Recovering From a C-Section

• Avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby for at least 6 weeks.
• Do not drive for 2 weeks or until your health care provider says it’s OK.
• Rest often.  Take lots of breaks and listen to your body when you feel tired.
• Avoid heavy exercise and strenuous activities until you get the go-ahead from your provider.

Gently wash your incision with soap and water every day but avoid scrubbing it.

Watch for signs of infection:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Drainage from the incision

If the incision smells bad or feels hot, contact your provider.

If your provider placed a dressing over your incision, change it as instructed.

In general:

• Use maternity pads to absorb bleeding.  Change them regularly to stay clean and dry.
• Do pelvic floor exercises like Kegels to strengthen your muscles and help with recovery.

If you have vaginal pain, try:

• Sitz baths.  Soak in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes — it can help soothe the area and reduce swelling.
• Ice packs.  Apply to the perineal area (between your vagina and anus) to help relieve soreness and swelling.

If you have hemorrhoids, try:

• Witch hazel pads for itching and discomfort.
• Warm baths to soothe the area and relieve pain.

• Take pain medication as needed.  If you're breastfeeding, ask your OB which medications are safe to take.  This list is a good place to start.
• Avoid using creams or ointments on your incision until it's completely healed.  
• Use a pillow to support your abdomen when coughing or laughing.  You can also purchase a C-section brace online to support you as you move.
• Drink plenty of water to help your body heal.
• Eat a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein to prevent constipation and support recovery.  Use over-the-counter stool softeners as needed.

Recovering from a C-section takes time.  Be patient with yourself and reach out to your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns.

Month 1: Your incision area may feel sore, tender, numb, or sensitive.

Month 2: Your pain will start to decrease, but you may still feel some tightness or discomfort.  You may get some feeling back, or you may still feel numb.

Month 3: Most of the soreness should be gone, but you might still feel a little sensitivity, numbness, or itching as your incision continues to heal.

6 Months to 1 Year: Your incision should feel mostly normal, but it might still be a bit sensitive, numb, or pink.

Tell your health care provider right away if you notice any of the following:

• Intense pain that doesn’t improve with medication
• Heavy bleeding, especially if you soak through a pad in 1 hour or notice large blood clots
• Fever of 100.4° F or higher
• Increased redness or swelling around the incision
• Trouble urinating, or burning or pain while urinating
• Feeling very sad, anxious, or overwhelmed