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 many days bed rest is required after C-section?

The average hospital stay after a C-section is 2 to 4 days, and keep in mind recovery often takes longer than it would from a vaginal birth. Walking after the C-section is important to speed recovery and pain medication may be supplied too as recovery takes place.

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.

When can I start doing household work after C-section delivery?

Usual activities such as walking, climbing the stairs and light housework are safe, but do not lift heavy objects for approximately six weeks. As with a vaginal delivery, we recommend waiting at least three weeks before having intercourse.

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.

How to Help Your Body Recover Post-Caesarean

What can you not do 2 weeks after C-section?

Things to Avoid:

The use of tampons or douche. Taking baths until your incision is healed and you are no longer bleeding. Public pools and hot tubs. Lifting anything heavier than your baby.

How long should you stay in the house after having a baby?

“Most women take about six weeks to completely heal after having a vaginal delivery,” Goist says. “This includes any vaginal tearing and the uterus shrinking back to a normal size.” With that in mind, she says doctors typically recommend taking it easy during this time.

When does C-section pain go away?

Many guides suggest that full recovery from a C-section takes 4 to 6 weeks. Yet every person is different, and much research suggests a significantly longer recovery time. Some studies , for example, have found that 60 percent of women have some pain in the incision 24 weeks after delivery.

Can I go home 36 hours after C-section?

When can I go home after a c-section? You will usually stay in hospital for 2-4 days after your c-section. If you and your baby are well, and you have someone to help you at home, you may be able to go home after 24 hours.

Can I walk 2 days after C-section?

Walking after c-section is encouraged and should be your go to for the first few weeks. You'll start to notice day to day movement getting easier and less discomfort lifting baby or moving around.

What happens the first 24 hours after C-section?

After C-Section: The First 24-48 Hours

Again, you've just had major surgery, so fatigue and pain are to be expected. Many women also report experiencing nausea for the first few hours. Depending on the composition of your epidural, you may have some itching.

How should I sleep after C-section?

Pillows: You'll want pillows for a couple of reasons. First, they'll help you find a comfortable sleeping position. Some women find relief by placing a pillow under their abdomen while lying on their sides. Second, you might use several to help you find a comfortable breastfeeding position.

Is C-section a major surgery?

A caesarean is a major operation that carries a number of risks, so it's usually only done if it's the safest option for you and your baby.

What is the fastest way to recover from C-section pain?

Why is C-section recovery so painful?

“The nerve endings at the incision site can be disrupted during surgery, which is the most common cause of numbness,” explains Teen, “[while] the most common cause of incision pain is due to adhesions and scar tissue buildup.”

How soon can you take a newborn out in public?

There are no set rules about how long to wait before taking a newborn out into the world or when to let people near the baby. Some doctors recommend that parents wait until their baby is a few months old before going to crowded public places (like malls, movie theaters, and airplanes).

When can a newborn go outside?

According to most pediatric health experts, infants can be taken out in public or outside right away as long as parents follow some basic safety precautions. There's no need to wait until 6 weeks or 2 months of age. Getting out, and in particular, getting outside in nature, is good for parents and babies.

Why can't you drive after having a baby?

Driving after having a baby

There is no rule or legal requirement about when you can start driving again after giving birth vaginally. But it is best to wait until any medication is out of your system, you're not in pain and you feel comfortable and confident before you get behind the wheel.

Can I drive 1 week after C-section?

Doctors usually recommend that you avoid driving a car until your caesarean wound has healed and you can brake suddenly without feeling sharp pain. This is usually around 4-6 weeks.

How long can you not shower after C-section?

Unfortunately, submerging yourself in water is only safe once the incision has healed, which is generally seven to 10 days after surgery. At this point in your C-section recovery timeline, you'll be wearing a pad for postpartum vaginal bleeding, which may last several weeks following delivery.

Why would you be put to sleep for C-section?

General anesthesia is most often used when a C-section is urgent and there isn't time for an epidural or a spinal block. We place a breathing tube through your mouth, down your throat, and into your lungs to help you breathe during the procedure. You'll be asleep during the C-section.

What are the benefits of C-section?

Pros of an elective C-section

Lower risk of incontinence and sexual dysfunction after the birth of the baby. Lower risk of the baby being deprived of oxygen during delivery. Lower risk of the baby experiencing trauma while passing through the birth canal.

How long do C-sections take?

A caesarean section is an operation to give birth to your baby. Caesarean section surgery usually takes 30-60 minutes, although the entire process takes a few hours. There'll be many people in the operating theatre with you.

Can you poop after C-section?

“Sometimes, after a C-section, the bowels can take some time to wake up since you've just gone through a major surgery,” explains Dr. Newlin. “It can take three or four days for your first poop after delivery.” That same timeframe holds true if you're taking opioid pain medications.

Are you on bedrest 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.”