C-Section Recovery: Timeline and Tips for Recovery
C-Section Recovery Timeline and Tips
You might have prepared yourself for a C-section delivery. But, it’s less likely that you know what happens after a C-section and how to recover quickly. Read the following article to get a deep insight into the timeline and tips for recovery after having a C-section delivery. Continue reading…
Hour 1 After Cesarean Section:
As soon as you have had a cesarean section delivery, you will be moved to a post-operative room where you will be observed by hospital staff by continuously monitoring things like your vaginal bleeding, blood pressure, and body temperature. You will be administered with IV fluids and using a catheter, your urine will be collected in a bag. This will prevent the need to get up from the bed to use the washrooms.
At this phase after delivery, you will still be with no sensation in the lower part of your body due to the effects of anesthesia and you might feel numb and shaky due to the morphine in the IV that helps deal with the pain. However, despite all these, you will still be able to breastfeed your child right away. [1]
Day 1 After Cesarean Section:
After several hours of C-section, you will be moved from the post-operative room to your ward, where you will be given ice chips in a polystyrene cup. Then, you will be switched to liquid diets until you can really eat solid foods. At this part, nurses will massage your uterus to help it get back to its original size. After a few days, you are encouraged to use a Postpartum recovery belly band waist trainer for the same reason. Such postpartum support garments will also reduce your post-pregnancy swelling and bloating issues, thus helping with a quicker recovery.
Day 2 After Cesarean Section:
The catheter will be removed and you will be asked to walk at least to use the washrooms. Also, during the second day, you will be expected to increase your activities rapidly. During the next several weeks, you will have to use pads to help manage the bleeding. After the IV is taken off, you will be given pain relievers. By this point, you will also be eating real foods.
Day 4 After Cesarean Section:
This is the huge difference between mothers who deliver vaginally and through C-section. The former ones will have to stay just for two days in the hospital while the other ones need to stay in the hospital for at least four days. Before leaving, the staples will be removed and the incision will be covered with Steri-Strips. The sutures will dissolve by themselves.
During discharge, you will be advised about the incision caring methods. You will also be advised not to carry out any heavy works like sex, tampons, or douching for 6 weeks. Other things to avoid include driving and using stairs. [2]
Week 2 After Cesarean Section:
During the second week, you will see your doctor for the first review during which she will examine the site of the incision for any swelling or infection signs. During this visit, you are advised to discuss your concerns (if any) with your doctor and ask for recommendations with regards to activities and diet.
By this time, you can expect to feel much better and you can put yourself on the road of recovery from here on. You will still look pregnant at this stage until your uterus shrinks back to its original size. You are recommended to use a good quality postpartum belly band and waist trainer for quick and best results.
Week 4 After Cesarean Section:
By this time, you would have started to move more swiftly and comfortably. You can walk longer and can see the bleeding tapering off.
Week 6 After Cesarean Section:
You are more likely to be completely healed by this time. We can say that the healthier you go for surgery, the faster the recovery will be. By this point, most of your sutures should have dissolved and your uterus should be back to its original size. And yes, you can have sex now.
Finally, you are advised not to compare your C-section recovery with others because each and every recovery is different, comparisons will only make you frustrated, thereby, prolonging the timeline of your recovery[3]. Therefore, don’t put yourself in someone else’s shoes, but just focus on your health and your little one’s growth. You can easily get on your feet again in just six weeks of time.
References:
- https://www.todaysparent.com/baby/postpartum-care/c-section-recovery-what-to-expect-in-the-days-after-a-cesarean-delivery/
- https://www.babycenter.com/0_recovering-from-a-c-section_221.bc
- https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/c-section-tips-for-fast-recovery
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