A caesarean section is major abdominal surgery where the skin, connective tissue, abdominal muscles and uterus are cut through to access the baby.  Recovery following caesarean section is much slower than with an uncomplicated vaginal delivery.

Recovering from Caesarean

In the first week you will feel pain and be tired and weak.  You will most likely need pain relief for up to a couple of weeks following a caesarean.

Abdominal Pain post caesarean

·         Avoid bending, lifting and twisting – DO NOT lift more than the weight of your baby, and be sure you use good lifting techniques when you lift your baby

·         Practice good posture – stand tall even though it may stretch the wound site a little

·         Commence walking and pelvic floor exercises as instructed in hospital

·         Support your wound with a towel or pillow when coughing or toileting, it will also be more comfortable to draw your knees toward your chest when you cough.

·         Do not sit straight up when getting out of bed, bend your knees, roll onto your side(log roll) and prop yourself up using your arms - sitting straight up will strain the wound and cause pain.

·         Rest as much as possible (with your feet, legs and bottom elevated).

·         Ice your wound for pain relief.

Exercise Following Caesarean

You will be shown how to  deep breathing and leg exercises in hospital – it is important to do these exercises regularly whether you are lying or sitting to prevent blood clots and shallow breathing patterns.  Start your exercises gradually.

Other exercises you can commence within the first 24 hours following caesarean include:

·         Pelvic floor contractions

·         Pelvic rocking

·         Gentle knee rolls from side to side

·         Gentle abdominal drawing in (as you breathe out)

·         Buttock squeezes

It is important to commence walking as pain allows – this is good for circulation and healing and for your general well being.  You can generally commence walking once the catheter and intravenous line are removed.

A Physiotherapist will visit you in hospital and recommend a program specifically for you!

Caesarean Scar

The incision will take about 6 weeks to heal.  For the first week it is important to rest the abdominal region and prevent sharp movements on the wound to allow healing to commence.

Once the wound is closed, stops weeping and the scab has fallen off, you can massage vitamin E cream into it assist the healing and prevention of adhesions.  If after 2-4 weeks of massage the scar still feels stuck or adhered, see your Physiotherapist for myofascial release, ultrasound and kinesiotape.

To massage your wound start with 2 min and progress to 10 min your finger should rub perpendicular to the scar and your skin should move with your fingers. The pressure should be light and comfortable.

If you notice that your wound is red, hot or oozing fluid that is not clear, do not massage it and please visit your doctor to have it checked.

Disclaimer  

Tummies, Mummies and Bubbies have provided these articles for general information only and they should in no way be considered as a substitute for the advice and information your physiotherapist and or doctor will supply about your particular condition. It is recommended that you always seek professional advice.

While every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate, Tummies, Mummies and Bubbies accept no responsibility and cannot guarantee the consequences if you choose to rely upon these contents as your sole source of information.