A cesarean delivery is a surgical procedure used to safely remove the newborn to avoid pain and other problems that a woman may suffer at that time. However, despite being a relatively faster method than a normal delivery, that is, through the vagina, a cesarean section requires much more recovery time, since it is still a surgical intervention.
After having spent a few days under observation in the hospital after having given birth through this procedure, you will have to get home, where you will have to take the necessary care to have a complete recovery without secondary complications. Although this process can take between 6 and 8 weeks after giving birth, in the following article of we explain how to recover faster after a cesarean section through a series of tips. Read!
Care for the first few days after caesarean section
Even if you get home and feel recovered after spending a few days in the hospital, it is very important that you do not make unnecessary efforts and rest during the first week at home to speed up the healing process of the cesarean section wound. Many women wonder how long it takes to recover from a C-section. The healing of this wound can take approximately 10 days, so it is recommended that you follow these tips to recover faster from a cesarean section:
- Do not make sudden movements: as they could interfere with the healing of the wound. Even coughing, laughing or sneezing could cause pain in that area, so you should try to protect your abdomen, either by holding it with your hands or putting a pillow on it when you have these involuntary gestures.
- Rest: Especially during the first two weeks after you've had a cesarean delivery. Avoid doing activities that require physical exertion such as housework, climbing stairs or exercising, as they could tighten the muscles of the abdomen and, as a consequence, open the wound again.
- Shower instead of bathing: this is to avoid a possible fall when getting up or bending over. Still, when you need to shower, ask someone for help getting in and out of the shower and try to always be watched during the process.
- Wash the scar from the caesarean section: but with soap and water that contains a neutral pH so as not to cause any infection or stinging in the wound. To dry it, you will have to give it very soft and light touches with a clean towel.
- Do not have sex: at least until the wound heals completely.
If you want more information about full recovery from C-section, you may also be interested in How to Care for Yourself After a C-Section.
Walking to recover from C-section
Although during the first days at home you should try to rest, another way to recover faster after a cesarean section is to start walking as soon as possible as long as you have consulted with the doctor and he has indicated that there is no problem. However, it is important that you have patience and do it progressively to have a healthy recovery:
- Ask someone for help getting out of bed or couch, especially during the first few weeks. It is normal that at first you feel pain and a great pressure in the affected area. Do not give up, as little by little the pain will become milder and milder.
- Once you have gotten up to start walking, try to stretch the trunk even if it costs you, since the straighter your posture, the faster the recovery process will be.
- Always walk accompanied by one or two people who can hold your arms to facilitate physical activity.
- Do it little by little, increasing the time and distance of the walk progressively. Walk with short steps without dragging your feet.
You may also be interested in this other article on How to Exercise After a C-Section.
What to Eat to Recover from a C-Section
As we have indicated, the cesarean section is still a surgical intervention, so both the anesthesia that is required during the procedure and the technique itself can cause some symptoms in the digestive system such as gas, constipation and cramps in the abdomen. That is why if we want to accelerate the recovery process, we must take into account some of the following tips for the care of our diet:
- Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables in case you suffer from constipation or another digestive problem. Vegetables have a high content of fiber and vitamins so they will help you go regularly to the bathroom.
- It also includes foods that are very rich in protein, since it is a nutrient that will help you accelerate the healing process of the cesarean section wound. Among the richest in protein are poultry, fish, lean and pork and some nuts such as walnuts and almonds.
- After cesarean delivery, some women suffer from anemia so it is important to accelerate the process of hemoglobin production. Include foods with iron such as red meat, poultry, eggs and fish or purchase supplements with this nutrient.
- Hydration is also very important during the recovery and healing process, so try to drink two liters of water a day.
- Finally, avoid foods high in calories or that can worsen the recovery of the digestive system such as carbonated drinks, flatulent legumes, white rice, coffees or tea and high-fat foods such as industrial pastries or sugary snacks.
You may also be interested in this other article on What to Eat After a C-Section.
Bleeding after caesarean section
During the first days after giving birth, it is normal to experience a red vaginal bleeding that will darken during the following days. However, you'll need to see your doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Suppuration or bleeding in the C-section wound.
- Sharp pain in the abdomen.
- Redness in the chest.
- Very heavy vaginal bleeding.
- Swollen legs.
As you read this point, you may be interested in this other article about What are the risks of a C-section.
