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If you’ve had a cesarean birth, or C-section, your body needs to heal. It usually takes more time to recover from a C-section than a vaginal birth. The incision often takes up to 6 weeks to fully heal.
It’s important to care for yourself properly to promote the healing process. Tending to the incision and avoiding some activities can help you recover faster.
Caring for your incision
After you return home, you should be careful to keep the incision clean and dry. Here are a few other tips:
- Always wash your hands before touching your incision or the area around it.
- Don’t use soaps, lotions, ointments, or powders directly on the incision.
- Take off any strips of surgical tape after 10 to 14 days if they don’t fall off by themselves.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
- Use prescribed pain medications as directed.
- Wear an abdominal binder to help control pain when you are moving around.
Keep in mind that you can shower like you normally would. It’s a good idea to gently wash your incision every day with warm, mild soapy water. Be sure to pat the incision completely dry after you’re finished.
Focusing on diet can help you heal faster. Try to eat foods that contain plenty of protein, vitamins, and iron. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Avoid constipation. Take stool softeners as needed to keep bowel movements soft and regular.
Avoid these activities
A C-section is a major abdominal surgery. Because of this, you shouldn’t lift anything heavier than your new baby until your clinician tells you otherwise.
Don’t perform any strenuous activities until your clinician gives you the OK. Avoid activities like jogging, bicycling, aerobic exercises, and weightlifting. Other exercises that strain belly muscles, like sit-ups, should also be avoided. It is important to move around to prevent blood clots from forming in the leg or lung, a condition called deep venous thrombosis. Contact your clinician immediately if you have increased swelling, redness, or tenderness in one leg or difficulty breathing.
Driving immediately after a C-section is usually not recommended. Ask your clinician when it’s safe for you to drive again.
You may find that doing simple activities in the early days and weeks may be difficult. Take your time and ask for help when getting in and out of bed, a chair, a couch, or a car.
When feeding your baby, remember to get comfortable first. If possible, ask your partner, a friend or a loved one to bring your baby to you to avoid needless straining.
Know when to contact your clinician
Contact your clinician immediately if you notice any signs of infection in your incision. Signs of infection include:
- Fever of 100.4 degrees or higher
- Pus-like discharge from your incision
- Redness
- Severe pain
If the incision reopens, you should contact your clinician immediately.