At your most recent prenatal appointment, your OB/GYN said you may need a cesarean section to welcome the newest addition to your family. What should you expect from C-section recovery?
A cesarean section, commonly called a C-section, is the surgical delivery of a baby through incisions in the abdomen and uterus of the mother. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), one in three babies in the United States are delivered by C-section, with the other two-thirds delivered vaginally.
If you’ve previously given birth vaginally, you can expect that C-section recovery will be a little different. Because a C-section is a surgical procedure, you’ll need to stay in the hospital for longer and pay close attention to your own body in the days and weeks after delivery. Keep reading to learn more about what to expect.
Why a C-section might be needed
There are many different scenarios when a cesarean section may be recommended. In a situation like the one described above, where a C-section is proposed before delivery, it may be due to a number of factors, including problems with the placenta, a large baby, or a baby that’s in a breech (feet-first) or transverse (sideways) position.
A C-section may also be recommended when a woman is pregnant with multiple babies or if the mother has a medical condition that can make a vaginal delivery risky for the mom or baby.
Even if you’ve planned for a vaginal delivery, a C-section may be needed if your labor doesn’t progress normally or in cases where your life or your baby’s life are in danger.
How a C-section works
To understand C-section recovery, it helps to first have a good understanding of how the surgical procedure works. Prior to the procedure, you’ll receive fluids and medications through an IV line, along with some type of anesthesia. You’ll also have a catheter placed in the urethra to drain your bladder.
During surgery, an incision will be made through the skin and the abdominal wall. Another incision is made in the wall of the uterus. Your baby is then removed from the amniotic sac and delivered through the abdominal opening.
The incision in your uterus will then be closed. Most of the layers are held together with dissolvable sutures, while staples, sutures, or surgical glue may be used to close the skin.
Recovering in the hospital after a C-section
Consider recovering after a cesarean section a marathon rather than a sprint. Remember that you’ll be recovering from a surgical procedure, so it’s important to give yourself grace and to pay attention to how you’re feeling.
Following a C-section, you’ll likely remain in the hospital for a few days. The exact length of your hospital stay will depend on a few factors, including your health following surgery.
Immediately after surgery, you’ll be carefully monitored by a team of providers who will watch your vital signs, check your incisions regularly, and track how much you’re bleeding. Within a few hours, you’ll be encouraged to get up and walk around, gently and with assistance. Movement can help prevent blood clots and stimulate the bowel.
During this time, it’s normal to feel discomfort around your abdominal incision. It may be helpful to apply a heating pad to your abdomen, and your provider may prescribe medications that can help ease pain.
You may also experience gas or constipation following a C-section. Gas often builds up in the body as a result of anesthesia, while constipation can occur as a side effect of medications such as pain relievers. Your care team can offer suggestions on handling these symptoms.
If you’re planning to breastfeed, you can usually do so soon after delivery. You may experience some cramping as you feed your baby since breastfeeding releases endorphins in the body that can stimulate uterine contractions.
If you have any difficulties with getting your baby to latch or other common breastfeeding issues, meet with a lactation consultant while you’re in the hospital. These specially trained providers can answer any questions you have about breastfeeding, help you with proper positioning, and work with you to overcome challenges.
Recovering at home after a C-section
Once you’re discharged home, you’ll want to pay close attention to how your body is healing. Watch for any signs of infection, such as a fever, shortness of breath, or redness and swelling around your incision.
Following delivery, you’ll bleed as the uterus sheds its lining. You may notice that the blood is bright red and can be quite heavy at times. This menstrual period-like bleeding is called “lochia,” and it may continue for up to six weeks.
To avoid infection, it’s important to use only pads during this time—avoid any products that are placed in the vagina, including tampons and menstrual cups. You should also avoid taking baths until your provider gives you the OK, which is usually after your incision heals and you’ve stopped bleeding.
As with a vaginal delivery, you’ll experience contractions as your uterus begins to return to its normal size and shape. This process can help diminish the amount of bleeding you’re having. In general, heavy bleeding goes away after a few weeks, but spotting and discharge may continue for longer.
Because a C-section is an abdominal surgery, you’ll want to take things easy for a while after delivery. Your body needs time to recover, so avoid lifting anything heavy or performing strenuous activities.
You may also want to avoid anything that puts pressure or strain on your abdomen during this time. Your provider will let you know when it’s safe to resume normal activities, as well as how much you can safely lift. Usually, new moms are told not to lift anything heavier than their baby during C-section recovery.
Planning for more babies in the future? You may not need a C-section for a future delivery. When you’re preparing for a new pregnancy, talk with a women’s health provider about whether you’re a candidate for vaginal birth after cesarean, or VBAC. In many cases, VBAC is a safe and appropriate option today.
Learn more
Our Women & Children’s Services team gets to witness life’s most sacred moments every day. Preparing for a delivery? Call 770-525-6572, or visit www.nghs.com/labor-delivery for more information.