There are some things you absolutely should and shouldn’t do while recovering from a C-section. In this article, we explore all of them.
In this article, we explore the several things you should and should not do after a C-section.
After your baby is born, it is completely normal to want to go back into your normal routine and resume your previous daily activities. Knowing your limits and allowing your body to heal at its own pace will allow you to perform some of these activities effectively and as efficiently as possible.
#1. Avoid anything heavier than your baby
For the first few weeks following a c-section, you must not lift anything heavier than your baby. Doing so will put unnecessary strain on your debilitated stomach muscles.
#2. Do not sneeze
Do not sneeze, cough, laugh or cry hard during this time. These activities may put too much pressure on your abdomen and cause discomfort.
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#3. Don’t turn over in bed
Don’t turn over in bed or it will have to start all over again. Instead, help him roll to his side and then pull back the sheets.
#4. Resume sexual intercourse in 3 weeks
You can resume sexual intercourse 3 weeks after the surgery as long as you are feeling comfortable enough with your abdominal muscles to enjoy it.
We suggest that you consult with your physician beforehand for advice on how soon you can go back to work as well as any other recommendations they might have for a post-C-section recovery plan that is specific for your needs and circumstances.
#5. Wear loose-fitting clothes
Make sure you are wearing loose-fitting clothes that are not too tight around your stomach area so that you do not have to pull hard to put them on or take them off. You should wear loose trousers and tops instead of belts and underwear with elastic waistbands.
#6. Start postnatal checkups
After C-section, you can start having postnatal checkups after 24 hours. While you wait for the first appointment, try to relax, but don’t spend hours in bed. Make sure you empty your bladder before getting up and don’t get out of bed until you feel strong enough.
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If your wound is dry, use a sterile gauze pad to cover it with a dressing. This will prevent your skin from drying out.
#7. Avoid heavy lifting
Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise and sexual intercourse for the first week or so after the caesarean section. If you have to do any of these activities, make sure you take frequent rests and tell your doctor so that they can administer pain relief accordingly.
#8. Avoid anything heavy on your stomach
Do not place anything heavy on your stomach muscles for a month or so. This includes sharp objects such as forks and knives. You may place a full cup of water on your stomach in a stable manner without it spilling down to the wound or causing any injury.
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You should be consulting your doctor if you feel discomfort while lifting anything above 30 Pounds (approx 10 KG).
#9. Avoid sudden movements
Do not make any sudden movements such as sneezing, coughing, laughing or crying. While these activities may be stimulating and may help to build up your muscles to get stronger, they could also put pressure on your scar and cause damage.
#10. Do not turn over in bed
If you are getting out of bed for a few minutes, wait until you feel that you can comfortably get up without feeling any pain. When sitting upright in the car or bus, sit with your back straight and avoid bending forwards, as this puts unnecessary strain on the abdomen.
#11. Do not drive after delivery
Do not drive for the first month after delivery. Your doctor will give you a list of conditions where you will be permitted to drive such as work, school and shopping.
#12. Do not take any pain killers
Do not take any pain killers either before and after the delivery (they may interact with any pain relief medication you are given) as well as for a week or two after the delivery because they may interfere with the medication given to you for anaesthesia.
#13. Do not wear tight trousers
Do not wear tight trousers or belts after your C-section for the first 6 weeks. This will prevent any trauma to your wound and avoid unnecessary pain and discomfort.
We hope you find this information useful and good luck with your delivery.
This article was written by Dr Sola Kola-Olusanya, Consultant Gynaecologist at the St Mary’s Hospital, Manchester and Dr Keith Davies, Consultant Surgeon at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff as part of an ongoing educational campaign offered by our sponsor Kaboom Health Insurance.
