy related articles/blogs, fashion trends, health industry insights, technical writing, and news articles. Committed to delivering engaging and unique content, she relies on thorough research and a keen understanding of audience interests to create impactful and timely pieces.

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