How to take care of yourself after a caesarean section

With the gradual development of medical technology, many women can choose natural birth or caesarean section when giving birth to a baby according to their physical condition and the development of the baby. The different modes of delivery, natural childbirth and caesarean section, will cause different physical harm to the mother, so during the confinement period, some targeted conditioning is also needed to allow the mother's body to recover as soon as possible.

How to take care of yourself after a caesarean section

1. Drink plenty of water.

Women who have undergone caesarean section should drink plenty of water during the confinement period. This not only prevents constipation but is also beneficial for breastfeeding.

2. Take care of the wound.

Try not to make any big movements after delivery. When coughing or laughing, you can support the wound with your hands or use a pillow to support your abdomen, which will help relieve pain. Take good care of your wound to prevent infection. If there are signs of redness, swelling or even fever in the wound, you should see a doctor immediately.

3. Observe the lochia carefully.

The vaginal secretions of postpartum women increase greatly, but as the body gradually recovers, the amount of lochia will decrease, and the color of lochia should gradually change from bright red to pink, and finally to yellow-white. Careful inspection of lochia is a must for women who have undergone cesarean section. If any abnormality is found in the lochia, they should seek medical attention immediately.

4. Wear loose clothing.

Mothers should choose a larger size of lace-up underwear or boxer briefs.

5. You can do moderate exercise.

6-8 weeks after surgery, you can start doing some moderate exercise, but you must get the doctor's approval before doing so. It may take several months to a year for a woman who has undergone a caesarean section to fully recover to her pre-pregnancy level, depending on her individual circumstances.

Things to note when you have a caesarean section

1. Relax your mind

Once you get home from the hospital, don't expect to be back to normal immediately. After a caesarean section, it may take about 6 months for the body to fully recover, so you need to adjust your mood and be prepared for a "protracted battle."

2. Take your medication regularly

If the doctor prescribes medication for the mother to take at home when she is discharged from the hospital, she should take it insistently and not stop taking it as soon as she returns home. If you are breastfeeding, be careful not to take aspirin or medications containing salicylates.

3. Drink plenty of water

During the confinement period, mothers should drink plenty of water to avoid constipation. This is also beneficial for breastfeeding.

4. Wear oversized underwear

Choosing a size larger of drawstring or boxer briefs may help the wound feel more comfortable. Sometimes you may also need to wear loose maternity clothes for a period of time.

5. Protect the wound

If the wound shows signs of infection, including warmth, redness, or swelling; drainage from the wound site; worsening or sudden pain; or fever, seek medical attention promptly.

6. Observe lochia

Vaginal bleeding and discharge will gradually decrease as your body recovers, and lochia may last for nearly 6 weeks. If lochia secretion is abnormal, you should go to the hospital for examination.

7. Timely activities

Don't lie in bed all day, get up regularly and walk around. Walking can promote postoperative recovery and help prevent complications such as blood clots, but activity should not be excessive. Start slowly and gradually increase your activity.

8. Don’t carry weight

Women who have undergone cesarean section should not lift heavy objects after delivery to avoid pulling on the wound.

9. Don’t drive

In the UK, doctors are likely to advise women who have had a caesarean section not to drive for five or six weeks because the turning of your body can be painful, especially when you brake suddenly. In China, although doctors may not have very clear advice in this regard, mothers may still wish to refer to the practices of British doctors. If you have any special circumstances, be sure to consult your doctor.

10. Postpartum contraception

If you feel well after delivery, you can resume sexual intercourse 4-6 weeks after delivery with the doctor's consent. However, since many doctors recommend that it is safer to get pregnant again at least 2 years after a caesarean section, it is best to take contraceptive measures.