You had a cesarean section, also called a C-section. During the C-section, your baby was delivered through an incision in your stomach and uterus. Full recovery after a C-section can take time. It’s important to take care of yourself — for your own sake and because your new baby needs you. Here are some guidelines to follow at home.
Incision care
Here's how to take care of your incision:
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Shower as needed. Pat your incision dry.
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Watch your incision for signs of infection, such as more redness or drainage.
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Hold a pillow against the incision when you laugh or cough and when you get up from a lying or sitting position.
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Remember, it can take as long as
6 weeks for your incision to heal.
Activity
Here are some suggestions:
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Don’t try to take care of anyone other than your baby and yourself.
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Remember, the more active you are, the more likely you are to have an increase in your bleeding.
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Get lots of rest. Take naps in the afternoon.
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Increase your activities bit by bit.
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Plan your activities so that you don’t have to go up or down stairs more than needed.
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Do postsurgical deep breathing and coughing exercises. Ask your healthcare provider for instructions.
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Don’t lift anything heavier than your baby until your healthcare provider tells you it’s OK.
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Don’t drive until your healthcare provider says it’s OK.
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Don’t have sex until after you’ve had a checkup with your healthcare provider and you have decided on a birth control method.
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Let others do things for you. Don't hesitate to ask for help.
Follow-up
Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.
When to call your healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these:
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Fever of
100.4 ° F (38 °C) or higher -
Redness, pain, or drainage at your incision site
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Bleeding that needs a new sanitary pad every hour. Heavy vaginal bleeding may be a sign of postpartum hemorrhage. It needs medical care right away.
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Severe belly pain
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Pain or urgency with urination
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Foul odor from vaginal discharge
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Trouble urinating or emptying your bladder
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No bowel movement within 1 week after the birth of your baby
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Swollen, red, painful area in the leg
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Appearance of rash or hives
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Sore, red, painful area on the breasts that may come with flu-like symptoms
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Feelings of anxiety, panic, or depression
