A C-section is a major surgery and, like any other surgery, care should be taken to ensure that you heal well after the procedure. In this article, we will discuss the things to expect after a c-section, dos and don’ts, how to take care of the incision wound, and when to seek medical attention.
What to expect after a C-section?
While you are recovering from a C-section, remember that your body is also recovering from pregnancy. Here is what to expect after a C-section:
vaginal discharge
After delivery, you will begin to shed the superficial mucous membrane that lined your uterus during pregnancy. You'll have vaginal discharge made up of this membrane and blood for weeks. This discharge will be red and heavy for the first few days.
contractions
You might feel contractions, sometimes called afterpains, during the first few days after the C-section. These contractions — which often resemble menstrual cramps — help prevent excessive bleeding by compressing the blood vessels in the uterus. Afterpains are common during breast-feeding due to the release of a hormone called oxytocin.
tender breasts
A few days after giving birth your breasts might become full, firm, and tender (engorgement) once they begin making milk. Frequent breastfeeding on both breasts is recommended to avoid or minimize engorgement.
hair loss and skin changes
During pregnancy, elevated hormone levels increase the ratio of growing hair to resting or shedding hair. After delivery you may experience hair loss (5 months).
mood changes
Childbirth triggers a wide range of powerful emotions. Many new moms experience a period of feeling down, anxious, or inadequate (baby blues). Symptoms include mood swings, crying spells, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping.
postpartum depression
If you experience severe mood swings, loss of appetite, overwhelming fatigue, and/or a lack of joy in life shortly after childbirth, you might have postpartum depression. Consult with your doctor if you experience any of these.
Important Dos
Take time to sit and bond with your baby.
Rest when you are tired.
Walk every day. Mobility helps prevent blood clots and constipation.
Initiate breastfeeding as soon as possible and discuss comfortable breastfeeding positions with your healthcare provider.
Important Do NOTs
Do not have sexual intercourse until your doctor tells you that it is safe to do so.
Do not use tampons or douche (do not insert cotton wool or foreign materials in the vagina. Rather use a pad).
Do not take baths until your incision is healed and you are no longer bleeding- but you can a shower.
Do not use public pools and hot tubs.
Do not lift anything heavier than your baby.
Do not use stairs.
Do not start Exercise or strenuous physical activity, at least until your healthcare provider gives you the go-ahead.
Incision Care
Do:
keep the area dry and clean;
use warm, soapy water to wash your incision daily (usually when you shower). Pat the area dry after cleaning.
If your doctor used tape strips on your incision, let them fall off on their own. This usually takes about a week.
Don’t:
use cleansing products such as methylated spirit or alcohol. This can make your wound heal slowly.
When to seek medical attention
The following are warning signs that you should look out for. Contact your doctor as soon as you start experiencing any of these. The most common complications after a C-section are infection, DVT- (deep vein thrombus), and pulmonary emboli. These conditions are potentially fatal, so it is important to seek medical attention as soon as you start experiencing these:
depression, sadness, hopelessness, suicidal or even infanticidal (wanting to hurt the baby) thoughts
signs of an infection including pain, pus, swelling, redness, swollen lymph nodes, or a fever
A fever of more than 38◦C!
difficulty breathing
discharge from the vagina that smells bad
severe pain in your belly
bright red vaginal bleeding that soaks through more than one pad every 2 hours (or less). Vaginal bleeding that gets worse or is still bright red more than 4 days after you’ve had your baby.
signs of a blood clot, including pain in your thigh, groin, back of knee, or calf. These are signs of a deep vein Thrombus(DVT)
your incision wound opened
nausea or vomiting
vaginal clotting larger than a golf ball
trouble passing urine or stool.
Take Home Message
A C-section is a major operation and may lead to life threatening complications if appropriate care is not taken during the recovery period. It is important to look out for signs of infection, DVT, or Pulmonary emboli and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
This article is written by Dr. Itumeleng Buti (MBChB)
References:
1. Intermountain Healthcare. The Do's and Don'ts of Healing from a C-Section. Available from: https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/topics/intermountain-moms/2018/03/the-dos-and-donts-of-healing-from-a-csection/ [Accessed 13 March 2022]
2. Mount Sinai Org. Going Home After a C-section. Available from: https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/discharge-instructions/going-home-after-a-c-section [Accessed 13 March 2022]
3. American Pregnancy Association.Cesarean After Care. Available from: https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/labor-and-birth/cesarean-aftercare/ [ Accessed 13 March 2022]
4. Mayoclinic.org. C-section recovery: What to expect. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/in-depth/c-section-recovery/art-20047310 [ Accessed 13 March 2022]
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