C-Section recovery tips

How to get back on track after a caesarean

After you’ve given birth, you'll probably feel elated and overwhelmed by the new little person snuggled in your arms and want to take them straight home and look after them.

But if you’ve given birth by caesarean section (also known as c-section) then you need to know what to expect as you recover from what is major abdominal surgery.

It will take time for you to feel 100% better, but here are some handy c-section recovery tips to help you get back on track...

How long does c-section hospital recovery take?

C-section recovery time will differ according to your situation, but on average you will need to spend 3 or 4 days in hospital after giving birth. You’ll be looked after and given pain relief, and your baby will stay with you.  You’ll be encouraged to get out of bed as soon as you are able and you will be given help as you breastfeed your baby.

When you’re well enough to go home you will need to arrange a lift, as c-section recovery means you can’t drive for several weeks.

In the majority of cases, surgical incisions heal in a predictable way following closure. In some cases, complications can occur, which may result in further treatment. To reduce the risk, your healthcare professional may apply a single use Negative Pressure Wound Therapy dressing to protect your incision.

How can I help my c-section recovery at home?  

After you get home, c-section recovery is a week by week process, as you take time to build up your strength and abilities. You must try and stay relatively active while you're recovering to reduce the risk of developing blood clots. But be careful not to rush things and overexert yourself.

Here are some c-section recovery tips to help you at home:

• Try to stay mobile and do gentle activities, such as going for a daily walk
• Don’t lift anything heavier than your baby for the first few weeks
• Eat a healthy diet rich in fruit and vegetables to help you avoid constipation, which could make your wound or scar uncomfortable

You are likely to experience some vaginal bleeding during your c-section recovery, but you should use sanitary pads, rather than tampons, as they reduce the risk of spreading infection into the vagina. You should also have a daily shower or bath and change your sanitary towel frequently.

How do I look after my wound?

Looking after your wound is a big part of c-section recovery. When you leave hospital you will have a dressing on your wound which usually stays on for at least 24 hours. Your midwife will visit you the day after you leave hospital and advise you on exactly what to do, but in general you must keep the wound clean and dry, and wear loose clothes and underwear. A week or so into your c-section recovery time your wound may start to itch, but this is good news as it shows it’s starting to heal.

If your wound becomes more red, painful and swollen, or you notice a discharge of pus or foul-smelling fluid, then you should contact your GP or midwife immediately – as these are signs of infection.

Will I be left with a scar?

Your midwife will visit after about six days to take out non-dissolvable stitches or staples from your wound, which will then start to form a scar. This should fade over time to become a faint line that’s barely visible and usually sits below the bikini line.

How do I manage pain relief during c-section recovery?

It’s likely you will experience some pain during your c-section recovery time, and this could last for several weeks, so you will probably need painkillers to help you through.  

On leaving the hospital you may be given paracetamol or an anti-inflammatory pain killer, such as ibuprofen, to take regularly at home. If you’re breastfeeding, you should avoid aspirin or codeine-based drugs such as co-codamol.

When will my c-section recovery time end?

This will depend on how you recover physically and emotionally. However, you have had a major operation and therefore need to rest more frequently. Do ask your midwife for advice if you’re unsure when it’s safe to recommence your normal activities.

Physical exercise should be built up gradually to your pre-pregnancy exercise levels after 6-8 weeks. But high-impact exercises, such as running or weight training, are often best postponed until 3 months after your c-section.

You can resume sex at any time when you feel ready to do so, although most women wait until the wound has healed and any bleeding has stopped.

You should avoid driving until the wound has healed and you could perform an emergency stop without sharp pain. This normally takes around 4- 6 weeks. Check with your insurance company about any policy they might have about driving again after a c-section. While there are no hard and fast legal rules, your company is likely to ask you to get the all clear from your doctor before you get behind the wheel.

When should I get medical advice?

C-section recovery is normally trouble free and is simply a matter of time. But complications can occur and you should contact your GP immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Severe pain in your abdomen or wound
• Pain when peeing, or leaking urine when you don’t mean to
• Heavy vaginal bleeding
• Coughing, chest pain or shortness of breath
• Pain, redness or swelling in the calf muscle of your lower leg

These could be signs of an infection or blood clot, so it’s important not to delay - as treatment must commence as soon as possible.