Accessed Jan. 29, 2020. My DS was normal weight, although born in week 38 so perhaps this helped too. During the C-section recovery process, discomfort and fatigue are common. Frequently asked questions. In: American Academy of Pediatrics Textbook of Pediatric Care. They tell you horror stories but they rarely distinguish between the planned section and EMCS and it's not the same thing. The normal puerperium. It is pretty major abdominal surgery. Put your feet up now xx. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' Presidential Task Force on Redefining the Postpartum Visit and the Committee on Obstetric Practice. At this point, you should have your final postpartum appointment with your doctor. 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. Symptoms include mood swings, crying spells, anxiety and difficulty sleeping. All Rights Reserved. C-Section Recovery - What to Expect: Walking, Blood Clots, & Pain While it can be exciting, it can also take a toll on your body. 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. Add message Save Share Report Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. It just takes time. Some women bounce back quickly, others take longer to recover. The hardest part of my recovery from my normal birth was due to problems from the anaesthetic from when they repaired the tear. Obstetrics & Gynecology. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. The puerperium. Accessed Jan. 29, 2020. But its crucial you take time to take care of yourself. Once you get home, check the site of your surgery regularly for signs of infection. To promote healing: Take it easy. This content does not have an English version. A C-section is major surgery. Once you return home, its important to take it easy and avoid lifting, twisting or any movements that can put pressure on the incision. Between feedings, place cold washcloths on your breasts. include protected health information. After delivery, you'll experience hair loss up to five months after delivery. information submitted for this request. The backache eased when I did gentle walking, so might be worth giving that a go if you haven't already. Try a fiber supplement if you are having constipation. Hair loss and skin changes. If we combine this information with your protected You get a very bad headache that does not go away. Contact your health care provider within the first 3 weeks after delivery. Accessed Jan. 29, 2020. Seek pain relief. Here's what to expect: Vaginal discharge. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on 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.. You may be tempted to ask your doctor to cut back on your pain medicine, but its important that you stay comfortable. Click here for an email preview. For the first couple of weeks, avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. When youre washing, use mild soap and water and clean it lightly (dont scrub, particularly if your incision is closed with steristrips or glue). 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. Discharged the following morning and no issues. Youll be taken to a recovery room, where nurses will check your blood pressure, heartbeat, and breathing and keep an eye on you. I couldn't lie down apart from propped up on my back for a few weeks. 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. To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account. 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. 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). If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could 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. But if you experience feelings like being depressed or feeling hopeless, talk to your doctor about postpartum depression and what it means. You notice vision changes or have difficulty seeing. Options can range from medication, therapy or even support groups for new parents. You might feel contractions, sometimes called afterpains, during the first few days after the C-section. Share your feelings, and ask your partner, loved ones or friends for help. You'll be taken to a recovery room, where nurses will check your blood. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. I'm 15 weeks post c section now, and until your post I had completely forgotten about the twinging, pulling and backache. This discharge will be red and heavy for the first few days. She'd had them herself. Your health care provider might recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Learn what to expect from a womens health expert. Frequently asked questions. Then it will taper, become increasingly watery and change from pinkish brown to yellowish white. These contractions which often resemble menstrual cramps help prevent excessive bleeding by compressing the blood vessels in the uterus. Berghella V. Cesarean delivery: Postoperative issues. Postpartum depression. You'll have vaginal discharge made up of this membrane and blood for weeks. McInerny TK, et al., eds. You can put a pillow over your stomach to ease the babys weight, or try these: Its important to get out of bed and walk around within 24 hours after surgery. Let your doctor know if: Your incision is red, swollen or hot to the touch. Accessed Jan. 29, 2020. I'm 15 weeks post c section now, and until your post I had completely forgotten about the twinging, pulling and backache. 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It is also normal to have vaginal bleeding after a C-section, though its typically not as heavy as after a vaginal delivery. Stretch marks won't disappear after delivery, but eventually they'll fade from red to silver. 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. Rest when possible. 20/02/2023 11:55. 2018; doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000002633. During this time, the hospital staff will help with pain management, ensure youre eating and drinking enough and help you move around. If your pain has decreased and the incision is properly healing, you may be given the green light to resume normal daily life. Over-the-counter pain relievers might help, too. This can help ease gas pains, help you have a bowel movement, and prevent blood clots. To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account. Here are some things you would need to let your doctor know: Youll probably see your doctor about 6 weeks after delivery. Honest experiences of c-section recovery | Mumsnet 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'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 to normal. Try to keep everything that you and your baby might need within reach. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. During that time, its recommended that you avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby. What breastfeeding positions might work best for you? You have a lot of vaginal bleeding, it smells bad or has unusually large clots. The baby blues typically subside within two weeks. Committee Opinion No. 12th ed. To manage pain at home, Dr. Higgins recommends taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen on a regular schedule. Sex, exercise I recommend that they start those things slowly and gradually increase activity.. In the meantime, take good care of yourself. Try over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage incision pain. At that time, your doctor will inspect the incision site and check that your recovery is progressing along. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that postpartum care be an ongoing process rather than just a single visit after your delivery. Pat dry. 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 . You will need to give yourself several weeks to rest and heal. Physical recovery from a C-section puts a lot of stress on the body, says Dr. Higgins. Contact your health care provider if your incision is red, swollen or leaking discharge. Your body will make milk about as quickly as after a vaginal delivery. During the C-section recovery process, discomfort and fatigue are common. Don't have sex or participate in rigorous exercise either. privacy practices. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Breastfeeding positions that work well during C-section recovery include: For support or breastfeeding information during your C-section recovery, contact a lactation consultant. This is normal, says Dr. Higgins. 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 . https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Understand how to take care of yourself and your baby during C-section recovery. During pregnancy, elevated hormone levels increase the ratio of growing hair to resting or shedding hair. Frequent breastfeeding on both breasts is recommended to avoid or minimize engorgement. An incision typically a horizontal cut made in your lower abdomen can take weeks to heal. My milk was delayed coming in after my section compared to my normal birth. Catheter out within 2 or 3hrs and up and about v quickly, caring for the babies easily. Ob/Gyn Erin Higgins, MD, explains what your recovery will look like and what to expect. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. You can do a few other things to speed your recovery: Eat fiber-rich foods and smaller, more frequent meals. You can begin breastfeeding almost immediately after the C-section. 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. https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Postpartum-Depression. Mood changes. How much discomfort will you experience? Many new moms experience a period of feeling down, anxious or inadequate, sometimes called the baby blues. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with DeCherney AH, et al., eds. 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. It can be uncomfortable.. 4-6 weeks before doing heavy exercises that involve your belly or lifting anything larger than your infant, 3 weeks (once you have a healed incision) to take a bath or go swimming, Your incision is red, swollen, hot to the touch, or leaking discharge. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). It really aids recovery to be mobile as soon as possible. And what should you not do? A few days after birth, your breasts might become full, firm and tender (engorgement) once they begin making milk. 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. Your provider also will talk about your sleep habits and issues related to fatigue, and do a physical exam. All rights reserved. https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Cesarean-Birth-C-Section. Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. If your breasts including the dark circles of skin around the nipples are engorged, latching might be difficult for your baby. 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 can start nursing almost right away. After C-Section Surgery Most women are awake for the C-section, and you should be able to hold your baby right away. Office on Women's Health. You may feel sick to your stomach, groggy, or itchy from the drugs used to numb you during the surgery. Labor, delivery and postpartum care FAQ006. Dont have sex or participate in rigorous exercise either. Your guide to breastfeeding. You may be given a pump so you can change the amount of pain medication thats going through a thin tube into your veins. http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/breastfeeding-guide. Dont soak in a bath or hot tub or go swimming until your doctor says you can. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 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. Ask your doctor what they recommend. In: Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Obstetrics & Gynecology. 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. Keep it clean to prevent infections. In: Williams Obstetrics. You notice swelling in your hands, arms, or feet. Cesarean birth. Within six to 12 weeks after delivery, see your health care provider for a comprehensive postpartum evaluation. Use this visit to ask questions about your recovery and caring for your baby. Childbirth triggers a jumble of powerful emotions. Most women are awake for the C-section, and you should be able to hold your baby right away. You'll get there! Resting and allowing your body to heal is very important.. Those muscles are pretty weak because of the incision, says Dr. Higgins. Accessed Jan. 29, 2020. 2nd ed. You have a cough, shortness or breath or pain in your chest, which could be a sign of a blood clot. C-section recovery: What to expect - Mayo Clinic 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). 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. 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). An abdominal binder, a wide compression belt that goes around your stomach, can also be used to offer additional support and avoid putting stress on sutures. Accessed Jan. 31, 2020. All rights reserved. Accessed Jan. 29, 2020. Letting the water run down over the wound should also help with cleaning. Cunningham FG, et al., eds. While you're recovering from your C-section, remember that you're also recovering from pregnancy. Theyll check your vagina, cervix, and uterus as well as your weight and blood pressure. 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. McGraw-Hill Education; 2019. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. What is recovery from a PLANNED csection really like? | Mumsnet Here are a few tips on what to do. Even with the tear, recovery was much, much easier after the normal birth than than the c section. Pregnancy and delivery cause major changes in your body. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. I had a catheter in for the rest of that day and all night so was bed bound. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. 09/12/2022 21:02. Nursing positions: The site of the surgery may make it hard to find a comfortable position to nurse your baby. So what can you do? The result is often an extra-lush head of hair but now it's payback time. 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. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. But he was also a tall little boy which we didn't expect! Anesthesia for cesarean delivery. An incision typically a horizontal cut made in your lower abdomen can take weeks to heal. It takes about six weeks to recover from a C-section, but each person's timeline will be different. 25th ed. Nixon H, et al. If you're not breastfeeding, wear a supportive bra, such as a sports bra. When a person has fully recovered, we view it as their graduation day, says Dr. Higgins. Make sure you keep your incision clean and dry. Tomorrow is a big day, how exciting! Tender breasts. 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. Policy. This is all in addition to bonding with your newborn, which can include attempting to breastfeed. 09/12/2022 22:21. Afterward, you can expect to spend 2-3 days in the hospital with your new little one as you recover. Take meds if you need them, plenty of water and listen to the physio. 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. 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. Postpartum depression. Recovery was painful. There is a problem with American Academy of Pediatrics; 2017. https://www.ebscohost.com/ebooks. Having a support system around you is key during your recovery. Contractions.