Caesarean section is an operation performed under general anesthesia or epidural anesthesia. This is done for artificial delivery. Abdominal surgery violates the integrity of the peritoneum, which in some cases leads to serious complications. To achieve a quick recovery after a cesarean section, you need to follow the right recommendations.
First time after surgery
Immediately after a caesarean section, the woman in labor is placed in the intensive care unit. A heating pad with ice is placed on the stomach. It is necessary for rapid contraction of the uterus and stopping bleeding. The woman in labor is constantly monitored and painkillers are prescribed. In case of large blood loss, the woman is given drips with saline solution.
Nurses check pulse, blood pressure and body temperature. The surgical sutures are ligated twice a day and the consistency of vaginal discharge is checked.
Breastfeeding helps the body quickly recover after a cesarean section. In this case, the uterus contracts faster.
After 24 hours, the woman in labor is transferred to the recovery room. Pain therapy continues further. Women are prohibited from eating dense foods that overload the intestines. In some cases, specialists prescribe drugs that restore the activity of the gastrointestinal tract.
On the second day, the woman begins to get up and walk. The postoperative suture is treated daily. It must remain dry. On the 5th day, the woman undergoes an ultrasound, and on the 6th, her stitches are removed.
The importance of movement
Initially, the woman in labor will feel weak and therefore will not be able to move. 6 hours after the operation, the woman is advised to roll over from side to side, slightly pulling her legs towards her stomach.
If anesthesia was used during the operation, the woman in labor will need to cough to get rid of the mucus that has formed in the lungs. You shouldn't be afraid to do this. The seams must be reinforced with a pillow, hands or sheets. You should take a deep breath, filling your lungs with air. Then exhale completely, gently into yourself. It should not be inflated. A sound similar to a dog's "woof" is made. You need to do these exercises several times a day.
Simple movements can be done right in bed. This can be rotation of the feet, hands, bending and straightening of the legs at the knees.
It is best to get up and walk for short distances and under the supervision of medical staff. Sitting down and standing up is allowed after the woman puts on a bandage or wraps a sheet around her stomach.
Postoperative period
After a caesarean section, a wound remains on the uterus and peritoneum. The suture may cause pain for 3-4 weeks. This is considered a normal reaction of the body to surgery. To eliminate pain, non-steroidal drugs can be prescribed, which are combined with lactation.
According to reviews, recovery after a cesarean section includes constant monitoring of the suture. In the first week, ichor is released from it. This is a normal wound healing process. Along with this, there is a constant desire to scratch the seam. This is prohibited. If a woman discovers purulent discharge in the area of the incision and her stomach is burning, then she needs to inform the medical staff about this.
Restoring the abdomen after a cesarean section, the photo is presented in the article, includes procedures for healing the suture. The scar on it usually bothers the woman for a year. There may be fuzzy outlines of hard compactions around it. If there is no suppuration and pain, then the woman should not worry. Over time, the scar will soften and the surface will smooth out.
A year after giving birth, you can use special creams that dissolve the sutures.
What is forbidden to do
After surgery, a woman should not lead the same lifestyle as during natural childbirth. There are certain restrictions.
If water gets on an unhealed seam, the mother in labor should not panic. After a shower, treat it with brilliant green and apply a gauze bandage on top. This will dry the seam and will not lead to complications. There is no need to do this all the time.
Some experts recommend wearing a bandage for recovery after a cesarean section. And others - replace it with shapewear.
Physical exercises are postponed for a while. After all, training can lead to suture divergence and internal bleeding. Loads should be moderate even after it has healed.
Women are prohibited from lifting weights. The child can only be held in a sitting position.
Nutrition for a woman in labor
A woman after a cesarean section should definitely monitor her diet. The menu should not contain foods that cause constipation, increased gas formation and allergies.
You need to eat fractionally, 5-6 times a day, the portion should be 100 g. These can be vegetable purees and broths, boiled lean meat and fish, water porridge (with the exception of rice). After surgery, it is necessary to consume fermented milk products. They accelerate the recovery of the gastrointestinal tract. As a drink, you can use rosehip decoction with a minimum of sugar and water.
The correct menu will help restore your figure after a caesarean section. A specialist in the maternity hospital, at the request of the woman in labor, can provide a list of permitted products. In this case, it’s faster to create a menu. And the correct diet of the mother will be the key to the good health of the newborn. This will protect him from colic and gas.
Physical exercise
Women lose muscle tone after pregnancy, so they need exercise. However, giving birth to a child through surgery imposes some restrictions on restoring physical fitness. Only in the 3rd month are women in labor allowed to begin light exercise. Exercises for recovery after cesarean section:
- walking in place;
- slow bends to the sides;
- waving your arms;
- warming up the joints with circular movements.
After 6 months, they begin more complex exercises. Women can choose Pilates, dancing or swimming.
Abdominal recovery after a caesarean section is a lengthy process. After all, a woman is allowed to do a minimum of exercise at this time.
Menstruation after surgery
Doctors say that recovery from a cesarean section of the menstrual cycle depends on the individual characteristics of the body. This has nothing to do with the type of delivery. In the first days, lochia flows from the vagina, which then turns into slight bleeding. They stop after 3-4 weeks, which does not depend at all on the type of birth (naturally or through surgery).
When a woman feeds her newborn with breast milk, menstruation occurs after the cessation of lactation. This happens when the process is active. In this case, prolactin is actively produced in the body of a nursing woman, which slows down the ovulation process. If she supplements the baby with formula, the hormone level decreases. In such cases menstrual cycle recovers in 5-6 weeks.
Restoration of the uterus
Immediately after pregnancy, the organ begins to grow and reaches a size 500 times larger than its original size. After a caesarean section, it takes time for the uterus to recover, since there is a significant incision on it. The contraction of the organ lasts for 2 months, especially if complications arise during the operation. A woman is prescribed medications that contract the uterus. She needs to be observed by a gynecologist who will monitor the healing process of the suture in the abdominal cavity and the scar on the organ. After all, during the operation the uterus was dissected. It represents a wound surface, therefore sex life postponed for 1.5-2 months until complete healing.
Breast-feeding
General anesthesia has a negative effect on the lactation process. Mothers have to put in a lot of effort to achieve breastfeeding:
- Use the help and experience of medical personnel in the maternity hospital.
- Put the newborn to the breast more often.
- Avoid supplementary feeding of infants with formula.
- Feed your baby on demand.
- Use medications to stimulate lactation.
Breastfeeding will help restore the body after a caesarean section. A woman needs to forget about her pain and communicate affectionately with her child. His sucking movements will stimulate the production of prolactin and milk will appear.
Breastfeeding should be perceived as helping a woman recover quickly after childbirth.
Prevention of possible complications
During and after surgery, your health may deteriorate. This includes:
- Blood loss. If it is 0.5 liters, then this is considered normal. If blood loss is more than this amount, then it is considered serious. A woman is prescribed IVs.
- Adhesive processes. They are formed during any operation on connective tissue. Adhesions are necessary to protect against purulent processes. In large quantities, they cause difficulties in the functioning of internal organs. To prevent pathology from occurring after surgery, it is necessary to undergo a course of physiotherapy. Prevention of adhesions includes the process of pacing after cesarean section.
- Endometritis. It occurs when pathogenic microflora enters the uterus. For preventive purposes, the specialist prescribes a course of antibiotics after surgery.
- Inflammation or dehiscence of stitches. This usually happens due to improper behavior of the woman in labor. The cut requires proper treatment and care. On the 2-3rd day after surgery, lifting heavy objects is not recommended.
After surgery, a woman must carefully monitor all changes and quickly respond to them.
Psychological aspects of the operation
Women who gave birth to babies as a result of cesarean section are sometimes upset, believing that nature deprived them and denied them contractions and attempts. However, as a result of the operation, they learned several lessons that need to be learned:
- Any woman is not omnipotent, so processes occur in the world that are independent of her.
- Nobody is perfect, and there is nothing wrong with that.
- As a result of the operation, a child was born, which everyone was eagerly awaiting. Therefore, the woman achieved a positive result, but a little differently than she wanted.
Recovery after a cesarean section is a long process, taking several months. A woman needs to prepare herself for difficulties. She needs to think about the baby and his breastfeeding.
If your doctor has told you that you may need to have a C-section, there are likely a number of questions running through your mind. How does recovery occur after this? How long and how bad will it hurt? How to feed a baby after a caesarean section?
Recovery after a cesarean section is a longer process than with a natural birth. It usually takes about six weeks. So, along with taking care of your newborn and any other older children you have, you should be sure to take care of yourself to ensure a full recovery and return your body to its pre-pregnancy condition.
Recovery time after cesarean section
It will take you about six weeks to fully recover from a caesarean section. You can learn what to expect and what to look for at each stage.
1. First hour
Immediately after your caesarean section, you will be transferred to the recovery room where your condition and bleeding will be monitored. You will have a catheter placed in your bladder, eliminating the need to go to the toilet. An IV may also be placed, although this is not usually done now if there is no ongoing bleeding. Your lower body will be numb, and the medications may make you feel woozy and slightly dizzy.
2. First day
If all goes well within the first few hours, you will be moved to a recovery room. You will first be placed with an ice pack on your stomach to contract the uterus, and later will be prescribed a liquid diet until your doctor clears solid foods. Most likely, you will be asked to sit up and move a little.
3. Second day
The morning after surgery, your catheter will likely be removed, allowing you to go to and from the toilet. Physical activity helps circulation, improves bowel function, and due to this, recovery after cesarean occurs faster. You will feel great after your shower. If there is bleeding, wear a pad. If a drip was placed, it will be removed, but they will still continue to give painkillers.
4. Four days later
If there are no complications, you will be discharged from the hospital. The staples will be removed (unless you have absorbable sutures) and sterile strips will be applied over your incision. You will be given instructions for caring for your incision and will not be allowed to lift anything heavier than the baby, and you will not have sexual intercourse, douching, or use tampons until your six-week checkup.
5. Two weeks later
By this time you will feel much better. You will need to go to the doctor to have your stitch checked. Ask questions you have, including what activities you can do. Your uterus may not have shrunk yet, so you may still look pregnant.
6. Four weeks later
You will feel even better and much more comfortable. The bleeding should decrease. Don't compare your C-section recovery to anyone else's as everything is completely individual. If you are tired, then rest. If you feel pain, take the prescribed painkiller. Listen to your body!
7. Six weeks later
By this point, you will most likely have fully recovered. Healthy women recover faster than those with certain chronic diseases. If you have had stitches, by this time they will be halfway gone, your uterus will have shrunk and you will be allowed to have sex. The suture may still be tender, but repaired.
How to speed up recovery after caesarean section
1. Seam care
Try to rest as often as possible. Keep baby supplies handy. Do not lift anything heavier than a child. Support your stomach with good posture and try not to strain it when coughing, laughing or sneezing. Use painkillers if necessary. Drink plenty of water and other liquids to avoid constipation. When you shower, let the soapy water wash over the grout, but don't scrub it and let it dry. Don't press too hard on the seam. Try wearing underwear that is a size larger than normal.
2. Check for signs of infections
Check the stitch daily for signs of infection. Tell your doctor right away if it suddenly becomes swollen, oozing, or red; if you develop a fever with a temperature higher than 38 degrees or if the stitch becomes increasingly painful.
3. Minimize breastfeeding discomfort
You will soon be able to breastfeed your baby after a cesarean section. There are several ways to minimize feeding discomfort by holding your baby over the incision. Place a pillow on your stomach that you can lay your baby on. Try laying him on his side, and then press the head to your chest, resting your back on your arm. Or you can try lying on your side. If you are unable to do so, ask your nurse to help you.
4. Vaginal discharge
During the first few days of recovering from a C-section, you may notice some blood coming from your vagina. Most likely, it will be several small clots. In the first month, the discharge will slow down, becoming watery and changing color from brown or pink to white or yellow. Call your doctor if the discharge continues or smells bad.
5. Relieve breast pain and milk leakage
A few days after surgery, your breasts may swell slightly and become more tender. You can ease your discomfort by breastfeeding your baby using a breast pump, or try expressing milk in a warm shower. You can try applying cold compresses to your breasts between feedings. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may also help.
If your breasts are leaking, you will likely need to wear nursing pads in your bra from time to time. Change them when they become wet or after feeding.
If you decide not to breastfeed, wear a sports bra to help stop your nipples from leaking milk. Do not express milk as this will increase your milk supply.
6. Pay attention to mood changes
Childbirth can bring a wide range of emotions, from ecstatic joy to tears, anxiety and irritability. Mild depression, known as baby blues, is quite common among mothers. It usually doesn't last very long. But if depression drags on, you should seek help. True postpartum depression is accompanied by more severe mood changes and includes overwhelming fatigue, loss of appetite and loss of mood. Contact your doctor if you feel depressed or find it difficult to care for your baby or do household chores.
7. Subsequent appointments
During your six-week checkup, your doctor will examine your abdomen, uterus, cervix, and vagina to make sure you are recovering properly. He will also check your breasts, blood pressure and weight. For some moms, the test may be scheduled earlier because the doctor will need to check your stitches. You can ask any questions you may have regarding the restoration of daily activities or mental and physical health.
8. Prevent gut problems
Constipation is a big problem after a cesarean section. After abdominal surgery, the intestines suffer and it takes time to recover. In this case, another problem can be intestinal gases. If the intestines are distended, it can cause pain that radiates to other parts of the body. You can use tablets for bloating and gas, and laxatives. Eat a fiber-rich diet of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Drink plenty of water and prune juice. Move as much as possible.
On forums, mothers are vigorously discussing the issue of the advisability of a cesarean section. Many people are afraid of it, and all because of the long rehabilitation period, as well as the sagging of the abdomen after. Is everything really that sad? Let's talk about this in the article "Recovering from Caesarean Section."
We are afraid of caesarean section, and this despite the fact that in some countries the percentage of its implementation is close to 90%. Of course, this is a surgical intervention, which under normal conditions is undesirable, but if it is, there is nothing to think about. It is important to preserve the health, and even the life, of yourself and your baby. Just a woman is also responsible for them.
By the way, both EP and CS are equally dangerous for women. In both cases, serious complications can develop. The only difference is in the characteristics of the procedure and the recovery period. The latter, by the way, lasts longer after a cesarean section, and there are reasons for this:
But even despite all this, a quick recovery is possible after a CS. Just to feel it for yourself, you need to listen to your doctor’s advice and provide yourself with proper care after surgery.
First days after surgery
The cesarean section operation itself lasts no more than 40–60 minutes. After this, the incision is sutured with threads (absorbable or non-absorbable) or staples are placed on it. Sometimes a drain is installed to drain the fluid, which is removed after a couple of days. If necessary, sutures are removed on the 5th – 6th day.
Ice is placed on the seam on top of the stomach. By the way, it is precisely this severe cooling that women complain about after such a delivery.
After the operation is completed, the woman is transferred to the intensive care unit for two hours, and then to the postpartum unit. And be sure to watch her closely during the first day. What do doctors do?
- measure blood pressure and pulse;
- monitor body temperature;
- assess the condition of the uterus and its contractility;
- process the seam.
Without fail, she is given nutrient solutions, intravenously, and antibiotic therapy is prescribed. And there is no need to be afraid of her, modern antibacterial drugs are quite compatible with breastfeeding.
- Get up or turn over in bed carefully. If you need to get up, they advise you to first get up, then lower your legs, sit for a while and only then get up. It’s good if there are relatives or a nurse nearby who will support you. Hard time. Sudden movements are prohibited. They can cause dizziness, low blood pressure, and fainting.
- There is nothing to eat. It is important to go without food for up to 20 hours. Then you can gradually start with broths and light foods (low-fat cottage cheese, pure yogurt). True, from the very beginning they are allowed to drink water with lemon.
- Monitor urine output. If there are no complications, the urinary catheter will most likely be removed within 20 to 24 hours. Now you need to pay attention to your body, because for the first time after the operation, a woman may not feel the urge to urinate. That is why she is recommended to empty her bladder on her own. The main thing is not to be afraid of anything, soon everything will pass, and sensitivity will be restored.
The baby is usually delivered on the second or third day. Pain relief is also provided for up to 2 – 3 days. By the way, women feel best after a CS with spinal anesthesia, rather than general.
Uterine restoration and suture care
Both after a planned CS and after a CS due to complicated labor, care of the uterus falls on the hospital staff. They prescribe drugs for contraction (oxytocin) and non-narcotic painkillers to the woman in labor. To control the process, monitor the discharge, because if contractility is impaired, bleeding may develop.
At the same time, drug stimulation of the intestines is carried out. This is necessary to remove gases, which can not only cause pain, but also provoke the development of adhesions - adhesions between intestinal loops and other organs. Moreover, if the adhesions are severe, repeated surgery may be required.
The seam is washed and treated with antiseptics, for example brilliant green. If it is not inflamed, for speedy healing it is recommended to lubricate it with calendula ointment after a couple of days. 
Restoring the cycle after a caesarean section is a separate matter. Firstly, because each organism is individual, and secondly, it’s all due to interference in the process of delivery itself. To minimize possible harm, doctors recommend feeding the baby more often (during breastfeeding, oxytocin is released, which stimulates uterine contractions). Every day it changes its size, returning to its usual pre-pregnancy size and drops by 1 cm. The most interesting thing is that subsequently the uterus can become even smaller than it was before pregnancy.
In the first days, specific discharge appears - lochia. This is the result of bleeding on the surface of the uterus, causing it to heal faster. The duration of lochia is 6 – 8 weeks. Moreover, during this period they can change color, smell, and intensity of discharge.
Thanks to them, you can control the recovery time: if they are over, it means the body has been restored. Sometimes after such births an anovulatory cycle is possible - this is when ovulation does not occur, but here it is necessary to normalize sleep, improve proper nutrition, exclude diseases, and then everything will pass.
As with EP, the restoration of menstruation depends on lactation. The less the mother feeds the baby, the faster they will come.
Abdominal restoration and figure exercises
Rehabilitation after a caesarean section is also an individual issue. In general, it lasts up to six months. The woman in labor is discharged on the 6th - 7th day, after which it is recommended to abstain from physical activity for at least 2, or even 4 weeks. You can’t lift the baby either, as the seam on the stomach may come apart. But this does not mean that it is forbidden to take care of yourself.
The very next day after surgery, if there were no complications, you are allowed to do simple exercises:
- sitting at the back, slowly pull your toes towards you;
- rotate your feet in a circle;
- press your knees together and release;
- tense and relax the gluteal muscles;
- bend both legs in turn.
This is needed not so much for your figure as for normalizing digestion and speedy recovery. Therapeutic gymnastics is also indicated if there are no contraindications:
- stroking the belly clockwise;
- chest from bottom to top;
- lower back from bottom to top;
- sliding your feet along the sheet.
To regain slimness after a caesarean section you need. Physical activity is possible only after the stitch has healed. Reviews from some mothers indicate that they started exercising 1.5 months after the CS, but you should not follow them blindly. First you need to go to the doctor and make sure everything is okay.
Running, swimming, moderate (!) loads on the abdominal area are recommended, but it is better to do them with a professional trainer who will select the optimal ones just for you! Classes begin no earlier than in 2 months.
It is not always possible for a woman to give birth to a child naturally. In some cases, doctors have no other choice but to help the baby be born through surgery. A caesarean section is a full-fledged abdominal operation, so a young mother needs more time to recover after childbirth than women who gave birth naturally. Obstetricians and gynecologists warn that after a CS, various complications may develop, so a young mother needs to carefully monitor her condition and follow all the doctor’s recommendations in order to reduce the risk of negative consequences after surgical delivery.
The first days after a caesarean section: how to behave as a young mother
Caesarean section in modern obstetrics is the most common operation. If the expectant mother has direct indications for delivery through surgery or there is a threat to the health and life of the woman and child, doctors urgently perform a CS. Before helping the baby to be born, doctors inject the woman in labor with a special drug that affects the body and the expectant mother does not feel pain. Today, CS is performed under general anesthesia (the woman falls asleep and comes to her senses after delivery is completed) and epidural anesthesia (the anesthesiologist injects an anesthetic into the spinal canal in the lumbar region, the expectant mother remains conscious, but does not feel her body below the waist).
Today, a pregnant woman who is scheduled for a planned CS can independently choose the type of anesthesia. Many expectant mothers choose an epidural to be awake and watch the birth of their baby.
Doctors always warn the young mother about the possibility of developing complications after surgery, so they give recommendations and monitor the woman’s condition for several days from the moment of birth. To reduce the risk of negative consequences, you must follow all the advice of the gynecologist and do not rush to care for the baby yourself. The process of her recovery largely depends on how a woman behaves after a cesarean section. It is necessary to give the body a rest and gather strength.
After a caesarean section, the young mother will spend at least five to seven days in the maternity hospital If the operation was performed under general anesthesia, then the young mother will come to her senses thirty to sixty minutes after the end of the CS. With spinal anesthesia, the restoration of full body sensation depends on the individual: some women can control the lower body almost immediately after childbirth, others take a little longer.
Based on the experience of women and doctors, after epidural anesthesia, a young mother feels much better than after general anesthesia.
Immediately after the CS, the woman is transferred to the intensive care unit. Medical staff constantly monitors the mother’s condition: monitors blood pressure and body temperature, checks whether the uterus is contracting and whether bleeding has started. Doctors also inject into the body medications, which help the reproductive organ contract, antibiotics to prevent infection after surgical delivery, painkillers and other medications necessary to maintain the body after surgery.
Motor activity after surgical delivery
Much attention is paid to physical activity, which is mandatory for women who have given birth to babies by cesarean section:
- two to four hours after the operation, the young mother should begin to move her arms and legs. Of course, everything depends on the woman’s well-being, but careful movements are required: you are allowed to work your toes (pull them towards you), strain and relax your gluteal muscles, rotate your feet and hands in one direction and the other;
If the operation went without complications and the mother’s life is not in danger, she recovered from anesthesia easily, then a little motor activity of her arms and legs will only benefit her.
- It is recommended to perform Kegel exercises: squeezing and relaxing the vaginal muscles. This is an excellent prevention of urinary problems, and exercises also help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles;
- On the first day, doctors advise women to roll over from one side to the other. Movements should not be sudden, everything should be done gradually, not in a hurry, so as not to provoke severe pain in the suture area;
- In most cases, doctors do not allow you to get up during the first 24 hours after surgery. This is especially true for young mothers who have had epidural anesthesia: in this case, bed rest should be at least twelve hours from the moment of delivery. After general anesthesia, many women also spend twelve to twenty-four hours in bed;
However, gynecologists allow some young mothers to get up eight to ten hours after the CS. It all depends on the woman’s condition and the complexity of childbirth. Early physical activity is an excellent prevention of the formation of adhesions.
- Getting out of bed for the first time should be supervised and assisted by a nurse. The young mother needs to turn to her side and carefully lower both legs off the bed. Then, leaning on the headboard or the hand of the medical staff, you need to slowly rise to your feet and take several steps with support;
- sitting down is allowed only on the third day after the operation;
If complications arise after the operation or the young mother has difficulty recovering from anesthesia, she may be allowed to sit down only on the fourth day after birth. The decision is made by the doctor depending on the woman’s condition.
- You should know that bending over and squatting after a CS is prohibited so that the stitches do not come apart. Before discharge from the hospital, the doctor will definitely tell you when it will be possible to perform these actions. It all depends on the process of tissue regeneration: the faster the suture heals, the faster the young mother can return to an active pace.
After a caesarean section, in most cases you are allowed to get up only on the second day after delivery Video: obstetrician-gynecologist about physical activity
Features of the condition of a young mother in the first days after a CS
In many ways, the mother’s condition after surgical delivery depends on the individual characteristics of the body. According to the experience of doctors, some women ask permission to get up and look at the baby after eight to ten hours, while others spend two or three days in bed, are in no hurry to show physical activity and do not feel the desire to return to an active rhythm of life.
Doctors explain: a little physical activity after a CS is mandatory. In this case, the body recovers faster and the risk of negative postoperative consequences is reduced. Therefore, young mothers should follow all the recommendations of specialists.
In the first few days, mothers experience a feeling of weakness, as well as severe pain in the suture area. To relieve pain, they must be given painkillers. Women also feel pain while walking - this is normal, because an operation was performed and the body needs time to restore and regenerate tissue. The nurse treats the wound every day, making sure there is no infection and the stitches do not come apart. Before being discharged from the maternity hospital, the doctor will definitely tell you what can be done and what is a contraindication for a young mother for a certain period of time.
Separately, the doctor will inform the woman about postpartum bleeding - lochia. Some young mothers think that lochia appears only after vaginal birth. However, this is a misconception: spotting is a sign of the normal process of recovery of the uterus after childbirth, regardless of the method of delivery. Normally, lochia lasts about six to eight weeks: the color and intensity of the discharge gradually changes.
If a young mother notices an increase in bloody discharge (one pad is enough for forty to sixty minutes), then it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor, perhaps this is a sign of uterine bleeding. Also, consultation with a doctor is necessary in cases where lochia suddenly stops. This situation is not normal and may indicate the accumulation of blood clots in the uterine cavity.
Contraindications in the first months
For six to seven days, the woman and baby are in the maternity hospital. The doctor carefully monitors the condition of the suture, and the nurse treats the incision area once a day. On the fifth day, an ultrasound of the pelvic organs is required to see how the uterus contracts and whether there are any complications. If everything is in order, then on the fifth or sixth day after the operation, the young mother’s stitches are removed and they begin to prepare her for discharge.
Of course, a young mother strives to quickly get home with her baby and start caring for the baby, giving him love and care. However, you also shouldn’t forget about your health. Avoid overexerting yourself, lifting heavy objects, and performing all household chores on your own. After a CS, it is necessary to give the body time and opportunity to recover, and caring for the newborn and housework can be shared with your husband or nanny.
After a caesarean section, a woman should not carry her baby in her arms for a long time. What physical activities are prohibited for a young mother?
Many women do not imagine that someone will do all the housework and also care for the baby while they are recovering from a surgical delivery. Doctors explain: physical activity and caring for a newborn are not prohibited at all for a young mother, they are even useful, but it is necessary to know a sense of proportion and give the body a rest. Gynecologists share a list of recommendations that a woman needs to follow after a cesarean section:
- for three months, a young mother is prohibited from lifting weights weighing more than three to four kilograms;
In most cases, this is the weight of a newborn baby. However, this does not mean that a woman can constantly carry the baby in her arms or in a sling. Doctors allow you to pick up the baby in your arms and place it in a crib or stroller, feed the baby, but not carry him in your arms for a long time.
- Doing housework, especially washing the floor, wiping dust, washing by hand (those processes where you need to bend or squat) should be delegated to your husband or housekeeper or relatives. For a month or two, the mother should take care of herself and not overexert herself. Only after the doctor's permission can a woman return to doing housework;
- play sports or perform physical exercise prohibited for two months;
Of course, all young mothers strive to get in shape as quickly as possible, but after surgery you need to wait some time.
Diet and food of a young mother
In order for the recovery process to proceed faster and without complications, a woman must eat properly. Very often, young mothers experience problems with the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract: most experience constipation and pain during bowel movements. Therefore, doctors recommend adhering to a special diet, especially in the first week after delivery.
A woman needs to eat a balanced diet, excluding all harmful foods and dishes, for at least two to three months after surgery. And the ideal solution would be proper nutrition on an ongoing basis.
All dishes should be steamed, cooked or baked. It is strictly forbidden to eat fatty, spicy, fried, smoked or pickled dishes and food products. Also, a young mother is not recommended to eat fatty meats (pork) and fish. It is necessary to exclude sweets, baked goods, baked goods and confectionery products from the diet. Vegetables and fruits should only be eaten that are not strong allergens. And also after a CS it is not recommended to include in the menu dishes that contribute to constipation. It is better to diversify your diet with dairy products and fresh vegetables.
Table: what you can eat in the first week after CS
| Day after surgery | Approximate menu |
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A woman after a caesarean section must follow a diet How long should you not have sex?
Gynecologists allow sexual intercourse to be resumed after the lochia has completely stopped. This usually happens two months after the baby is born. However, before having sex, you should consult your doctor. At the appointment, the gynecologist will conduct an examination using mirrors, take tests and perform an ultrasound. If, according to the results of the examination, no inflammatory processes or infections of the uterus and genital organs are detected in the young mother, the doctor will allow sexual intercourse.
Some married couples ignore medical prohibitions and resume intimate relationships much earlier. This threatens the development of severe inflammation, as well as infection on the wound surface of the uterus. Therefore, doctors recommend not to risk your health and wait the required two months before having sex.
Complete recovery of the body from the moment of surgery takes from three to six months, depending on how the operation went, whether there were complications, and the individual characteristics of the woman, for example, the rate of tissue regeneration, also have a great influence. In most cases, three months after the CS, the young mother is allowed to play sports and perform exercises to restore her figure. However, gynecologists explain that it takes much more time to restore the muscles of the uterus: by four months, the suture on the wall of the reproductive organ is scarred, but it takes about two to three years for it to strengthen. Therefore, it is recommended to plan your next pregnancy no earlier than twenty-four months after a cesarean section.
Even if the baby is on breastfeeding, young parents should think in advance about contraceptive methods and choose the most suitable one for both partners. You should not risk the health and life of a woman, because early pregnancy after a CS can cause a rupture of the wall of the reproductive organ.
General recommendations for recovery in the first six to eight weeks
First of all, a woman must follow all the doctor’s recommendations. In this case, many problems will be avoided and the rehabilitation process after surgery will go much faster. Doctors advise adhering to the following rules:
- take a shower at least twice a day. You can wet the suture only with the permission of the doctor, not earlier, so as not to introduce an infection into the wound or damage the suture area;
- Do not rub the seam with a washcloth;
- For personal hygiene, use only hypoallergenic cosmetics that do not contain any harmful or hazardous components;
- Avoid taking baths for two months after the CS. At this time, only warm showers are allowed;
- Before discharge, the doctor will definitely give recommendations regarding the treatment of the suture. The prescription indicates the necessary medications (Miramistin, Levomekol ointment and others). A woman must treat the wound once or twice a day according to the regimen prescribed by the gynecologist;
- to maintain the strength of the body, doctors advise taking special vitamin and mineral complexes for pregnant and nursing mothers, for example, Elevit Pronatal, Complivit, Pregnakea and others;
- eat small meals five to six times a day;
- Be sure to take a walk in the fresh air, preferably walking. But it’s worth remembering that you shouldn’t overexert yourself too much;
- use a bandage to tighten the abdomen. However, after a CS it is necessary to remember that wearing this product is prohibited at all times. You need to take a break every three to four hours. If you do not remove the bandage, this may cause infection of the seam;
- charge positive emotions: spend more time with the baby, relax and prepare for a speedy recovery. Psychologists have proven that the body’s ability to quickly return to shape largely depends on the woman’s mood.
From the experience of young mothers: how did the recovery go?
Until six months, I only walked briskly with the child, this was my only exercise, and after I started doing yoga again and pumping up my abs, though without fanaticism.
Budoshka
Diet, sports, long walks with a stroller - and I became better than before) The only thing is that I had to wait 1.5 months with abdominal exercises, but everything else is possible.
Just a dreamer
https://deti.mail.ru/forum/zdorove/zdorove_krasota_diety/vosstanovlenie_posle_kesareva_sechenija/
Everything returned to normal and within 6 months the weight was gone. Light gymnastics from 6 months. Well, once every 3 months, massage the cervical-collar area for general well-being and positivity.
Mother of Fox Friendly and Cool
https://deti.mail.ru/forum/zdorove/zdorove_krasota_diety/vosstanovlenie_posle_kesareva_sechenija/
After the operation, they raised me to my feet after 6 hours; it was difficult to lean on my legs and I felt very nauseous, but after a couple of hours I was already walking along the corridor on my own. The baby was delivered 15 minutes after the operation and then he stayed with me the whole time. I took a separate room, where either my husband or my mother spent the night with me and helped with the baby. The recovery lasted about a month, and then I didn’t even remember about the operation, the stitch healed, the stomach completely disappeared, and when the baby was 3 months old, she was already running to training.
Karina
After the CS I wore a bandage, everything healed well. Then I decided that I needed to somehow get rid of the scar and started applying Contractubex. The gel did a great job of helping the seam smooth out. Now only a thin light strip remains from the operation. And my son is already 3, we are growing up little by little.
Marina
https://www.baby.ru/community/view/44187/forum/post/9763217/?page=3
Physical activity after caesarean section
After pregnancy and the birth of a child, many young mothers are in a hurry to get back into shape, because extra pounds and stretch marks on the stomach are not at all pleasing. However, after a caesarean section, doctors prohibit physical activity for at least two months, and in some cases this period increases. Once the doctor approves exercise, a woman can plan her time and set aside an hour or more for exercise aimed at improving her figure.
Childbirth by cesarean section is a complex surgical operation that involves a serious recovery period. The first day after surgery is the most difficult. At this time, it is especially difficult for mom to get up and even roll over on her side. Later, when the woman returns home, she wants to get her figure in order as quickly as possible. How to get rid of belly fat without provoking the development of complications of cesarean section.
In the maternity hospital
The first hours after the operation, the young mother is under the constant supervision of medical personnel in the intensive care unit. During this time, mommy is not allowed to sit down or make sudden movements. It is recommended to get up no earlier than 3–12 hours after surgery. The young mother is regularly examined, the contractile activity of the uterus and the abundance of postpartum discharge are assessed.
In the first days, it’s not only difficult for mom to get up on her feet, it even hurts her to cough and sneeze. In order to alleviate your condition, you need to follow a few simple rules in the first weeks after a cesarean section:
- Don't roll over suddenly. First you need to roll your hips over, resting your feet on the bed. After this, turn the case over.
- You need to get up from a position lying on your side. Lower your feet to the floor, rest your hand on the bed and lift your body, now you can stand up. It is allowed to get up only after the recommendations of the attending physician.
- When coughing, be sure to support the stitches with your hands or a pillow. You need to cough with barking sounds without straining your stomach.
- With increased gas formation, which invariably occurs after any surgical intervention on the abdominal cavity, massage or special medications will help. If you are concerned about bloating in the intensive care unit, contact your doctor.
- Visiting the toilet can only be done with a doctor's permission. Don't be afraid to defecate, it won't cause the stitches to come apart. Holding back the urge to go to the toilet can negatively affect uterine contractions or lead to constipation.