Nearly one in three babies in Germany is born by cesarean section. In the past, it was common for mothers to take it easy for around six to eight weeks after giving birth in order to recover. Even if this is not always necessary after a natural delivery, this rest period is very important after a cesarean section. A few tips are important to keep in mind to recover faster from a cesarean section.
When a cesarean section is necessary
In a cesarean section, which is a routine procedure for doctors, the baby is born surgically rather than naturally. It is delivered through an abdominal incision rather than through the birth canal. Cesarean section is an alternative when natural birth is not possible for various reasons, that is, the health of the mother and/or the baby is at risk. In the following cases, for example, this is the case:
- Poor position of the baby
- Diameter of the pelvis not large enough for the baby’s head
- Placenta detaches prematurely or lies in front of internal cervix
- Existing diseases in the mother, for example, STDs that could be transmitted.
- Unfavorable progress of the birth
- Poor location of the umbilical cord
- Bleeding during birth
- Other dangers to mother or child
Even without specific reasons, many mothers today choose to have an incisional birth. With a little patience and mindfulness, women can recover more quickly from a cesarean section.
Do not lift heavy things
After a cesarean section, it is important to remember that nothing heavy should be lifted at home. This also applies to an older sibling, if there is one in the household. This usually would like to be taken once on the arm. As a rule of thumb, nothing heavier than the baby should be carried. No heavy lifting or physical exertion is allowed for about six weeks to allow the wound to heal without complications. Movements that require bending will be equally difficult for a while. Therefore, strenuous household tasks such as vacuuming are also taboo for the time being.
Slowly learn to walk again
After a cesarean section, there is usually pain in the first few days afterward, especially when getting up and moving around. This is completely normal, since the cesarean section is, after all, a major abdominal operation in which numerous nerves are injured. After a day, the mother may be well enough to carefully walk around a bit. However, it will be several more days before pain-free movement is possible. The earlier the first attempts to walk are started, the better it is for the circulation and healing process. Nevertheless, nothing should be rushed, but walking should be learned slowly again.
Painkillers help
For a cesarean section, the abdominal wall must be opened, so in the first phase after that there will be surgery-related pain. Assistance may be needed for even the smallest movements, such as sitting up in bed. There will also be pain when coughing or laughing. The wound can be protected at these moments and the pain can be somewhat relieved if the hands are held on the abdomen while doing so. However, the mother is not helpless to these postoperative pains; she can take medications that are not harmful even to the baby if breastfed.
Taking care of the wound properly
The day after the cesarean section, the dressing is removed. The suture may now get wet, so showering is also possible. Afterwards, however, it is important to always gently pat the wound dry with a clean towel. Under no circumstances should the wound be rubbed. The stitches with which the scar is often sutured dissolve by themselves after about three weeks or they are removed after about ten days. If there are signs that indicate inflammation, such as redness, swelling, a wound fluid or pain, the doctor or midwife should be told. When the surgical wound has healed superficially, the scar can be treated with calendula ointment. In order not to create pressure on the scar, it is recommended not to wear tight clothes for the first few weeks. The underpants should be one size larger.It takes about six weeks for the scar to heal completely. This period should also be used for recovery after the cesarean section. While the suture is puffy and reddish in the first few months, it fades more and more over time. After two years at the latest, it is only recognizable as a light, thin line.
Refrain from sports or sexual intercourse for the time being
Light and gentle exercises, especially for the pelvic floor, can be done soon after the cesarean section. However, gymnastics or sports that work the abdominal muscles should be avoided until the scar has healed. Postpartum classes can begin about six weeks afterward. After about eight to ten weeks, it is only allowed to move on to more strenuous exercises. Due to the postpartum flow after the cesarean section, which is highly bacterial and can therefore lead to infections, sexual intercourse should also be avoided for three to five weeks. There is also a risk associated with the surgical scar. This should also first be well healed and no longer open.
Get advice from the midwife
Before the birth date, it is advisable to contact a freelance midwife who cares for mother and child at home. She checks, for example, the healing of the suture as well as the regression of the uterus and is also the optimal contact in all other questions or problems.
Spare where possible
Nothing should be rushed after the cesarean section, because the cesarean section is a major operation. Even at home, where the mother is on her own, it means taking it easy for six weeks after the cesarean.
