Restrictions After a Caesarean Section

Recover from a C-Section

Aug 28, 2009 Stacey Abler

Learn about the restrictions that are most common after a caesarean section.

A caesarean section, also known as a c-section, is major abdominal surgery. Women who have c-sections should prepare for a longer recovery period than their vaginal delivery counterparts. Women will most likely need a full six weeks, if not longer, to recover from the surgery. In the meantime, the doctor will give instructions for restrictions during recovery.

Resting

Rest is an important part of recovery from any type of surgery. Many new moms wonder how they will be able to rest when they have a newborn to care for as well. Not getting the proper amount of rest can delay healing times. Solicit the help of family, friends and neighbors and accept offers of assistance from others. If it is financially feasible, consider hiring a doula for assistance.

Moving

While rest is important, it is equally important to include some movement in the day. Several times a day, walk around the house a few times or journey to the mailbox. This is helpful for circulation and healing. Walking around at your own pace may be painful at first but will greatly improve recovery time versus staying stationary. However, it is important to avoid stairs as much as possible. Climbing stairs is too strenuous, especially in the first few weeks, and may cause inadvertent use of the abdominal muscles.

Driving

Most physicians will advise to avoid driving for a period of two to six weeks. This can vary widely from one physician to the next. Driving should be avoided until you can safely and comfortably twist your body and move without pain. Sudden movements, such as slamming on the brakes, can cause problems with the incision site.

Lifting

During the recovery period, the heaviest item that should be lifted is the newborn. Lifting of anything that is heavier than the newborn should be avoided for a minimum of six weeks.

Stretching

To avoid pulling the incision site, be careful when stretching the arms above the head. This includes reaching above the head for items or even raising the arms straight above the head in the shower. If any pulling is felt at the incision site, adjust movement accordingly.

Showering

Showers should only be taken for a minimum of three weeks though some doctors will request an even longer hiatus from taking a bath. The incision site should be closed and healing well before the lower body is submersed in water of any kind. In the meantime, soap should not be applied directly to the incision site and it should always be patted dry, not rubbed.

Acknowledge and accept the fact that a caesarean section is major surgery and the body needs time to recover. While it can be tempting to jump back into old patterns of being super woman, this is not a wise idea when recovery is the goal.

The copyright of the article Restrictions After a Caesarean Section in Pregnancy & Childbirth is owned by Stacey Abler. Permission to republish Restrictions After a Caesarean Section in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Hospital Chair