C-Section healing time

6 Tips on Sleep, Pain, Diet, and Much More

Childbirth is an exciting time. You finally get to meet the baby growing inside you for the last 9 months.

Yet, having a baby can be taxing on your body, especially if you’ve had a cesarean delivery, commonly referred to as a C-section. You’ll need more time to recover than you would after a routine vaginal delivery.

Here are six suggestions to help speed up your recovery so you can spend less time sore and tired — and more time bonding with your new baby.

A cesarean delivery (C-section) is major surgery. Just like with any surgery, your body needs time to heal afterward.

Expect to stay in the hospital for 2 to 4 days after your delivery. If there are complications, your stay will be longer. Give your body 6 to 8 weeks to fully heal.

That’s easier said than done. It’s hard to crawl into bed for hours on end when you have a baby who’s demanding lots of attention.

You’ve probably heard this advice from well-meaning friends and relatives: “Sleep whenever your baby sleeps. ” They’re right. Try to sleep whenever your baby naps.

Ask for help from those friends and relatives with diaper changes and housework so you can lie down when possible. Even a few minutes of rest here and there throughout the day can help.

Take extra care in getting around while you heal. Follow these tips:

• Avoid going up and down stairs as much as you can. Keep everything you need, like food and supplies for changing diapers, close to you so that you do not have to get up too often.
• Do not lift anything heavier than your baby. Ask for help from your partner, friends, or family members.
• Whenever you have to sneeze or cough, hold your abdomen to protect the incision site.
• It could take up to 8 weeks for you to get back into your normal routine. 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. Plus, walks are a great way to introduce your baby to the world.

Your postpartum mental health

Remember that your mental health is as important as your physical health. Having a baby can bring up feelings you never expected.

If you feel sad, disappointed, anxious, or exhausted, do not ignore it. Talk about your emotions with a friend, your partner, your doctor, or a counselor.

Ask your doctor what pain medications you can take, especially if you’re breastfeeding or chestfeeding.

Depending on the level of your discomfort, your doctor might prescribe a pain reliever or advise you to take an over-the-counter (OTC) one, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

In addition to pain medication, you can use a heating pad to relieve discomfort at the surgical site.

Good nutrition is just as important in the months after you deliver as it was while you were pregnant.

If you’re breastfeeding or chestfeeding, you’re still your baby’s primary source of nutrition. Eating a variety of foods will keep your baby healthy and help you get stronger.

A 2017 study shows that eating fruits and vegetables while breastfeeding imparts flavors in breast milk that increase your child’s enjoyment and consumption of those foods as they grow.

Also, drink plenty of fluids, especially water. You need extra fluids to boost your milk supply and to avoid constipation.

Your body will continue to undergo physical changes even after your baby is born. Changes you might experience include:

• afterpains, a type of cramping that occurs as your uterus returns to its prepregnancy size
• breast engorgement, or swelling
• lochia, a type of vaginal discharge mostly made of blood
• vaginal dryness
• diastasis recti, or the separation of your abdominal muscles
• hair loss
• skin changes, like loose skin or acne
• night sweats
• headache

Some of these, like afterpains and lochia, will eventually go away on their own. Treatments and home remedies are available for some of the others.

Try the following:

• lubricants or vaginal creams made of estrogen for vaginal dryness
• exercises for diastasis recti or loose skin
• supplements and topical treatments for hair loss
• topical treatments, oral isotretinoin (Absorbica, Amnesteen, Claravis), or birth control pills for acne
• lightweight pajamas for night sweats
• OTC pain medications for headache

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Check out our recommendations for postpartum hair products and postpartum pajamas.

There are a variety of options to help you manage breast engorgement, like:

• a warm compress or warm shower
• a cold compress or an ice pack
• nursing to expel the milk
• breast massage during nursing
• OTC pain medications

The 12 weeks after your baby is born are sometimes known as the 4th trimester.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that people see their OB-GYN or another doctor multiple times during this period.

The first assessment should take place no later than 3 weeks postpartum. A comprehensive final visit should occur no later than 12 weeks postpartum.

During these checkups, you and your doctor will discuss topics like:

• your physical recovery
• your mental health
• your energy levels and how you’re sleeping
• how your baby is doing and their feeding schedule
• birth control and whether you’re considering having more children
• chronic condition management
• how you’re managing any pregnancy-related complications, such as high blood pressure

You’ll probably feel some soreness in the incision, and you may have bleeding or discharge for up to 6 weeks after the C-section. That’s expected.

However, the following symptoms warrant a call to your doctor, because they could signal an infection:

• redness, swelling, or pus oozing from the incision site
• pain around the site
• fever of more than 100.4°F (38°C)
• bad-smelling discharge from the vagina
• heavy vaginal bleeding
• redness or swelling in your leg
• difficulty with breathing
• chest pain
• pain in your breasts

Also call your doctor if you feel sad and your mood never seems to lift, especially if you have thoughts of hurting your baby or yourself.

Finally, if you have a friend or sibling who went through a C-section, try not to compare yourself to them. Every person’s experience with this surgery is different.

Focus on your own healing right now and give your body the time it needs to get back to your normal.

C-Section Recovery Timeline and Aftercare – Cleveland Clinic

Having a baby is a major milestone in life. While it can be exciting, it can also take a toll on your body. Compared to a vaginal delivery, if you’ve had a cesarean delivery (C-section), you need to take extra precautions and give yourself even more time to recover from childbirth.

C-sections account for 31.7% of all deliveries in the U.S. As with any major surgery, it takes time for your body to heal. So what can you do? And what should you not do?

Ob/Gyn Erin Higgins, MD, explains what your recovery will look like and what to expect.

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

It takes about six weeks to recover from a C-section, but each person’s timeline will be different. An incision — typically a horizontal cut made in your lower abdomen — can take weeks to heal.

During that time, it’s recommended that you avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby. Don’t have sex or participate in rigorous exercise either.

Your doctor may recommend a C-section if:

• You’ve had one in the past.
• If your baby is in distress or in a breech position.
• The labor is not progressing.
• If you’re giving birth to multiple children at once.

Recovery timeline

While most individuals recover in about six weeks, it’s important to remember each person’s journey is different. Here’s what to expect.

Week 1

Most people will spend two to four days in the hospital after a C-section.

During this time, the hospital staff will help with pain management, ensure you’re eating and drinking enough and help you move around. This is all in addition to bonding with your newborn, which can include attempting to breastfeed.

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Once you return home, it’s important to take it easy and avoid lifting, twisting or any movements that can put pressure on the incision. “Those muscles are pretty weak because of the incision,” says Dr. Higgins. “It can be uncomfortable.”

Make sure you keep your incision clean and dry. To manage pain at home, Dr. Higgins recommends taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen on a regular schedule. An abdominal binder, a wide compression belt that goes around your stomach, can also be used to offer additional support and avoid putting stress on sutures.

It is also normal to have vaginal bleeding after a C-section, though it’s typically not as heavy as after a vaginal delivery. “It can last up to four to six weeks postpartum,” says Dr. Higgins. “Generally, the first few days are the heaviest with the passing of blood clots up to the size of a golf ball.” Contact your doctor if you’re soaking one pad per hour or passing large clots.

Having a support system around you is key during your recovery. Dr. Higgins suggests having your partner, family members or friends help with tasks like planning and making meals, doing laundry and even helping to care for your baby.

And do get up and move around, which can help avoid blood clots. “It’s recommended that you get up and walk around,” says Dr. Higgins. “We don’t want someone lying in bed for two weeks.”

Weeks 2 through 5

Your first postpartum visit should happen during the second week. At that time, your doctor will inspect the incision site and check that your recovery is progressing along.

Dr. Higgins says you should reach out to your physician earlier if you experience the following:

• Excessive pain.
• Infection at the incision site.
• Abnormal discharge.
• Heavy bleeding.
• Chest pain.
• Shortness of breath.
• Fever.
• Pain or swelling in your legs.

Over the next several weeks, you might also experience “baby blues,” caused by short-term fluctuations in hormones that can affect your mood. This is normal, says Dr. Higgins. But if you experience feelings like being depressed or feeling hopeless, talk to your doctor about postpartum depression and what it means.

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“If those feelings start disrupting your life and cause problems bonding with your baby, your doctor can offer some treatment options,” says Dr. Higgins. Options can range from medication, therapy or even support groups for new parents.

Week 6

At this point, you should have your final postpartum appointment with your doctor. Remember that everybody heals and recovers at different rates so it’s important to talk to your doctor about how you feel — and it’s OK if you need more time.

“Physical recovery from a C-section puts a lot of stress on the body,” says Dr. Higgins. “Resting and allowing your body to heal is very important.”

If your pain has decreased and the incision is properly healing, you may be given the green light to resume normal daily life.

“When a person has fully recovered, we view it as their graduation day,” says Dr. Higgins. “Sex, exercise — I recommend that they start those things slowly and gradually increase activity.”

Tips to recovery

Having a newborn and recovering from surgery doesn’t leave a lot of time for self-care. But it’s crucial you take time to take care of yourself. Here are a few tips on what to do.

• Get plenty of rest. Your body needs to heal, so don’t push yourself to return to your normal activities too soon.
• Avoid lifting heavy objects. You shouldn’t lift anything heavier than your baby.
• Talk a walk. Skip the heart-pounding exercise like running or lifting weights, but walking will help your body heal.
• Remember to eat. It can be overwhelming those first few weeks with a newborn but it’s important to make sure you’re eating a healthy diet — for you and your baby.
• Monitor your pain. Use a heating pad to provide relief and follow any directions from your doctor when it comes to pain medication.

incision, sutures, processing, care after surgery

Caesarean section is always performed in the interests of the mother and fetus when a woman cannot give birth through the natural birth canal.

Every year there is an increase in the number of operative delivery in obstetric practice. For example, in the 90s, the number of caesarean sections was 10.2%, and by 2005 - 17.9% ¹ .

Currently, the number of primiparous women over 35 has increased, as well as the number of in vitro fertilization (IVF). The widespread use of modern methods of fetal diagnostics: ultrasound, cardiac monitoring (registration of fetal cardiac activity and contractile activity of the uterus), X-ray pelvimetry (to determine the degree of narrowness of the bones of the female pelvis) - make it possible to better detect pregnancy anomalies and establish indications for caesarean section.

If indications for a caesarean section are determined during pregnancy, then surgery is planned. With a planned caesarean section, the frequency of postoperative complications is 2-3 times less than with an emergency operative caesarean section.

Vaginal disinfection with a solution of chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine is performed before caesarean section for ruptured membranes and in women in childbirth to reduce the risk of postoperative endometritis (inflammation of the inner layer of the uterus) ² .

Povidone iodine

Characteristics and properties of povidone iodine. What is povidone-iodine used for? Instructions for use of the solution, ointment, suppositories Betadine ^® with povidone-iodine.

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Types of incisions for caesarean section

By localization incisions on the uterus for caesarean section are:

Cesarean section is classified as a complex surgical intervention ¹ . Most often, manipulation is performed in the lower segment of the uterus with a transverse incision due to better healing of the postoperative wound ² in this area.

There are 3 types e steps through the anterior abdominal wall :

• Pfannenstiel incision (transverse incision of the skin and subcutaneous tissue along the suprapubic fold)
• Joel-Cohen incision (transverse incision of the skin and subcutaneous tissue 2.5-3 cm below the line connecting the anterior superior iliac spines)
• Inferior median incision (incision along the line between the umbilicus and the pubic bone)

Suturing

After the birth of the child and afterbirth, the uterus, peritoneum, abdominal muscles, and skin are sutured.

Tissue suturing is carried out with absorbable synthetic threads from catgut, vicryl, monocryl and others. Catgut threads dissolve in about 100 days, monocrylic threads in 90-120 days, Vicryl threads will dissolve by 42 days.

Immediately after a caesarean section, cold is applied to the lower abdomen for two hours to reduce bleeding. According to the indications, a woman is prescribed drugs that improve blood flow, painkillers, anticoagulants (prevent the formation of blood clots), oxytocin (improves the contractile function of the uterus), antibiotics. Some time after a caesarean section, unpleasant pain in the lower abdomen will persist. On the 5th day, ultrasound is prescribed to determine the condition of the wound. Staples or sutures from the anterior abdominal wall are removed on the 6-7th day, and on the 8th day the woman is discharged under the supervision of a antenatal clinic doctor at the place of residence.

Stitching algorithm after caesarean section

6 hours after caesarean delivery, the bandage is removed to minimize the risk of wound infection ³ .

Stitches after caesarean section are treated daily ¹ .
Processing may include the following steps:

Washing

If washing of the suture area is required, disinfecting solutions can be used: povidone-iodine, potassium permanganate solution, chlorhexidine solution.

Disinfection

At this stage, disinfectants and drying agents are applied: based on iodine, alcohol-containing solutions of brilliant green, fucorcin and others.

Let's consider the most popular means for decontamination of postoperative sutures.

Applying a dressing

After each treatment of the suture, it is recommended to apply a sterile dressing, which will protect the injured area from external influences.

Povidone-iodine solution (Betadine®)

Povidone-iodine solution ( Betadine ^® ) is a modern broad-spectrum antiseptic. It is used in various areas of modern medicine due to its activity against many microorganisms and a favorable benefit/risk ratio.

Solution Betadine ^® is active against bacteria, viruses, fungal pathogens and protozoa ⁴ . In this disinfectant, the iodine molecule is attached to the carrier - povidone, which made it possible to exclude alcohol from the composition and thereby ensure comfortable use of the drug, without burning sensations, even when applied to fresh wounds and sutures. When treating wounds, the components of the solution Betadine ^® are practically not absorbed into the body ⁸ , which ensures a high safety profile.

Wash with solution Betadine ^® diluted 1:10, and used undiluted for joint lubrication. It is important to note separately that the solution Betadine ^® allows for comfortable use without burning. Yellow-brown staining is easily washed off the skin with plain water.

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Based on povidone-iodine, Betadine® ointment is produced, which has a dual effect:

• povidone-iodine disinfects
• macrogol, which is part of the ointment, helps to “pull out” pus when it appears as a result of complications of wounds

Ointment0 Betadine0 ® can be used under dressings in a thin layer without rubbing into the incision twice a day.

In the treatment of infected wounds under wipes soaked in solution or Betadine Ointment ^® , during the first 5-7 days the area of ​​edema noticeably decreased and the amount of purulent discharge decreased, there was also a decrease in pain ⁵ .

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Solutions of hydrogen peroxide 3% and potassium permanganate

Solution of hydrogen peroxide 3% and solution of potassium permanganate (manganese) belong to the group of oxidizers. Upon contact with an unhealed suture, the active substance decomposes with the release of active oxygen, which causes a disinfecting effect. They are especially effective for suppressing anaerobic infections (clostridia, streptococci, shigella, yersinia, fusobacteria and others), for these microorganisms oxygen is detrimental, since an oxygen-free environment is needed for the normal functioning of these organisms. However, treating a wound with hydrogen peroxide does not guarantee against contracting a wound infection ⁶ , must not be used under occlusive (airtight) dressings ⁴ .

Use of hydrogen peroxide may cause allergic reactions ⁷ .

To prepare a solution of potassium permanganate, several crystals of potassium permanganate are placed in a container with warm water, only freshly prepared agent ⁸ is used. Potassium permanganate is subject to special control and accounting in the Russian Federation, therefore, the sale of this product is limited. Moreover, an undissolved crystal of potassium permanganate can cause skin burns.

Chlorhexidine solution

Chlorhexidine solution ⁹ belongs to the group of antiseptic and disinfectants, active against viruses, bacteria, fungal infections. Use 2-3 times a day with a mandatory exposure of 1-3 minutes. Simultaneous use with iodine is not recommended. It is used with caution during breastfeeding.

In addition, today there is a decrease in the effectiveness of a number of antiseptic preparations having a chlorine-containing molecule ¹¹ .

Care of a maturing scar

After the sutures have dissolved, the wound has healed, scar tissue begins to form. At this stage, to prevent the development of rough scars, it is recommended to use creams and gels based on silicone, hyaluronidase, natural plant components (for example, combined preparations based on onion extract, sodium heparin and allantoin).

Possible complications from incorrect or no handling

On the first day after caesarean section, the temperature may rise to 38°C and the number of leukocytes in the blood may increase ³ .

In the modern medical community, the strategy of "Accelerated recovery after surgery" is actively practiced - the woman in labor is prescribed pain relief, prevention of postoperative blood clots, and early physical activity is recommended.

4-6 hours after the operation, they are allowed to sit up in bed, put their feet on the floor, then walk. This reduces the risk of thrombosis, congestion in the lungs, the formation of adhesions in the abdominal cavity ³ .

However, a woman may experience the following problems with suture healing: Therefore, after the operation, it is not recommended to lift weights.