Your C Section Delivery and Recovery

06-25-2012

The national C Section birth rate is around 29%, although the surgery still instills a lot of fear and uncertainty. Today, C Sections are very safe and many are even elective. Here’s information on what you can expect about your C Section delivery and recovery afterward.

Your C Section Delivery and Recovery: The Procedure
Most C Sections last under one hour and the baby is usually delivered in the first fifteen minutes. It begins with anesthesia, either a spinal, epideral or general anesthesia, and then either a vertical or horizontal incision. Vertical incisions have much higher risks and a lengthier recovery, so they’re typically reserved for emergency C Sections. Next, an incision is made in the uterus and the baby’s head is delivered first. After the nose and mouth are cleared the rest of the baby is delivered. Finally, the placenta is delivered and the close-up process is finished.

Your C Section Delivery and Recovery: Postpartum
The C Section recovery can be a very difficult and lengthy time and require special care of the incision, pain management and very little housework or moving around. Before leaving the hospital you’ll be encouraged to get up and move around to start the healing process and the staples will most likely be removed before you go home. You’ll receive a prescription for pain medication that’s safe for breastfeeding and your uterus will begin to shrink to its pre-pregnancy size. Here are some things to be aware of during your postpartum time:

Light, gentle walks can speed up your recovery
Activity level should be kept as low as possible until your doctor tells you otherwise
Do not lift anything heavier than your baby
Stay hydrated and eat healthy meals
Keep all feeding and changing supplies nearby so you don’t need to get up too much
Look for signs of infection like fever and pain
Avoid hot tubs, pools and baths until your incision heals and you stop bleeding
Avoid stairs, exercise and sex until your doctor approves these activities