In 2018, 31.9% of women in the U.S. gave birth via cesarean section, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So you can take comfort in the fact that you’re far from alone. Recovering from a cesarean section takes longer than recovering from a vaginal birth, but by taking care of yourself, you’ll regain your strength more quickly.
Here are some dos and don’ts to consider after having a C-section.
Watch your activity level
Incision care is important
Follow your doctor’s instructions for caring for the wound site. If the C-section incision was closed with staples, stitches, or glue, you can remove the dressings when you get home. For incisions closed with strips, change the dressing every day until the strips fall off. Wash the wound site gently with warm water and soap in the shower, but don’t scrub it.
Wait on the bath
After your surgery, you can expect vaginal bleeding, or lochia, for up to six weeks. Don’t use tampons to control this bleeding. Instead, stock up on thick pads. The bleeding will wane over time and change in color from bright red to brown, pink or yellow. Heavy bleeding that returns after it has slowed indicates that you’re probably doing too much. Although you can take a short, warm bath, defer on soaking in the tub until your incision site has healed and the bleeding has stopped. Hold off on sex until the bleeding has stopped and your doctor gives you the green light.
Ask for help
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and exhausted after childbirth, and a cesarean section can amplify those feelings, especially if you had an emergency surgery. Give yourself time to process emotions associated with your experience, and talk with your partner or loved ones. Ask for help if it all seems too much, and tell your doctor if you experience fever over 100.4 degrees, a rash, severe, prolonged headache, sudden intense pain in the abdomen or the incision site, red streaks in your legs, heavy bleeding, or feelings of panic or depression.
