Childbirth is an immemorable moment. It is the time when you finally get to meet the little one you have been nurturing for 9 long months. While a normal vaginal delivery, though extremely painful, takes lesser time to recover, a cesarean section takes a little longer. Few extra precautions and prolonged rest can bring your body back to normal. Mentioned below are the same.
Precautions To Be Taken After A Cesarean Section
1. Get Plenty Of Rest
Cesarean section is a major surgery, and like any other surgeries, it needs time to heal. Hospitals usually suggest staying in for around 3–4 days if there are no further complications. 6-weeks of confinement period after you get back to home is mandatory. It might be difficult to rest at a continuous stretch due to the baby’s demands. However, as you might have heard, “sleep when your baby sleeps,” actually helps you catch up on some sleep.
2. Do Not Skip Your Pain Medications
After the anesthesia wears off and until the time you are in the hospital, your painkillers will be administered intravenously. Post which, oral medications will be prescribed based on the level of discomfort. Do not skip the medications carelessly. Using a heating pad at the site of the incision can also help. Check with your doctor before you use the heating pad.
3. Walk Within 24 Hours Of Surgery
If you do not have any further complications after a C-section, your doctor will suggest you to start walking after 24 hours. This helps you to get rid of the air that might have been trapped inside the stomach, causing pain. Sitting, standing, and moderate physical activity (not exercise) help recover faster. Avoid taking stairs often, as this might affect the site of the incision.
4. Focus On Your Diet
A healthy nutrition is as important after delivery as it was during pregnancy. If you are breastfeeding, you are the primary source of nutrition to your baby. Thus, eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, proteins, and carbohydrates is necessary. Fiber-rich food helps in avoiding constipation which is one of the major issues after a C-section. Most important of all is hydration, as it aids breastfeeding and faster recovery.
5. Take Care Of Your Wound
Nursing your wound is important for quick healing. Make sure you wash the site of the incision with a gentle soap but do not rub it. Monitor it often to see any signs of infection, which could include redness, swelling, or oozing of pus. The wound heals at around 6 weeks and leaves a scar behind.
6. Monitor Your Lochia Bleeding
Up to 6 weeks after the childbirth, you will have heavy bleeding called the lochia bleeding. This is an indication that your uterus is getting back to its original size. The amount, color, and consistency should change over time and depend on the amount of physical activity you do.
7. Do Not Ignore Your Emotional Health
While most women find having a baby as a blissful experience, some tend to have thoughts of sadness, disappointment, regret, or depression. Do not ignore these feelings, talk to your loved ones or the doctor immediately. These are the signs of postpartum depression which could affect yours as well as the baby’s health.
8. Ask For And Appreciate Help
Your body is still sore to get back to daily chores. Ask for help from your spouse or a close relative, such that you can focus completely on healing yourself and nurturing the baby. A maid can be of great help if you decide to hire one.
9. Avoid These Things
Strenuous physical exercise even after 6 weeks of cesarean section is not recommended. Avoid using tampons or regular pads to manage your lochia bleeding. Use the pads specially designed for this purpose. It is best to avoid intercourse until your doctor gives you a green signal on the state of your body. Douching, using hot tubs, and public pools should be strictly avoided.
10. Know The Right Way To Breastfeed
Familiarize yourself with the techniques of breastfeeding which do not strain you. Support yourself and the baby with a cushion, if needed, to settle down in a comfortable position.
When To Call The Doctor
Bleeding up to 6 weeks and mild pain at the site of the incision are common after a cesarean section. But, if you experience the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
- Extreme pain, redness, swelling, or yellowish/greenish discharge from the wound.
- Fever above 100.4°F.
- Heavy vaginal bleeding.
- Pain in the breasts and chest.
- Foul smelling vaginal discharge.
- Redness or swelling in your legs.
- Recurrent feelings of sadness and disappointment.
As every woman’s body is different, some might heal faster compared to others. Do not compare your state or experiences with another woman who has undergone a C-section. You know your body best and let it heal at its own pace.
