About one-third of women give birth by cesarean section (C-section), whether scheduled or due to an emergency. But while C-sections are common procedures, don’t take the recovery afterward lightly. This method of childbirth is a surgery that takes some time to heal from.
See our holistic obstetrics and gynecology experts at Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery in Spring Valley, New York, to learn more about C-sections or schedule a prenatal visit.
C-sections are a type of surgery performed in a delivery room or operating room. You first receive regional anesthesia to avoid any feeling from the waist down, but you typically remain awake during the procedure.
Your specialist inserts a urinary catheter, hooks you up to an intravenous (IV) line, cleans your skin, makes an incision, gently removes your baby, and closes the incision. C-section procedures might last about 45 minutes.
After undergoing a C-section, you can expect:
Anticipate to remain in the hospital or surgery center overnight, often for a total of two or three days. While in a recovery area for 1-2 hours, your OB/GYN specialists monitor your breathing, bleeding, blood pressure, pulse, and other vital signs. You can begin breastfeeding your baby during this time (as with a vaginal delivery).
Take medications for pain as directed by your healthcare provider after the anesthesia wears off. You might receive medicines through an IV line or orally. Eliminating discomfort allows you to focus on your baby and your recovery.
As your intestinal tract begins to work normally after a C-section, you may experience some gas. Get out of bed to move around or go for a walk, as instructed, to ease any gas pains.
After delivering your baby via C-section, you may begin with a liquid diet, gradually adding solid foods back in as tolerated.
Your abdomen may be sore for several days or weeks. Medications prescribed by your OB/GYN provider help ease any discomfort.
Limit physical activity, driving, and lifting after a C-section. Your specialist may recommend light walking during your recovery. Rely on family members and friends to help as you heal, as full recovery after a C-section may take 4-6 weeks.
You might experience some cramping for up to six weeks after undergoing a C-section. Ask your provider which medications are okay to take to reduce the discomfort.
Avoid sex after a C-section for at least six weeks, or when your Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery provider gives you the OK, to avoid disruption in healing.
Expect some vaginal discharge after a C-section as your uterine lining sheds. It’s often initially red or brown, gradually changing to yellow or a lighter color. You might need to use sanitary pads until the discharge stops. Avoid douching or using tampons.
Caring for your newborn at home means a lot less sleep. Have family members and friends help you when needed to ensure you get the rest required to recover from a C-section.
Contact your OB/GYN provider after a C-section if you experience:
When in doubt about whether your C-section side effects are normal or a cause for concern, contact your OB/GYN provider.
You might be able to have a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), depending on your complication risk factors. The Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery experts determine if you’re a good candidate for a VBAC based on the reason for your C-section and the chance of a successful vaginal delivery in the future.
Do you have additional questions or need to schedule a C-section? Visit with our Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery specialists today by calling our office or requesting an appointment online.
