Caesarean Section Recovery
By: sandra003thomasTotal Views: 335, Word Count: 595,
Recovering from a caesarean section is different from recovering from birth associated with a vaginal delivery. After a caesarean section you will be shifted to a recovery room. Here you will be monitored for a while, to check if you develop any complications from the surgery. You will be give pain relief medication that will give you relief from the pain and soreness in the operated area, (lower abdomen).
Once you pass 24 hrs your doctor will ask you to get up and take short walks. This is to ensure that you do not develop any blood clots in your legs and it also helps you have a speedy recovery. Walking after a c-section will also help relieve gas that usually builds up after a caesarean surgery. Walking around will be difficult at first, but after a few days you will feel the pain subside.
After a caesarean section most women will have a hospital stay for about 3-5 days. During this time you will be able to nurse your new born when you feel well to do so.
Caesarean Section Recovery vs. Vaginal Recovery
Compared to a vaginal delivery, a caesarean section will take longer time to recover. The incisions will take about 4 weeks or more to heal completely. Some women may face tenderness for several weeks after surgery.
After a caesarean section, a woman will experience bleeding for a few days or weeks after delivery, much like the case in vaginal delivery. Your uterus will also take about 4 weeks to shrink to its original size and can cause pain.
Women, who have had a caesarean section delivery, will not be able to resume with house hold chores for a few weeks and hence it is recommended to seek some kind of support at the home front. Ask help whenever required, you can ask a family member or a friend to help you around. If things get overwhelming then slow down.
Complications after a caesarean section
In some situations, complications can arise after a caesarean section. If so, then you must contact your doctor as soon as possible to avoid any life threatening situation. You must contact your doctor if you experience any of the following conditions:
- If you experience heavy bleeding that requires you to change pads every hour or so
- If vaginal bleeding gets heavier than getting lighter
- If you find large blood clots, almost the size of a golf ball
- If your incision opens up or starts bleeding
- If you experience fever after a caesarean section
- If you find swelling or redness on your calves, this could be because of blood clots.
- If you experience symptoms of postpartum depression, such as, feeling of hopelessness, hallucinations or other harmful thoughts.
After 6 weeks, get yourself checked with your doctor to see if all is well. At this stage your doctor may give you’re the green signal to start exercise and resume intercourse with your partner.
Every woman if different and so their recovery process will differ after a caesarean section. So do not compare yourself with other women who have had a caesarean section. Most women who’ve had a caesarean section for their first pregnancy can have a vaginal delivery in their second pregnancy. So there is no need to be concerned about it.
About the Author
Sandra Thomas is a practicing gynecologist based in Denmark. She has been contributing to the field of Women Health and Maternity issues since ten years.
Advice Rating: Not yet rated
Login to vote