After the caesarean

After the procedure has been completed, your baby will be checked by the midwife or doctor and then taken to be weighed. You will then be able to hold your baby; your condition will be monitored closely while you recover and you will need to stay in hospital for at least 24 hours; most women stay in hospital for around 3 days.

Recovering from a caesarean section

It takes longer to recover from a caesarean section than a natural birth and most women stay in hospital for around 3-4 days after the operation. During this time, their condition will be monitored closely and the dressings will be checked and changed regularly.

Once you have been discharged it is important to get plenty of rest and avoid doing activities which may apply pressure to your abdomen. It usually takes around six weeks to fully recover from a caesarean section, as the tissues and skin take time to heal. During this period of time, you should try to avoid walking up and down stairs and you should not do any of the following activities:

• Driving
• Having sexual intercourse
• Exercise (you can do gentle walking)
• Heavy lifting

You should only start to do these activities when you feel ready; don’t rush yourself as this could prove to be counter-productive. If you drive you need to check the details of your insurance policy, as some companies do not insure women who have had a caesarean section for a certain period of time after the operation. If you have any concerns or questions about doing activities or getting back to normal life, you should talk to your midwife.

You may be left with a scar along your bikini line after a caesarean; everyone is different and some people’s scars are much more visible than others. Over time, the scar should fade.

Caesarean Section:

• Caesarean Section
• What is a caesarean section?
• When is a caesarean section carried out?
• What happens during a caesarean birth?
• After the caesarean
• What are the risks?