After a cesarean section you can expect to feel much more tired than you thought you would. You have lost more strength than with a vaginal delivery. Start by taking short walks, using the baby stroller as support. Increase the length of your walks gradually as your level of fitness returns. Avoid carrying or lifting heavy objects for the first six weeks.
To think about during the recover period
During your recovery period, avoid sitting in low, cushiony furniture since it is difficult to get back up. You can normally resume light exercise about six to eight weeks after your postpartum appointment with your healthcare provider. Expect to lose strength in your abdominal muscles after surgery since you have been unable to use these muscles as usual. Ideally, start working your oblique abdominal muscles first.
It is perfectly normal to feel some tugging and pain in the incision area for 10–12 weeks after your C-section. Remember to stretch and stand up straight. You may feel some numbness or discomfort when you touch the area surrounding the incision since your sensitivity has been affected. This will gradually return to normal, but it may take between six months and one year. The fact that you had a C-Section does not mean that you must have one the next time. However, it is generally recommended after a second C-Section.
Getting in and out of bed without straining the area around the incision
Here are some general tips:
- Bend your legs, one at a time.
- Turn onto one side.
- Sit up by using your arms to press yourself up while swinging your legs over the edge of the bed.
To get into bed, repeat the procedure, but in reverse.
Things to consider after a cesarean delivery:
- If you need to cough, clear your throat while putting a pillow over the incision as support. Do this also when you sneeze or laugh.
- To improve circulation and prevent blood clots in your legs, shift your feet back and forth. Consider walking as soon as you are allowed. Most moms are encouraged to get out of the bed after 12 to 14 hours following their c/section. You will feel much better and regain your sense of wellbeing more quickly. It will also improve abdominal muscle tone as well!
- Avoid taking too much narcotic for pain relief as they can cause constipation. -Drink plenty of water. It helps to prevent constipation as well as to produce breast milk.
- Avoid eating food that is difficult to digest or gas forming such as cauliflowers.
Things to consider before going home:
- Continue to use the above getting-up technique throughout your recovery period.
- Avoid lifting or carrying heavy objects—other than your baby.
- Place your hands over the incision as a form of support when coughing or sneezing.
- Go for short walks, but avoid stairs and steep inclines.
- Consider wearing an abdominal binder for better support
The information above has been provided by Danderyd Hospital in Sweden