About 1 in 4 women in the UK give birth by C-section, an operation performed to deliver the baby through an incision made in the abdomen (abdomen) and uterus. This may be a planned procedure or may be done in an emergency if a vaginal birth would be too risky for the woman or the baby.
Alana Linkhorn, midwife at pregnancy charity Tommy’s, says it usually takes around six weeks to fully recover from a C-section but this will depend on the individual.
“Some people may need more time to recover, especially if they had complications during the operation,” she says. “It’s really important that you talk to your doctor if you feel that, at around six weeks, improvement is being gradual or you’re still in pain.”
Moving around after a C-section may seem daunting, but it’s important because it can help prevent blood clots and help with recovery.
Val Wilcox, practice manager at the National Childbirth Trust, advises asking a member of staff or your partner to prepare for the first few minutes if you feel nervous. “Some women find it helps to roll over onto their side and slide their feet off the bed before sitting up,” says Wilcox.
To make sure you’re feeling well and healing properly, you should have a postpartum checkup with your doctor 6 to 8 weeks after your baby is born. “Light exercise like walking can help with recovery, but it’s best to avoid any more vigorous exercise until you’ve had your postpartum checkup, the pain is gone, and you feel ready,” says Linkhorn.
“After the check-up, if you don’t feel any pain, it’s usually safe to start low-impact exercises like swimming, yoga, or low-resistance gym work,” says Linkhorn. “However, your doctor will advise you to wait at least 12 weeks before starting any high-impact exercise, such as running.”
It is normal for a scar to heal externally, but it is important to remember that the wound underneath may not heal completely. Linkhorn says the outer skin layer of your wound often heals within the first week after birth.
“However, the internal healing of the muscles and other layers of skin has been going on for several weeks and so it is easy to forget this and start overdoing things,” she says. “Be kind to yourself and listen to your body when it needs to rest and recover.”
Having a line of visitors wanting to see your baby when you get home can be overwhelming and stressful. However, getting some help from a relative or friend at home can be really useful.
“It is advisable to have help at home for at least the first two weeks after surgery if possible,” says Linkhorn. “Avoid your child lifting heavy objects or doing heavy household chores, including vacuuming, for at least six weeks.”
However, it is not always easy to ask for or accept help and not everyone has friends and family. “Your health visitor or local children’s center should be able to help suggest sources of support,” says Wilcox. “If you have any questions or concerns about feeding your baby, you can contact NCT helpline“
Most people are fit to drive six weeks after a C-section. “If you feel you are fit to drive before six weeks, you should make sure your insurance company is aware of this,” she adds.
Getting up and down, or getting out of bed, may be painful. There may also be a risk of your stitches bursting. Trying to roll onto your side by first bending your knees, then dropping your feet over the edge of the bed may help.
Be aware of symptoms of infection
If you notice any symptoms of infection, contact your midwife or doctor immediately.
Indications include:
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Having high temperature.
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stomach pain.
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feeling cold
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Feeling generally unwell.
Your wound may also be red, hot, swollen, or unusually painful. If infected, the wound may ooze fluid or even bleed.
“Once your doctor has confirmed that your wound has healed and there is no longer a scab in the area, they may recommend you start massaging your scar,” says Linkhorn. “This can help break up scar tissue, which helps promote healing and can help improve the look and feel of a scar.”
It takes time to recover physically as well as emotionally after delivery. “Even if everything goes smoothly, having a C-section may give you emotions you weren’t prepared for,” says Linkhorn.
An emergency cesarean can be a traumatic experience that can cause anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Talk to your midwife, health visitor or doctor about how you are feeling and they will be able to support you.
It’s also common to struggle with your body image after birth.
Pregnancy and birth bring changes to your body – and while some people feel positive about it, others feel nervous. Talking to other women who have had a cesarean delivery can help reassure you that you are not alone, no matter how you feel. You may want to join a mom and baby group or online support group to find others who have had a C-section.
“You can resume sexual activity at any time that feels right for you,” says Linkhorn. “Most women wait until their wound has healed and stopped bleeding to reduce the chance of infection.
“There is no need to rush and if sex after surgery is causing you pain or discomfort, it is best to stop. If you do not want to get pregnant again quickly then you should use contraception as you can conceive at any time after birth.”
Talk to your midwife or doctor about pain relief. Your wound will feel sore and bruised for a few weeks and you will need pain relief for at least seven to ten days after the C-section.
“Some people worry about giving medications to their baby through breastfeeding. While a small amount of any medication you take may pass to your baby, it is unlikely to harm them if you have taken the correct dosage,” says Linkhorn. However, it is not recommended to take codeine or anything morphine based – including tramadol – as it passes into breast milk and may make the baby sleepy and have difficulty breastfeeding. In the worst case, it can affect their breathing, cause lameness in the child and can lead to death.
“It is important to take your painkillers regularly and on time, even if you do not have pain at the time. If you are still having pain after taking painkillers, talk to your midwife, pharmacist or doctor.”
You will still have some vaginal bleeding after a C-section, which mainly comes from where the placenta was attached to the uterus. This may last up to six weeks and will subside over time. It is best not to use regular sanitary pads, but instead use thick maternity pads and change them whenever you go to the toilet. Avoid using tampons or cups to reduce the risk of infection.
Finally, it is important to go to your postpartum appointments. “Each hospital trust is different but you can expect to see a midwife soon after returning home,” says Wilcox.
“You may then be offered an appointment at the clinic to have the stitches or staples removed and for a check. If you have any concerns about your wound or your recovery, seek advice and support from your doctor or health visitor.”
