20/02/2023 11:55. You may feel sick to your stomach, groggy, or itchy from the drugs used to numb you during the surgery. 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. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. It is pretty major abdominal 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. During pregnancy, elevated hormone levels increase the ratio of growing hair to resting or shedding hair. Contact your health care provider if your incision is red, swollen or leaking discharge. While it can be exciting, it can also take a toll on your body. My DS was normal weight, although born in week 38 so perhaps this helped too. Your health care provider might recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever. You have a lot of vaginal bleeding, it smells bad or has unusually large clots. Seek pain relief. McGraw-Hill Education; 2018. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Berens P. Overview of the postpartum period: Physiology, complications, and maternal care. Don't have sex or participate in rigorous exercise either. Your guide to breastfeeding. To ease breast discomfort, apply warm washcloths or take a warm shower before breastfeeding or expressing, which might make milk removal easier. During this time, the hospital staff will help with pain management, ensure youre eating and drinking enough and help you move around. Tomorrow is a big day, how exciting! Cleveland Clinic 1995-2023. 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. The feeling like my core didn't exist anymore was the last thing to fade - it's feeling fairly strong again now. The result is often an extra-lush head of hair but now it's payback time. McInerny TK, et al., eds. 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. 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. If your breasts including the dark circles of skin around the nipples are engorged, latching might be difficult for your baby. Heres what to expect. While you're recovering from your C-section, remember that you're also recovering from pregnancy. You may be tempted to ask your doctor to cut back on your pain medicine, but its important that you stay comfortable. From abdominal pain to mood changes, here's what to expect during C-section recovery. Your baby may be sleepy, but that should pass and they should be eager to nurse. Frequently asked questions. During this appointment, your health care provider will check your mood and emotional well-being, discuss contraception and timing of future pregnancies and review information about infant care and feeding. 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. Accessed Jan. 29, 2020. It takes about six weeks to recover from a C-section, but each persons timeline will be different. But if you experience feelings like being depressed or feeling hopeless, talk to your doctor about postpartum depression and what it means. Berghella V. Cesarean delivery: Postoperative issues. Ob/Gyn Erin Higgins, MD, explains what your recovery will look like and what to expect. You will need to give yourself several weeks to rest and heal. When a person has fully recovered, we view it as their graduation day, says Dr. Higgins. Its recommended that you get up and walk around, says Dr. Higgins. During that time, it's recommended that you avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby. You notice vision changes or have difficulty seeing. 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 may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Policy. If you're not breastfeeding, wear a supportive bra, such as a sports bra. This can help ease gas pains, help you have a bowel movement, and prevent blood clots. You'll have vaginal discharge made up of this membrane and blood for weeks. The normal puerperium. A few days after birth, your breasts might become full, firm and tender (engorgement) once they begin making milk. Nursing positions: The site of the surgery may make it hard to find a comfortable position to nurse your baby. Youll be taken to a recovery room, where nurses will check your blood pressure, heartbeat, and breathing and keep an eye on you. Catheter out within 2 or 3hrs and up and about v quickly, caring for the babies easily. Breastfeeding the newborn. This is all in addition to bonding with your newborn, which can include attempting to breastfeed. DeCherney AH, et al., eds. privacy practices. Tender breasts. Breastfeeding positions that work well during C-section recovery include: For support or breastfeeding information during your C-section recovery, contact a lactation consultant. C section recovery - is this normal? | Mumsnet Your first postpartum visit should happen during the second week. An incision typically a horizontal cut made in your lower abdomen can take weeks to heal. The backache eased when I did gentle walking, so might be worth giving that a go if you haven't already. Theyll check your vagina, cervix, and uterus as well as your weight and blood pressure. Hair loss and skin changes. If your pain has decreased and the incision is properly healing, you may be given the green light to resume normal daily life. Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine. Accessed Jan. 31, 2020. Take meds if you need them, plenty of water and listen to the physio. How much discomfort will you experience? 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. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Accessed Jan. 29, 2020. 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. 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. A heating pad set on low or a warm washcloth can help with pain around your belly. Understand how to take care of yourself and your baby during C-section recovery. All Rights Reserved. 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. Stretch marks won't disappear after delivery, but eventually they'll fade from red to silver. To manage pain at home, Dr. Higgins recommends taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen on a regular schedule. Learn what to expect from a womens health expert. Pain can mess with the hormone that helps you make milk. Even with the tear, recovery was much, much easier after the normal birth than than the c section. At that time, your doctor will inspect the incision site and check that your recovery is progressing along. https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Postpartum-Depression. 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. Honest experiences of c-section recovery | Mumsnet Options can range from medication, therapy or even support groups for new parents. Childbirth triggers a jumble of powerful emotions. This is normal, says Dr. Higgins. Here's what to expect: Vaginal discharge. Nixon H, et al. I had a catheter in for the rest of that day and all night so was bed bound. Contact your health care provider within the first 3 weeks after delivery. You notice swelling in your hands, arms, or feet. Resting and allowing your body to heal is very important.. I'm 15 weeks post c section now, and until your post I had completely forgotten about the twinging, pulling and backache. Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. 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. Postpartum depression. Symptoms include mood swings, crying spells, anxiety and difficulty sleeping. The baby blues typically subside within two weeks. Cunningham FG, et al., eds. 09/12/2022 22:21. Add message Save Share Report WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Recovery was painful. 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. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Make sure you keep your incision clean and dry. A C-section is major surgery. Get up ASAP and stand straight without hunching. Don't pump your breasts or express the milk, which will cause your breasts to produce more milk. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' Presidential Task Force on Redefining the Postpartum Visit and the Committee on Obstetric Practice. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Labor, delivery, and postpartum care FAQ091. During that time, its recommended that you avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby. In: Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Obstetrics & Gynecology. Once you get home, check the site of your surgery regularly for signs of infection. Accessed Jan. 29, 2020. 2nd ed. Dont soak in a bath or hot tub or go swimming until your doctor says you can. During the C-section recovery process, discomfort and fatigue are common. Obstetrics & Gynecology. Use this visit to ask questions about your recovery and caring for your baby. In: Williams Obstetrics. It takes about six weeks to recover from a C-section, but each person's timeline will be different. You can do a few other things to speed your recovery: Eat fiber-rich foods and smaller, more frequent meals. Most people will spend two to four days in the hospital after a C-section. McGraw-Hill Education; 2019. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. If we combine this information with your protected 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. Accessed Jan. 29, 2020. 25th ed. Many new moms experience a period of feeling down, anxious or inadequate, sometimes called the baby blues. Keep it clean to prevent infections. 2018; doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000002633. Most women are awake for the C-section, and you should be able to hold your baby right away. Click here for an email preview. To promote healing: Check your C-section incision for signs of infection. 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. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account. The puerperium. Frequently asked questions. You get a very bad headache that does not go away. 12th ed. For the first couple of weeks, avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby. Review/update the Dont have sex or participate in rigorous exercise either. Let your doctor know if: Your incision is red, swollen or hot to the touch. Afterpains are common during breastfeeding, due to the release of oxytocin. I couldn't lie down apart from propped up on my back for a few weeks. About 1 of every 3 newborns in the United States are delivered by cesarean section, or C-section. All rights reserved. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with It is also normal to have vaginal bleeding after a C-section, though its typically not as heavy as after a vaginal delivery. And do get up and move around, which can help avoid blood clots. You can start nursing almost right away. Those muscles are pretty weak because of the incision, says Dr. Higgins. In: American Academy of Pediatrics Textbook of Pediatric Care. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. 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. You'll get there! Postpartum depression. 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). So what can you do? Accessed Jan. 29, 2020. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Try over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage incision pain. My milk was delayed coming in after my section compared to my normal birth. 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. In some cases, you might have the checkup earlier so that your health care provider can examine your C-section incision. Accessed Jan. 29, 2020. They tell you horror stories but they rarely distinguish between the planned section and EMCS and it's not the same thing. All rights reserved. Rest when possible.
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