How can I speed up my C-section recovery?

How long does it take for a cesarean to heal internally?

We know that every patient has a different labor and delivery experience, but in general, it takes around six weeks to completely heal from your C-section. “We realize many of our patients also face the challenge of caring for the baby while they're recovering,” said Dr. Son.

Does walking help C-section recovery?

Walking after the C-section is important to speed recovery and pain medication may be supplied too as recovery takes place. Most mothers and infants do well after a C-section, and often, a woman who has a C-section may have a vaginal delivery if she gets pregnant again.

How long is bed rest after C-section?

“It's recommended that you get up and walk around,” says Dr. Higgins. “We don't want someone lying in bed for two weeks.”

How should I sleep after C-section?

The classic back sleeping position

While back sleeping isn't recommended once you're more than 20 weeks pregnant, this position is recommended for those recovering from surgery. It places the least amount of strain and pressure on your incision site and ensures that your body is aligned in a neutral position.

How to Help Your Body Recover Post-Caesarean

How should I lay in bed after C-section?

Sleeping on your left side aids in optimum blood flow, which is great for your recovering body. You may still need that full-body pregnancy pillow around to support your belly and hips.

What are the do's and don'ts after C-section?

Ask your doctor when it's fine to exercise, go back to work, and drive. Also wait to have sex or use tampons until your doctor gives you the green light. Avoid strenuous exercise, but do take gentle walks as often as you can. The movement will help your body heal and prevent constipation and blood clots.

When can you bend over after C-section?

Lifting more than your baby, stretching, straining and deep bending are not recommended until about 4-6 weeks post-delivery OR until you are able to do these movements with no pain or strain and your incision feels like it has healed.

When does C-section pain go away?

But keep in mind that you'll feel C-section pain and cramping for several weeks. "Whether you delivered vaginally or by C-section, it takes six weeks for the uterus to contract to its normal size," Dr. Daneshmand says.

What foods help you heal faster after C-section?

What should I avoid after C-section?

How far can you walk 3 weeks after C-section?

3 weeks post-cesarean delivery

After you've been home from the hospital for 3 weeks or so, you might be walking for up to 15 minutes, gradually building up the time if it feels good. Keep up your daily pelvic floor exercises too.

Can I do household work after C-section?

Gentle exercise, such as walking, will help you recover from your c-section. But avoid anything more active until you have no pain and you feel ready. For example, avoid driving, carrying anything heavy, having sex or doing heavy housework, such as vacuuming, until you feel able to.

What moms need after C-section?

What is the best pain relief after C-section?

For most women, the use of a “pain pack” using Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen helps to adequately manage their post-operative discomfort. The recommendation is to alternate 600 mg of Ibuprofen (3 Motrin or Advil) with 1000 mg of Acetaminophen (2 extra strength Tylenol) every 3 hours.

How do you know if you're overdoing it after C-section?

Increased bleeding after your lochia starts to decrease can be a sign you're overdoing it and need more rest. Seeing ongoing clots could mean your uterus is having trouble getting back to its pre-pregnancy size. In either case, it's always best to call.

Do you still need a peri bottle after C-section?

Can you use a peri bottle if you've had a C-section? Even if you didn't experience a vaginal birth, you might still find a peri bottle to be useful — especially if you laboured before having the C-section, which means your perineum could still be painful and swollen.

Can coughing hurt my C-section incision?

After a c-section, coughing or sneezing can be painful! Using a small pillow or a folded towel, put gentle pressure on either side of the incision as you cough. This will help to lessen the discomfort. Keep your pillow or towel close by; you never know when you are going to need it!

What are restrictions after C-section?

A C-section is a major surgery. Don't lift anything heavier than your baby for the first couple of weeks, and keep everything you might need within reach. Support your stomach. Hold your belly when you sneeze, cough, or laugh to keep it still.

Is sitting good after C-section?

After a C-section it is important to allow core and pelvic floor recovery: Avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby, and get help wherever possible. Roll on to your side when lying down before sitting up. Rest horizontally as much as possible.

When can I start doing laundry after C-section?

Don't even think of tackling laundry, putting away dishes or climbing stairs (except as necessary) for at least a week after you get home. You may feel a burst of energy, but it's likely to disappear as quickly as it came on--so save your strength for cuddling your baby and other wonderful things, like showers.

When can I go down on my wife after C-section?

Although healthcare providers recommend you wait to have penetrative sex after childbirth for at least four to six weeks, oral sex is usually fine sooner. Oral sex and other forms of "outercourse" or external simulation after birth could be safe even a few days after delivery.

Can I go back to work 2 weeks after C-section?

After a C-section, she recommends women take eight weeks off and to avoid heavy activity to prevent complications. “A lot of women still have significant pain at two weeks after,” she said.

How much activity is too much after C-section?

Gentle exercises for the first six weeks

High-impact exercise, tummy-toning workouts, and full-blown cardio are definite no-no's for the first six weeks after a C-section delivery.

Can I shower 3 weeks after C-section?

You may remove your wound dressing and take showers if stitches, staples, or glue were used to close your skin. Do not soak in a bathtub or hot tub, or go swimming, until your provider tells you it is OK. In most cases, this is not until 3 weeks after surgery.