Postpartum wellness - Common Doubts and Concerns after Cesarean

Congratulations, you’ve delivered your little bundle of joy with a cesarean. As with any surgery, C-section incisions take time to heal and need the right attention. Most times, the area heals properly without any issues. Still, even if you do everything right, you might experience complications while you’re healing.

Here are some frequently asked questions specifically related to cesarean delivery:

How long does it take to recover from a C-section?

Recovery times vary, but it typically takes around 4-6 weeks to fully recover from a c-section. An incision typically a horizontal cut made in your lower abdomen can take weeks to heal. Keep resting, but start walking as soon as your doctor recommends to fasten the healing.

♥ How long I should I wait to bend over, climb stairs or sit on the floor??

You'll need to restrict activities that require bending, twisting, and pivoting for the first four weeks. As your muscles and ligaments get stronger, you can climb up and descend stairs normally after a month. Once you are comfortable bending and straightening up without help, you can attempt to sit on the floor too. Generally, it takes 4-6 weeks to heal and then you have a green flag to do such light physical activities after one evaluation with GP.

♥ When can I start driving or lifting heavy objects after a C-section?

It's generally recommended to wait at least 2-4 weeks before driving and 6-8 weeks before lifting heavy objects after a c-section. Lifting more than 15 to 20 pounds, or more than the weight of your infant after a C-section could cause pressure on the incision or cause the incision to open.

♥ Can I have an intimate relationship, Sexual intercourse?

According to the American Academy of Obstetrics and Gynecology, you should not place anything in the vagina or have sex for a few weeks after a C-section, around 6 weeks.  Although you should cuddle, hug and love your partner even more after your delivery, it has been proven to be good for mental wellness and one of the solutions to post-partum depression.

♥ How can I prevent infection at the incision site?

After a C-section, it is normal to experience some swelling, redness, and pain around the wound. In some cases, clear fluid may also seep out of the wound. Keep the incision clean and dry, follow proper hygiene practices like bathing regularly, avoiding hot tubs, and swimming pools, not wearing tight-fitting clothes, and report any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge, to your healthcare provider.

Avoid scratching or picking at the incision, and consider using scar healing creams or silicone sheets recommended by your healthcare provider.

♥ Are there any restrictions on activities or exercises after a C-section?

It's best to wait until you've had your 6-8 week postnatal check with your GP before returning to your pre-pregnancy levels of exercise. Start with gentle exercises like walking, pelvic floor exercises, and gradually increase intensity over time. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercises until approved by your healthcare provider. You should avoid planks, crunches, sit-ups, twisting movements, and push-ups in the first twelve weeks after starting to exercise again. It is vital that you only start exercising once your core has healed from the surgery. 

♥ How soon can I start bonding and breastfeeding with my baby after a c-section?

You can start bonding and breastfeeding immediately after the surgery, as long as you and your baby are stable and comfortable. Use pillows or cushions to support the baby, find comfortable breastfeeding positions, and apply a warm compress to the incision area before nursing to help alleviate discomfort.

♥ How can I safely manage pain medication while breastfeeding?

Consult with your healthcare provider to ensure the prescribed pain medication is safe for breastfeeding. Most medications used for post-c-section pain are compatible with breastfeeding.

♥ What are the signs of infection or other complications to watch out for?

Signs of infection include redness, swelling, increased pain, warmth around the incision, or discharge. Other complications may include :

• difficulty or pain passing urine or leaking urine when you don’t mean to
• discharge from your wound or you’re worried your wound is not healing properly
• a high body temperature.
• vaginal bleeding that is still heavy after a week or gets heavier – get help straight away if you also feel faint or dizzy, or your heartbeat is fast or ‘pounding’
• unpleasant smelling vaginal blood or discharge
• Shortness of breath.
• a persistent or severe headache
• pain, redness, or swelling in the lower leg (calf muscle)
• breast redness and swelling for more than 24 hours and is getting worse. 

♥ How Can I Know If my internal stitches are healing?

Your internal stitches will start dissolving a few days after your c-section. But your incision will be very fragile for 6 weeks and may not fully heal for 3 months. You obviously can’t see your internal stitches healing, but you will get to know if the incision ruptures. Look for the following symptoms:-

• Severe abdominal pain.
• Passing Large Blood Clots
• Dizziness or Feeling Faint
• Painful Urination
• a high fever
• painful bowel movements

♥ Can I still have a vaginal birth in future pregnancies if I've had a previous c-section?

Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) may be an option for some individuals, depending on various factors like previous incision type, reasons for the previous c-section, and overall health. Discuss VBAC options with your healthcare provider.

♥ Does Belly Binding works??

When done properly, belly binding applied to the abdomen and around the hips can provide support to your pelvic floor. It also offers gentle compression that holds muscle and ligaments safely in place as your body heals. If you had a vaginal delivery and are planning to wear a belly band or belt, you can use it right away, but you should wait until your incision is healed and dry before applying it in case of a cesarean. You can wear the wrap for as long as you need to each day to feel comfortable. However, experts recommend that you only wear them for 2 to 12 weeks, since extended wear can have adverse effects.

You should feel slightly better and bleed a little less every day post-c-section. If you start to feel worse, see your doctor right away. LOVE AND SUPPORT ALWAYS....!!