C-Section Recovery: What You Can And Can’t Do
A C-section is a major operation that requires a long period of recovery, partly in hospital but mostly at home. And as part of that process there will be many things you should be doing to help your recovery, as well as many things you should avoid.
After you give birth, you will stay in hospital for around four days – possibly less if all is well. You must not discharge yourself during this time, as you are there for the good of you and your baby. When you do go home, you must arrange for someone to give you a lift as you can’t drive yourself so soon after the operation.
When you get home, your recovery process will continue for several weeks. Here are some key things to be aware of.
Things you CAN do after C-section
Do take gentle, daily exercise. But avoid high-impact exercises, such as aerobics, running or weight training, until around 3 months after your c-section.
Do eat a healthy, nutritious diet. You need to avoid constipation, as this can put strain on your wound. So, eat lots of fruit and veg to keep yourself regular. If you start to feel constipated, talk to your doctor about taking a safe laxative.
Do wear loose cotton clothes and underwear. By wearing loose cotton clothes and underwear, this helps to avoid rubbing on the wound, which could lead to an infection.
Do shower regularly. You need to keep your wound clean and dry, so have a daily shower and then pat it dry with kitchen paper or a towel.
Do look out for signs of infection.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, then you should contact your GP or midwife immediately – as these are possible signs of infection.
Pain when urinating
Severe pain in your womb and/or abdomen
Bad-smelling fluid, or pus, coming from your wound
Leaking urine
Heavy vaginal bleeding
Coughing, chest pain, or shortness of breath
Pain, redness, or swelling in your lower leg muscles
High temperature, or feeling feverish
6. Do take the painkillers prescribed to you.
On leaving the hospital you’ll be given paracetamol and/or an anti-inflammatory pain killer like ibuprofen, which you should take regularly while you’re at home.
If you’re breastfeeding, you must avoid aspirin and codeine-based drugs such as co-codamol.
Things you CAN’T do after C-section
Don’t drive until about 6 weeks after your operation. You should only get behind the wheel again when your wound has completely healed and you can perform an emergency stop without sharp pain. You should also speak to your insurance company about post-caesarean driving, as they may have specific rules. You’ll probably be asked to wait until you have the all-clear from your doctor.
Don’t lift heavy weights or have sex. For the first few weeks you should avoid sex and lifting anything heavier than your baby, as this is an unnecessary strain.
Don’t use tampons. You’ll probably experience some light vaginal bleeding during your C-section. recovery, which is normal. But you should use sanitary pads, rather than tampons, as they reduce the risk of infection.
Don’t touch your wound with unwashed hands.
Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before touching your wound.
Further information:
1. NHS – Caesarean section recovery https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/caesarean-section/recovery/ Accessed on 27/03/23
2. NHS – Caesarean section recovery https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/caesarean-section/recovery/ Accessed on 27/03/19
3. NCT - Caesarean birth: c-section recovery tips https://www.nct.org.uk/labour-birth/different-types-birth/caesarean-birth/caesarean-birth-c-section-recovery-tips Accessed on 27/03/23
4. Tommy’s - What happens after a c-section? https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/giving-birth/caesarean-section/what-happens-after-c-section Accessed on 27/03/23
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