A cesarean section is a major abdominal surgery, and healing takes time. The guidance below outlines what to expect and how to care for yourself during the weeks following your birth.
Take pain medication as prescribed β staying ahead of pain is easier than catching up once it becomes severe. Your care team will likely offer a combination of ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and a short course of opioid medication if needed.
Walking as soon as you are cleared β typically within 12β24 hours β reduces your risk of blood clots, improves circulation, and supports bowel function. Start slow with assistance and increase gradually.
Vaginal bleeding (lochia) is normal after a cesarean and typically lasts 4β6 weeks. It will shift from red to pink to yellow-white over time. Soaking more than one pad per hour is not normal and warrants immediate attention.
Keep your incision clean and dry. Gently pat the area dry after bathing β do not scrub. Watch for increasing redness, swelling, warmth, discharge, or separation of the wound edges. Please remove your bandage when your baby is one week old. Steri-strips or glue will fall off on their own; do not pull them.
Avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby. Do not drive while taking opioid pain medications or until you can perform an emergency stop without hesitation. Avoid stairs as much as possible, and rest whenever your baby rests.
Constipation is very common after surgery and opioid use. Stay well hydrated, eat fiber-rich foods, and use a stool softener as recommended. Do not strain β use a pillow pressed gently against your incision if needed.
Once your incision is fully closed and healed (no scabs, open areas, or drainage), you may begin scar massage to improve tissue mobility and reduce sensitivity. Use a gentle, unscented oil such as vitamin E, coconut oil, or a silicone gel.
Short, flat walks are appropriate and encouraged. Avoid any exercise that engages the core directly β no sit-ups, crunches, or planks. Listen to your body; increased pain or bleeding after activity means you are doing too much.
Your 6-week postpartum visit is a comprehensive check-in that includes incision assessment, blood pressure screening, review of mental and emotional health, contraception discussion, and clearance for exercise and intercourse. Do not skip this appointment β it is a critical milestone in your recovery.
It is normal to feel a wide range of emotions after your birth experience. Postpartum blues are common in the first 1β2 weeks. If feelings of sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, or disconnection persist beyond two weeks, or feel severe at any point, please reach out to your provider promptly.
Most patients are cleared for low-impact exercise, core rehabilitation, and intercourse at the 6-week visit, provided healing is progressing well. Pelvic floor physical therapy is strongly recommended after a cesarean to address core function, scar tissue, and abdominal muscle separation (diastasis recti).
Please call our office or go to the nearest emergency room for any of the following: fever above 100.4Β°F, heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking more than one pad per hour), signs of wound infection (redness, warmth, discharge, or opening of the incision), severe or worsening abdominal pain, signs of blood clot in the leg (calf pain, swelling, or redness), difficulty breathing or chest pain, or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
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