Recovering from a Caesarean delivery can be emotionally and physically tough, especially once you're home from the hospital. Here's what to expect and a few tips for a good recovery.
As you count down to your due date, the possibility of needing a Caesarean birth may not cross your mind. In some circumstances, however, this surgical procedure suddenly becomes necessary for your safety and that of your baby. Although Caesarean delivery is relatively low risk, it does involve more discomfort and a longer recovery time than vaginal birth does. Here's what to expect in the first few weeks after the procedure.
Final steps in the operating room
From start to finish, most Caesarean sections take approximately 30 to 45 minutes, with the baby being born in the first five to 10 minutes. Because regional anesthesia blocks pain, but not the perception of motion, you'll likely feel some tugging as the baby is pulled out. However, nothing in the procedure should hurt.
Once your baby is delivered, the doctor will suction fluids from your baby's nose and mouth, and clamp and cut the umbilical cord. Then he or she will remove the placenta from your uterus and begin closing your incisions layer by layer. Internal stitches dissolve on their own and won't need to be removed. The incision in your abdominal wall is stitched or stapled with small metal clips that bend in the middle and pull the edges of your skin together. If staples are used, they're usually removed before you leave the hospital. When the doctor finishes the procedure, you'll be taken to a recovery room until the anesthetic wears off.
Recovery in the hospital: What to expect
Although Caesarean section is considered major surgery, most mothers and infants recover well. After the procedure, typically you and your baby will stay in the hospital for three days. Depending on the reason for your Caesarean delivery and how well you and your baby are recovering, your hospital stay may be extended an extra day or two. The first few hours after surgery can be the most painful as the anesthetic wears off, but newer anesthetic techniques have greatly diminished this initial discomfort. A variety of pain-control methods can be used after the operation. Often, an intravenous pump is used, which lets you adjust the dose of an effective pain reliever according to your need. Later, oral medications are usually adequate. You'll feel fatigue as your body's energy is directed toward healing. Nausea is fairly common if you had a general anesthesia for the operation.
The nurses usually remove the bladder catheter and intravenous (IV) lines within 12 to 24 hours of your surgery. Within 24 hours of your surgery, you'll be encouraged to get up and go for a brief walk — with a nurse's assistance. Getting up and moving around will speed your recovery and prevent constipation, and it may help prevent blood clots. By the second day, you should be able to take a shower. If you're not up for a shower, you can take a sponge bath.
While you're in the hospital, the nurses will monitor your incision for signs of infection. They'll also monitor your appetite, fluid intake, and bladder and bowel function.
Breast-feeding: Additional challenges
Sometimes discomfort with the incision and IV lines can make breast-feeding awkward. With some help, however, you should be able to start breast-feeding right away.
Your nurses will help you get started with breast-feeding soon after your delivery. They will teach you how to position your body and support your baby so that you're comfortable. Continuing to take medication for your post-surgical pain shouldn't interfere with breast-feeding. In fact, trying to breast-feed without having your pain under control makes the whole process more difficult. If you're in pain, you can't relax — and your baby needs you to be calm and low-key when he or she is learning to breast-feed. If you have special issues with breast-feeding, ask to see a lactation consultant, who is usually a nurse with extensive experience helping new moms and babies get off to a good start breast-feeding.
Risks of Caesarean birth
Even when everything goes right, recovery from a Caesarean birth takes longer than does recovery from a vaginal birth. Caesarean delivery also carries a higher risk of complications, just as with other types of major surgery.
Complications that may affect the baby include:
- Prematurity. If a medical complication of pregnancy caused you to have a Caesarean birth, your baby may have been born too early and may need extra time in the hospital for special care. Unexpected prematurity is uncommon these days. What's more likely is a medically necessary premature birth — a preterm birth, often by Caesarean, required because of maternal problems such as high blood pressure or bleeding.
Going home: Healing tips
Most women still need pain-relieving medicines when they return home from the hospital after a Caesarean. You'll likely feel quite fatigued in your first few days at home. Generally, it takes about four to six weeks for the incisions to heal completely, but most women feel very well far before this time. Until you are healed, it's important to:
- Take it easy. During your recovery, avoid housework, and don't lift anything heavier than your baby. Also, have someone put everything that you and your baby might need on the same level in your house so you won't have to go up and down stairs continuously. Or, if you're having a planned C-section, you can do this before the baby arrives.
- Use support pillows while breast-feeding. Using pillows or rolled up towels will help you and your baby find a comfortable position and give you extra support while breast-feeding.
- Support your abdomen. Use good posture when standing and walking. Hold your abdomen near the incision during sudden movements caused by coughing, sneezing or laughing.
- Limit company for the first few weeks. Too many visitors will keep you from getting the rest you need to recover and care for your newborn.
- Stay hydrated. Drink lots of fluid. You'll likely need extra fluids to replace those lost in delivery and breast-feeding. Also, empty your bladder frequently to help reduce your risk of urinary tract infections.
- Abstain from sex. Avoid intercourse for four to six weeks after a Caesarean birth. It's completely normal to have little interest in sex while breast-feeding and recovering from surgery. This will pass quickly. Do spend time with your partner and talk about all aspects of your life together, and hug and hold each other. All couples face a time of adjustment when a new baby arrives.
- Avoid driving. Until you can deal with making sudden the movements you need to make when driving in traffic, let someone else take your place behind the wheel. It's best to wait about two weeks before you try to drive. Before you take the car and baby out together, make sure you can manage the baby's car seat without hurting yourself.
During your recovery, tightness or pulling sensations in your lower abdomen are common. Doctors usually recommend over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) for this type of pain. Gas pains and cramps also are common. If you're constipated or bowel movements are painful, try over-the-counter stool softeners or a mild laxative such as milk of magnesia. Drinking lots of water and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables will help prevent this problem. Severe pain in your abdomen or redness, swelling and oozing pus at your incision site may mean you have an infection. Contact your doctor immediately.
Coping with your feelings
Caesarean delivery is most often done because of a complication of pregnancy, a problem over which you have no control. Some women feel disappointed that they didn't give birth the "right" way. Although recovery is slower, you'll find that the adventure of caring for your new baby far overshadows the first few days of discomfort.
However, after a Caesarean, you're vulnerable to the same sadness and fatigue that can affect many women who have vaginal births. Don't hesitate to ask friends and relatives for help. They can run errands, watch the baby while you nap, keep you company, or give you and your partner both a break. If you ever feel overwhelmed, call your doctor or local mental health association and explain your situation. Community resources such as visiting nurses or new parents' support groups may be available to help you.
Most women find that Caesarean birth results in a happy outcome, producing a healthy mother and baby. Although there can be complications, you can expect a complete recovery and a joyful start with your new baby.
Last Updated: 12/21/2004
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