Sambhavi has had a caesarean section. She is feeding the baby comfortably but still feels some pain over the incision. She has always been an active person and wants to return to her normal routine as soon as possible. What is the special care she should take?

Activity after a caesarean section

While you are in the hospital

You will be encouraged to get up and try to go the bathroom within the first 24 hours after surgery.  When you get up for the first time, you may feel a little dizzy. Sit up for a few minutes and then get up from bed only after the dizziness has passed.

Urinating after the catheter is removed can sometimes be uncomfortable. The nurse attending on you will help you. You may need help in changing your sanitary pads soon after the surgery because of the incision pain. After 1 or 2 days, you will be able to manage by yourself.

Soon you will be able to stroll in your room and in the hospital corridor. Walking helps in relieving the gas pain that you may experience.

After you get home

Your activity level should be gradually increased. In the first week after you get home, you can walk around the room and take care of your baby. Over the next week you can start walking around the house. In the third week, you can start resuming small domestic chores, like cutting vegetables and making coffee or tea. A month after you get home, you can resume your normal work, including cooking and washing. You can start climbing up and down stairs two weeks after your surgery. It is important not to lift very heavy objects till six weeks after the surgery.

Care of the incision

The incision should be kept clean and dry. You may wash the incision with soap and water after the dressing is removed. It is recommended that you wear cotton underwear and no tight fitting clothing. The incision itself will heal in a few days, but it takes 6-8 weeks for the complete healing of all the layers of the abdomen and uterus that were cut.