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, recovery may be both physically and mentally challenging. Aside from self-care, you have to cater to a little infant. Doctors advise new mothers to honour their own recovery and seek as much help as possible. For many women, a caesarean section may be their first operation. It's critical to follow a doctor's advice and avoid exerting yourself.
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 birth or as soon as you feel comfortable. The pain medicine you received 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 partner. 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 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 4 kg. 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 recovery period. Showers are fine if you just massage your incision, and 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 a vaginal delivery. While you should not anticipate seeing 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. This 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 recovery, and avoiding pain medications will not get you a gold star. Experts advise you to take any medication the doctor has prescribed, 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 from.When to reach out to your doctor
During your 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, contact 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 recovery. Everyone's experience will be somewhat different. Take things easy, be kind to yourself, and contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
FAQs on What to Expect During Your C-Section Recovery
- When is recovery 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. - 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.
