What restrictions are there after a c section

The procedure is most often done while the woman is awake. The body is numbed from the chest to the feet using epidural, or spinal, anesthesia. The surgeon usually makes a cut or incision across the belly just above the pubic area. The surgeon opens the womb, or uterus, and the amniotic sac, then delivers the baby. A woman may have a C-section if there are problems with the baby, such as an abnormal heart rate, abnormal positions of the baby in the womb, developmental problems in the baby, a multiple pregnancy like triplets, or when there are problems with the placenta or umbilical cord.

A C-section may be necessary if the mother has medical problems, such as an active genital herpes infection, large uterine fibroids near the cervix, or if she is too weak to deliver due to severe illness. Sometimes a delivery that takes too long, caused by problems like getting the baby's head through the birth canal, or in the instance of a very large baby may make a C-section necessary. Having a C-section is a safe procedure. The rate of complications is very low.

However, there are some risks, including infection of the bladder or uterus, injury to the urinary tract, and injury to the baby. A C-section may also cause problems in future pregnancies. The average hospital stay after a C-section is 2 to 4 days, and keep in mind recovery often takes longer than it would from a vaginal birth. Walking after the C-section is important to speed recovery and pain medication may be supplied too as recovery takes place.

Most mothers and infants do well after a C-section, and often, a woman who has a C-section may have a vaginal delivery if she gets pregnant again. You may have bleeding from your vagina for up to 6 weeks. It will slowly become less red, then pink, and then will have more of a yellow or white color. Bleeding and discharge after delivery is called lochia. At first, your cut incision will be raised slightly and pinker than the rest of your skin.

It will likely appear somewhat puffy. If you go home with a dressing bandage , change the dressing over your cut once a day, or sooner if it gets dirty or wet. Getting up and walking around once you are home will help you heal faster and can help prevent blood clots. Don't drive a car for at least 2 weeks.

It is OK to ride in a car, but make sure you wear your seat belt. Don't drive if you are taking narcotic pain medicine or if you feel weak or unsafe driving. Try eating smaller meals than normal and have healthy snacks in between. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and drink 8 cups 2 liters of water a day to keep from getting constipated. Any hemorrhoids you develop should slowly decrease in size. Some may go away. Methods that may help the symptoms include:. Sex can begin any time after 6 weeks.

Also, be sure to talk with your provider about contraception after pregnancy. Use your bleeding as a way of making sure that you are not involved in too much activity.

Lochia will change over time to pale pink or a dark red color, and then eventually to a yellowish or light color. Make certain that you are getting plenty of fluids to keep you hydrated, and eat healthy meals to restore your energy and prevent constipation.

Have changing stations and feeding supplies close to you so that you do not have to get up too often. Be alert to any fever or pain, which can both be signs of infection. Things to Avoid: Sexual intercourse until your health care provider tells you that it is safe The use of tampons or douche Taking baths until your incision is healed and you are no longer bleeding Public pools and hot tubs Lifting anything heavier than your baby Repeatedly using stairs Exercise, at least until your health care provider gives you the go-ahead Emotional Care After a Cesarean: Take additional time daily to sit and bond with your baby If you are having a hard time with breastfeeding after the cesarean delivery, contact a lactation consultant for direction and support.

Understand that you might need to take time to decompress emotionally after the surgery, especially if the procedure involved an emergency. To help deal with any negative feelings about your experience, discuss the birth experience with your support person. Get clarification from your health care provider about questions you might have about your pregnancy experience. This can help eliminate any anxiety you may have about getting pregnant again.

Do not be afraid to ask for help! The extra physical care required after a cesarean can make a woman feel inadequate, overwhelmed and lonely. Can I get pregnant if…? Share this post:. Share on facebook Facebook. Share on twitter Twitter. Share on linkedin LinkedIn. Share on email Email. Similar Post. Labor and Birth. Contact your health care provider if you think you might be depressed, especially if your signs and symptoms don't fade on their own, you have trouble caring for your baby or completing daily tasks, or you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that postpartum care be an ongoing process rather than just a single visit after your delivery.

Have contact with your health care provider within the first 3 weeks after delivery. Within six to 12 weeks after delivery, see your health care provider for a comprehensive postpartum evaluation.

During this appointment, your health care provider will check your mood and emotional well-being, discuss contraception and timing of future pregnancies, review information about infant care and feeding, talk about your sleep habits and issues related to fatigue, and do a physical exam. This might include a check of your abdomen, vagina, cervix and uterus to make sure you're healing well.

In some cases, you might have the checkup earlier so that your health care provider can examine your C-section incision. Use this visit to ask questions about your recovery and caring for your baby. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.

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Anesthesia for cesarean delivery. Accessed Jan. Berghella V.