Recovery after a C-section
The period after you’ve given birth can be a strange time. You’re delighted to have your baby with you, but also probably a little overwhelmed by the whole experience.
You also need to think about your recovery after what is an exhausting process. And this is especially true if you’ve given birth by caesarean section (also known as C-section) as it’s a major abdominal operation.
This means you’ll need to spend some time in hospital, followed by a longer recovery period at home. This article tells you more about what to expect and how you can help yourself during the recovery process.
Your recovery process following a C-section birth:
Recovery in hospital
After you’ve given birth, you’ll be taken to a recovery area, where you’ll be looked after and given pain relief. Your baby will be with you and you can start breastfeeding.
You’ll have a catheter in for at least 12 hours, so you don’t have to move to urinate, and there will be a dressing on your operation wound for a day or more. Your midwife will show you how to dress and care for your wound.
When you’re well enough to go home, somebody will need to take you, as you can’t drive for a while after a C-section. (See 1.)
Recovery at home
When you get home, you need to take it easy, as you are still recovering from major surgery. However, you should try and do some gentle exercise each day to reduce the risk of blood clots.
You will have been given regular painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to manage pain at home. If you’re breastfeeding, you shouldn’t take codeine-based drugs (co-codamol, for example) or aspirin.
Here are some other things to be aware of as you recover at home: (See 2. + 3.)
Be cautious about lifting anything heavier than your baby, or having sex, or driving. You’ll probably need to wait for around 6 weeks before doing these things again.
Keep your wound clean and dry.
Eat lots of fruit and vegetables - as you need to avoid constipation, which could hurt your wound.
Ask for help from your partner, friends and family.
You may experience light vaginal bleeding during your recovery, which is perfectly normal. But you should use sanitary pads, rather than tampons, as they reduce the risk of infection. (See 4.)
When to seek help
It’s likely that your C-section recovery will be trouble free and that it’s simply a matter of time. But there is a relatively high risk of wound infection.
So, if you notice any of the following symptoms, then you should contact your GP or midwife immediately:
Coughing/shortness of breath
Your operation wound feeling painful, or looking red and swollen
Bad-smelling fluid, or pus, coming from your wound
Pain or swelling in your lower legs
Severe pain in your abdomen or womb
Heavy bleeding from your vagina
Pain when urinating
Any of these symptoms could be the sign of a blood clot or infection, which must be treated as soon as possible. (See 5.)
Further Information:
1. NHS – Caesarean section recovery https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/caesarean-section/recovery/ Accessed on 24/03/23
2. NHS – Caesarean section recovery https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/caesarean-section/recovery/ Accessed on 23/03/13
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 13/08/19
4. NHS – Caesarean section recovery https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/caesarean-section/recovery/ Accessed on 23/03/23
5. NHS – Caesarean section recovery https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/caesarean-section/recovery/ Accessed on 23/03/23
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