I couldn't lie down apart from propped up on my back for a few weeks. Youll be taken to a recovery room, where nurses will check your blood pressure, heartbeat, and breathing and keep an eye on you. To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account. Accessed Jan. 29, 2020. Having a baby is a major milestone in life. During that time, it's recommended that you avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby. This might include checking your abdomen, vagina, cervix and uterus to make sure you're healing well. Once you return home, its important to take it easy and avoid lifting, twisting or any movements that can put pressure on the incision. This is normal, says Dr. Higgins. And do get up and move around, which can help avoid blood clots. The normal puerperium. We dont want someone lying in bed for two weeks.. 12th ed. Contact your health care provider within the first 3 weeks after delivery. You have a cough, shortness or breath or pain in your chest, which could be a sign of a blood clot. Your health care provider might recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever. Accessed Jan. 29, 2020. GP said it takes at least 9 months to fully recover from a section. You have swelling, bumps, pain or heat in your calves (which can be signs of a blood clot), You have pain, redness or warmth, which are signs of infection. All rights reserved. Use this visit to ask questions about your recovery and caring for your baby. Postpartum depression. These contractions which often resemble menstrual cramps help prevent excessive bleeding by compressing the blood vessels in the uterus. Theyll check your vagina, cervix, and uterus as well as your weight and blood pressure. All rights reserved. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could My DS was normal weight, although born in week 38 so perhaps this helped too. Generally, the first few days are the heaviest with the passing of blood clots up to the size of a golf ball. Contact your doctor if youre soaking one pad per hour or passing large clots. I had a catheter in for the rest of that day and all night so was bed bound. Mumsnet carries some affiliate marketing links, so if you buy something through our posts, we may get a small share of the sale (more details here). When a person has fully recovered, we view it as their graduation day, says Dr. Higgins. Childbirth triggers a jumble of powerful emotions. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Postpartum depression. Once you get home, check the site of your surgery regularly for signs of infection. 2018; doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000002633. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2017. https://www.ebscohost.com/ebooks. I had a normal delivery with a 3rd degree tear with DC1 and an elective c section with DC2 because she was breech and the ECV failed. From abdominal pain to mood changes, here's what to expect during C-section recovery. Dont have sex or participate in rigorous exercise either. Your provider also will talk about your sleep habits and issues related to fatigue, and do a physical exam. At this point, you should have your final postpartum appointment with your doctor. The puerperium. It can be uncomfortable.. Pregnancy and delivery cause major changes in your body. Accessed Jan. 29, 2020. If we combine this information with your protected Make sure you keep your incision clean and dry. Most people will spend two to four days in the hospital after a C-section. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Nixon H, et al. Dont soak in a bath or hot tub or go swimming until your doctor says you can. I've been exercising for about 5 weeks now (on week 4 of couch to 5k) and for the last couple of weeks I've been completely back . We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Contractions. After delivery, you'll experience hair loss up to five months after delivery. Review/update the Between feedings, place cold washcloths on your breasts. But he was also a tall little boy which we didn't expect! I'm 15 weeks post c section now, and until your post I had completely forgotten about the twinging, pulling and backache. privacy practices. In some cases, you might have the checkup earlier so that your health care provider can examine your C-section incision. Take meds if you need them, plenty of water and listen to the physio. But if you experience feelings like being depressed or feeling hopeless, talk to your doctor about postpartum depression and what it means. You have a lot of vaginal bleeding, it smells bad or has unusually large clots. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Most women are awake for the C-section, and you should be able to hold your baby right away. Add message Save Share Report information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Afterward, you can expect to spend 2-3 days in the hospital with your new little one as you recover. Don't pump your breasts or express the milk, which will cause your breasts to produce more milk. Many new moms experience a period of feeling down, anxious or inadequate, sometimes called the baby blues. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). National Institute of Health: What is a Cesarean Delivery?, Mayo Clinic: C-section What You Can Expect, C-section Recovery: What to Expect., American Academy of Pediatrics: Breastfeeding After Cesarean Delivery., Kaiser Permanente: Recovery After a Cesarean Birth., University of Rochester Medical Center Obstetrics Division: Pain Management., Johns Hopkins Medicine: Cesarean Section., American Psychological Association: What is postpartum depression & anxiety?, My Health, Alberta Canada: Cesarean Section: What to Expect at Home., MedLine Plus: Going Home After a C-Section., National Health Service: Recovery, Cesarean Section.. Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. Compared to a vaginal delivery, if youve had a cesarean delivery (C-section), you need to take extra precautions and give yourself even more time to recover from childbirth. This content does not have an Arabic version. In: American Academy of Pediatrics Textbook of Pediatric Care. Dr. Higgins says you should reach out to your physician earlier if you experience the following: Over the next several weeks, you might also experience baby blues, caused by short-term fluctuations in hormones that can affect your mood. If you experience severe mood swings, loss of appetite, overwhelming fatigue and lack of joy in life shortly after childbirth, you might have postpartum depression. Stretch marks won't disappear after delivery, but eventually they'll fade from red to silver. Heres what you need to know: Medications: You probably got pain-numbing medicine, such as an epidural, during your C-section, but it isnt likely to affect the baby much. If those feelings start disrupting your life and cause problems bonding with your baby, your doctor can offer some treatment options, says Dr. Higgins. All Rights Reserved. If you're not breastfeeding, wear a supportive bra, such as a sports bra. The feeling like my core didn't exist anymore was the last thing to fade - it's feeling fairly strong again now. You get a very bad headache that does not go away. She'd had them herself. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Mediterranean, Low-Fat Diets Are Best for Heart Problems, Least Amount of Exercise You Need to Stay Healthy, Nerve 'Pulse' Therapy May Help Ease Sciatica, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, What to Expect if You Have a Cesarean Delivery, C-Sections: Recovery, Risks, Benefits, Pain, and More, Ovulation Tool: Find Your Most Fertile Days. Sex, exercise I recommend that they start those things slowly and gradually increase activity.. 25th ed. You'll get there! https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. 2nd ed. Your baby may be sleepy, but that should pass and they should be eager to nurse. Here's what to expect: Vaginal discharge. Options can range from medication, therapy or even support groups for new parents. At that time, your doctor will inspect the incision site and check that your recovery is progressing along. Heres what to expect. This can help ease gas pains, help you have a bowel movement, and prevent blood clots. Giving birth is pretty exhausting at the best of times (and that's before they send you home with a completely dependent nocturnal animal to . During pregnancy, elevated hormone levels increase the ratio of growing hair to resting or shedding hair. Pat dry. Your guide to breastfeeding. You may feel sick to your stomach, groggy, or itchy from the drugs used to numb you during the surgery. It is pretty major abdominal surgery. Accessed Jan. 29, 2020. In: Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Obstetrics & Gynecology. Policy. After C-Section Surgery Most women are awake for the C-section, and you should be able to hold your baby right away. If you're planning a cesarean delivery or you want to be prepared in case you need to have a C-section, you might have questions about the recovery process. During that time, its recommended that you avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby. Your first postpartum visit should happen during the second week. If your pain has decreased and the incision is properly healing, you may be given the green light to resume normal daily life. This is all in addition to bonding with your newborn, which can include attempting to breastfeed. To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account. Click here for an email preview. Understand how to take care of yourself and your baby during C-section recovery. Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine. During the C-section recovery process, discomfort and fatigue are common. Committee Opinion No. McInerny TK, et al., eds. Frequently asked questions. Hair loss and skin changes. DeCherney AH, et al., eds. They tell you horror stories but they rarely distinguish between the planned section and EMCS and it's not the same thing. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which To ease breast discomfort, apply warm washcloths or take a warm shower before breastfeeding or expressing, which might make milk removal easier. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Frequently asked questions. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that postpartum care be an ongoing process rather than just a single visit after your delivery. Berghella V. Cesarean delivery: Postoperative issues. McGraw-Hill Education; 2018. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Some women bounce back quickly, others take longer to recover. Labor, delivery, and postpartum care FAQ091. Mumsnet carries some affiliate marketing links, so if you buy something through our posts, we may get a small share of the sale (more details here). I'm 15 weeks post c section now, and until your post I had completely forgotten about the twinging, pulling and backache. My milk was delayed coming in after my section compared to my normal birth. Let your doctor know if: Your incision is red, swollen or hot to the touch. In the days after surgery, you can expect: Your doctor will send you home with detailed instructions -- for instance, how long to keep your cut bandaged, how often to change bandages. Pain can mess with the hormone that helps you make milk. Your body will make milk about as quickly as after a vaginal delivery. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. It really aids recovery to be mobile as soon as possible. The hardest part of my recovery from my normal birth was due to problems from the anaesthetic from when they repaired the tear. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Here are a few tips on what to do. Check with your doctor before returning to any of these activities, but in general you will have to wait: Get your doctors OK before having sex again. Try a fiber supplement if you are having constipation. Accessed Jan. 29, 2020. Frequent breastfeeding on both breasts is recommended to avoid or minimize engorgement. 736: Optimizing postpartum care. https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Postpartum-Depression. When youre washing, use mild soap and water and clean it lightly (dont scrub, particularly if your incision is closed with steristrips or glue). Resting and allowing your body to heal is very important.. The result is often an extra-lush head of hair but now it's payback time. But its crucial you take time to take care of yourself. 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. Nursing positions: The site of the surgery may make it hard to find a comfortable position to nurse your baby. Dr. Higgins suggests having your partner, family members or friends help with tasks like planning and making meals, doing laundry and even helping to care for your baby. McGraw-Hill Education; 2019. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. To help your baby latch, you might hand express or use a breast pump to express a small amount of breast milk before feeding your baby. Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Financial Assistance Documents Minnesota, Available Solutions for Postpartum from Mayo Clinic Store, Book: Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy, Postpartum care: After a vaginal delivery, Pregnancy and breastfeeding when you have psoriasis, Sex after pregnancy: Set your own timeline. other information we have about you. To manage pain at home, Dr. Higgins recommends taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen on a regular schedule. To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account. Over-the-counter pain relievers might help, too. A C-section is major surgery. You might feel contractions, sometimes called afterpains, during the first few days after the C-section. The baby blues typically subside within two weeks. What breastfeeding positions might work best for you? Rest when possible. While it can be exciting, it can also take a toll on your body. If you have any questions about how the drugs youre given can affect breastfeeding, ask to speak to the hospitals breastfeeding specialist. Tomorrow is a big day, how exciting! Keep it clean to prevent infections. I got out of bed the following day and went home on day 3. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Accessed Jan. 31, 2020. 03/02/2022 07:18, Ahhh I had GD too, and an early section as well - don't be surprised if she comes out smaller, their estimations can be a bit off. Having a support system around you is key during your recovery. It just takes time. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Ob/Gyn Erin Higgins, MD, explains what your recovery will look like and what to expect. Cunningham FG, et al., eds. C-sections account for 31.7% of all deliveries in the U.S. As with any major surgery, it takes time for your body to heal. information submitted for this request. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Contact your health care provider if your incision is red, swollen or leaking discharge. Tender breasts. It is also normal to have vaginal bleeding after a C-section, though its typically not as heavy as after a vaginal delivery. Remember that everybody heals and recovers at different rates so its important to talk to your doctor about how you feel and its OK if you need more time. In the meantime, take good care of yourself. Mumsnet carries some affiliate marketing links, so if you buy something through our posts, we may get a small share of the sale (more details here). Realistically, a normal birth with DC2 would likely not have gone well so a c section was safer all round, but I wouldn't have chosen to have one if she hadn't been breech. You'll have vaginal discharge made up of this membrane and blood for weeks. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The backache eased when I did gentle walking, so might be worth giving that a go if you haven't already. You can begin breastfeeding almost immediately after the C-section. You may be tempted to ask your doctor to cut back on your pain medicine, but its important that you stay comfortable. Here are some things you would need to let your doctor know: Youll probably see your doctor about 6 weeks after delivery. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. So what can you do? Keep an eye out for any signs of infection. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. I had an emergency c-section in July after a 36 hour induction that went wrong so my recovery could be different to someone who had a planned c-section. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of How much discomfort will you experience? Physical recovery from a C-section puts a lot of stress on the body, says Dr. Higgins. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' Presidential Task Force on Redefining the Postpartum Visit and the Committee on Obstetric Practice. If your breasts including the dark circles of skin around the nipples are engorged, latching might be difficult for your baby. Having a newborn and recovering from surgery doesnt leave a lot of time for self-care. Afterpains are common during breastfeeding, due to the release of oxytocin. It can last up to four to six weeks postpartum, says Dr. Higgins. To promote healing: Take it easy. Tips To Help You Recover From Heart Surgery, Everything You Need To Know About Mommy Makeovers, Heres How Baby Botox Is Different From (and Similar To) Its Older Sibling, Everything You Need To Know About Creating a Birth Plan, What You Should Know About Postpartum Sex, 3 Exercises to Relieve Frozen or Stiff Shoulders, Artificial Sweetener Erythritols Major Health Risks, Best Ingredients and Products for Your Anti-Aging Skin Care Routine. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 20/02/2023 11:55. While you're recovering from your C-section, remember that you're also recovering from pregnancy. https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Cesarean-Birth-C-Section. There is a problem with Symptoms include mood swings, crying spells, anxiety and difficulty sleeping. Expect any skin that darkened during pregnancy such as dark patches on your face to slowly fade as well. It takes about six weeks to recover from a C-section, but each person's timeline will be different. Accessed Jan. 29, 2020. The average time taken to recover from a caesarean is six to eight weeks, but it's a bit of a "how long is a piece of string" question. 09/12/2022 22:21. Recovery was painful. If the cut is closed with stitches, staples or glue, you should be able to remove the bandage and take showers, but check with your doctor first. A heating pad set on low or a warm washcloth can help with pain around your belly. It takes about six weeks to recover from a C-section, but each persons timeline will be different. To promote healing: Check your C-section incision for signs of infection. Cesarean birth. Labor, delivery and postpartum care FAQ006. You can try gentle exercises a few days after the C-section: Try not to do too much housework or other activities for the first couple of weeks. Those muscles are pretty weak because of the incision, says Dr. Higgins. This content does not have an English version. You notice swelling in your hands, arms, or feet. Seek pain relief. An incision typically a horizontal cut made in your lower abdomen can take weeks to heal. Berens P. Overview of the postpartum period: Physiology, complications, and maternal care. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Mood changes. In: Williams Obstetrics. Your doctor may recommend a C-section if: While most individuals recover in about six weeks, its important to remember each persons journey is different. include protected health information. Learn what to expect from a womens health expert. Catheter out within 2 or 3hrs and up and about v quickly, caring for the babies easily. An incision typically a horizontal cut made in your lower abdomen can take weeks to heal. Then it will taper, become increasingly watery and change from pinkish brown to yellowish white. Get up ASAP and stand straight without hunching. Breastfeeding the newborn. After delivery, you'll begin to shed the superficial mucous membrane that lined your uterus during pregnancy. Its recommended that you get up and walk around, says Dr. Higgins. Thats when the baby comes out through a cut in the mothers belly and uterus rather than going through the birth canal and coming out through the vagina. You'll be taken to a recovery room, where nurses will check your blood. Letting the water run down over the wound should also help with cleaning. Try to keep everything that you and your baby might need within reach. A few days after birth, your breasts might become full, firm and tender (engorgement) once they begin making milk. During the C-section recovery process, discomfort and fatigue are common. Here are some tips for taking care of your C-section incision: The area around the stitches, staples, or tape on your belly will be sore for the first few days. Accessed Jan. 29, 2020.