How To Reduce Back Pain After C-Section Naturally
What can you do about back pain after a C-section?
- Try not to bend over when lifting and picking up your baby. Be conscious of your posture.
- Keep your back straight while breastfeeding.
- Take a hot bath.
- Choose gentle exercises.
- Allow yourself to rest.
- Get a massage.
- Take pain medication to ease spasms.
Contents
- 1 What foods are good for back pain after C-section?
- 2 Is back pain normal 3 months after C-section?
- 3 Can C-section cause long term back pain?
- 3.1 What causes back pain with cesarean section?
- 3.2 How should I sit after C-section?
- 3.3 Which position is best after C-section?
- 3.4 What are the worst days of pain after C-section?
- 3.5 Back Pain After C Section – Reasons and Remedies
- 3.6 What is the golden hour after C-section?
- 3.7 Can C-section cause problems years later?
- 3.8 When can I start bending after C-section?
- 4 How long after C-section can you get back to normal?
- 5 How long does it take for body to get back to normal after C-section?
- 6 How long does it take for organs to go back to normal after C-section?
When will back pain go away after C-section?
Lower back and hip pain after C-section – Lower back pain and hip pain after C-section are very normal but not to be taken lightly. The pain occurs due to severe muscular strain, retention of intravenous fluids that are administered during the surgery, or nerve damage. This pain goes away after 2 to 3 weeks, with proper care and treatment,
What foods are good for back pain after C-section?
In the first several weeks: – As we mentioned before, the first several weeks of your C-Section recovery are the toughest, and it’s important that you know what to eat after a C-Section. It’s also important to know what not to eat. DO EAT: Warm liquids also known as warming foods.
Things like bone broth, stews and soup are going to go down easily, and feel soothing and comforting as you heal. You can add proteins like beef and chicken for even more comfort. DO EAT: Vitamin-rich foods. Things like blueberries, fruit, vegetables, and cacao all are high in antioxidants, which help rebuild tissue and muscle in your body.
These are great things to eat after a C-Section, because. guess who’s trying to rebuild torn tissues and muscles! You are 🙂 DO EAT: Fiber-rich foods. Basically everything mentioned above: the blueberries, fruits, veggies, as well as oatmeal (also a nice, soft, comforting food!) are rich in fiber which will help combat constipation.
You’ve heard of the first postpartum poop, yes? Well, it’s a little bit scarier when you have a Cesarean wound, and can be painful. Blending all of these things together into a smoothie would be a great way to enjoy a delicious, nutrient-dense meal. Not to mention, there’s way less dishes to do with smoothies! That’s always a plus when you’re looking for what to eat after a C-Section.
DO EAT: Iron-rich foods. You lose double the amount of blood after a c section than vaginal birth. So it makes sense to load up on iron. Iron moves oxygen throughout your body via hemoglobin which is a huge part in healing. Think foods like; beef, cow’s liver, oysters, dark chocolate – yes chocolate, lentils, white beans.
- Beans can cause gas and constipation which are two of the biggest concerns post-Cesarean.
- So ease into these more slowly or wait until your scar is further along in healing.
- DON’T CONSUME: Caffeine.
- We’ll expand on this a little more in the next section, but we wanted to make sure it got into this top section, in case that’s all you read! Caffeine is a big no-no for a healing body, as it leads to dehydration and can greatly impede the healing process.
Stay hydrated! Drink water!
How to sleep to reduce back pain after C-section naturally?
Avoid sleeping on your front after a c-section. This can put pressure on your c-section wound and the pain can keep you up or wake you up. Try sleeping on your side, back, on your back with your head elevated, or sat fully up, if no other position is comfortable.
Is back pain normal 3 months after C-section?
There’s a good chance you’ve been dealing with back pain during your pregnancy. After all, the weight gain, hormonal changes, and general inability to really get comfortable can take a toll on your body, including your back. And while you likely expected some discomfort during pregnancy, you might not have expected postpartum back pain after your C-section.
- Back pain is something that some mothers experience after birth, with pain starting within hours after delivery and continuing for days, weeks, or months postpartum.
- Here’s a look at the possible causes of back pain after a cesarean delivery, commonly known as a C-section, as well as what you can do to relieve some of the discomfort.
Back pain after giving birth can be nerve-racking, especially when you’re still recovering from surgery, You probably expected to feel some discomfort from the incision, but now you’re aching in more places than you thought possible. There isn’t a single possible cause of pain, but rather several plausible explanations for aches, which you might feel in your upper or lower back.
Can C-section cause long term back pain?
Is back pain normal after C-section? – Back pain is normal after C-section. Hormonal changes, surgery, weight gain, breastfeeding, and more can cause long-term back issues leading to pain. Here are some tips to reduce back pain after C – section and normal delivery.
What causes back pain with cesarean section?
Causes of Scar Tissue Formation – Cesarean sections (C-section) are one of the most common causes of built up scar tissue and back pain in post-partum women. A C-section involves an incision that cuts completely through the abdominal wall. After the baby is delivered, the incision is sewn together and a scar forms in the muscles and skin.
Scars, if properly healed, allow near perfect function of tissues, as long it forms a separate scar in each layer. Often this doesn’t happen. Even if the visible scar looks good, it can be attached to the layers below. This will prevent the different layers from moving independently. Ordinarily, the skin, fatty tissue, and multiple layers of muscles stretch at different rates and independently of each other as we lean backwards or side to side.
When a scar heals across these layers, the abdominal wall is prevented from stretching like it needs to. At this point, the lumbar vertebra (lower back bones), extend beyond their normal range of motion to make up for the lack of lengthening in the abdomen.
- As a result, chronic back pain comes about.
- With post-partum women, especially those having had a cesarean section, we will assess their abdominal wall and scar (if present), for any adhesions.
- If found we strongly urge these patients to consider FDN.
- Putting a needle into these adhesions and scar tissue allows the body to rebuild the healed area.
Eventually this allows the layers to move properly, taking strain off the low back. Many women struggle with back pain after birth. Some even choose not to have any more children because of their back pain. Most post-partum women we treat have quick resolution of their pain with a few take home exercises and some additional soft tissue treatments.
How should I sit after C-section?
Always sit well back on a supportive chair, your feet should be able to touch the floor in order to support your posture. Use pillows to support your back and to rest your baby on your lap to bring them into a comfortable feeding position. You can then use pillows to support your own arms.
Which position is best after C-section?
As exciting as pregnancy can be, it’s also full of quite a few aches and pains — none more well-known than labor and delivery. No matter how you deliver your baby, you should be proud that you made it through 9 months of physical changes and made a little human! But if you deliver by a cesarean section — also known as a C-section — your postpartum recovery may require a few extra precautions.
- These measures help ensure you heal properly and are back on your feet, keeping up with your new bundle of joy.
- That includes getting safe, good quality sleep.
- To say that the first few weeks post-delivery are chaotic is a bit of an understatement.
- In addition to healing from your C-section, you also need to care for a tiny human who’s completely reliant on you.
So, getting adequate sleep is essential. When you’re properly rested, you’re more alert and able to properly care for your baby and yourself. Likewise, when you’re resting, energy is allocated toward healing your body. You should get as much rest as possible, especially in the first few weeks after a C-section.
- Adages that recommend sleeping when your baby sleeps or asking friends and family to step in so you can rest are great ways to ease the burden in the early days.
- During the early days with a newborn, it can be hard to rest as much as you would like.
- The most obvious cause is that you’re adjusting to the needs of a tiny human who sleeps for anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours at a stretch.
This also includes frequent wakings at night for feedings. But another reason why sleeping can be difficult is that you’re healing from the procedure. While some people believe that C-sections are just an everyday procedure, that’s not really the case.
It’s a major surgery — specifically, incisions are made into the abdomen and uterus. Considering that the surgery involves an incision over the abdomen, it can be hard to find a comfortable position that doesn’t place unnecessary pressure on your healing wound. Likewise, it’s not uncommon to feel discomfort at the incision site for a while, which can make it difficult to fall or stay asleep.
With that in mind, you might want to consider a few different sleeping positions that will help reduce pressure on your incision and make it easier to fall asleep. While back sleeping isn’t recommended once you’re more than 20 weeks pregnant, this position is recommended for those recovering from surgery.
- It places the least amount of strain and pressure on your incision site and ensures that your body is aligned in a neutral position.
- If you need to elevate your legs or make this position more comfortable, it’s OK to add a body pillow or tightly rolled blanket or towel under your knees or arms.
- However, with this position, you’ll want to be mindful of how you get out of bed.
Rather than sitting upright, use the three-step “log roll” method:
- Before you move your legs off the bed, fully roll onto your side with your knees bent.
- Using your arms, slowly push your body into a sitting position — being sure to keep your abdomen relaxed as you move.
- Make sure you’re in a fully upright seated position before you stand up.
You’ll also want to use the log roll method in reverse to lie down on the bed. In this scenario, you’re using enough supportive pillows to give yourself a 45-degree incline in your bed. Although this might be an unusual position if you don’t typically sleep this way, you may find that it’s relatively comfortable during your recovery period.
Additionally, it’s not uncommon to experience obstructive sleep apnea postpartum, but those who’ve undergone a C-section are more likely to develop this condition. Sleeping at an incline can reduce pressure on your incision and ensure that your airway is open and unobstructed. If you’ve ever stayed up bingeing your favorite shows, you’ve probably fallen asleep in an upright seated position at least once.
This position — while maybe not as cozy as being snuggled up in your bed — is another great option that can also be incredibly practical in the early days. Be sure to invest in some supportive pillows to make upright sleeping as comfortable as possible.
- Especially if you’re breastfeeding, sleeping upright makes it easier to feed your little one during those multiple nightly feedings.
- Upright sleeping isn’t a long-term solution though, as most people can transition back to the bed around 2 weeks after delivery.
- For some people, right after back sleeping, side sleeping is the second most comfortable position.
For people recovering from abdominal surgery, it’s a great option since it doesn’t put additional pressure on your incision, and makes getting in and out of bed easier. Specifically, you should focus on sleeping on your left side since this gives you optimal blood flow and also makes digestion easier,
You may need a body pillow or other supportive aids to get comfortable and provide proper support for your abdomen and hips. Getting a good night’s rest can be hard for many people — not just new parents. But adding in the stress of caring for a newborn while also healing from major surgery can make getting adequate sleep an elusive goal.
Still, there are a few tips that can make it easier to sleep at night.
What are the worst days of pain after C-section?
Are there other risks I should know about? – Cesarean deliveries are generally considered safe. But as with any surgery, it comes with risks. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), these risks include:
excessive blood lossdamage to surrounding organs, including the bowels and bladderinfectionblood clots in the legs, pelvic organs, or lungsadverse reactions to anesthesia
There is also a slightly higher neonatal and maternal death rate, which is why ACOG does not recommend elective cesareans delivery. If you are having a nonemergency or planned cesarean delivery, you will receive what’s called a spinal block. This means you’ll get an injection of anesthesia into your spine to numb you from the nipple line down.
- This injection does not hurt, but, says Blindt, “You might notice a pinch when the needles go in and a burning, stinging sensation that should resolve quickly.” Cesarean delivery is not painful.
- Because of the spinal block, you will be numb from your nipples down to your legs (you won’t be able to feel your legs or move them).
This means you won’t feel the surgeon’s incision — or anything else. Think of it as some forced relaxation before you bring home the baby! “You might feel pressure or a tugging sensation as the doctor is making room for your baby to exit, but pain should not be present,” says Blindt.
- You may also feel shortness of breath when the doctor presses over the top of your uterus to deliver your baby.
- This can be uncomfortable but shouldn’t last more than a few seconds.
- If you do feel pain at any time, be sure to let your anesthesiologist know.
- Sometimes there is a spot that is harder to numb in your body, called a window or hot spot.
If this happens, your doctor can adjust or modify the medication you’re receiving to make sure you’re fully numb. In general, yes. It is major abdominal surgery and it will take you a while to heal. “Pain following a C-section is typically the strongest the first few days and subsides as you continue to heal over the course of a few weeks,” says Blindt.
- Your doctor will usually prescribe oral narcotics and anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, to help control this pain.
- Anything that puts stress on your incision (and abdominal muscles) will cause discomfort,” says Teen.
- Make sure to splint — apply light pressure — to your incision if you need to cough, sneeze, or laugh.
You can gently press your incision site with a pillow or towel to help lessen the pain.” In addition, loose clothes, soft pants that sit higher on your waist, oversized shirts, nursing gowns, and maternity clothes will help you avoid any rubbing on your incision site.
- Usually, the first week is the most painful and difficult.
- You are actively recovering, feeling quite sore, and dealing with a lot of discomfort — all with a newborn,” says Teen.
- The good news is that with every passing week, you will start feeling more like yourself.” You likely won’t need any pain medication after those first few weeks.
And by 6 to 8 weeks, most people feel much better. “Your overall health, mobility, and support system at home play a major role in easing the pain following C-section delivery,” says Blindt. “I recommend listening to your body, resting when you need to, and not overdoing it.” “Allowing your body, the proper time and space to heal will help reduce complications in the future,” she says.
- Sometimes your surgeon will use dissolvable sutures or stitches that dissolve on their own — meaning there’s no need for removal at all.
- Generally, the removal of stitches following a C-section is painless,” says Blindt.
- Occasionally some women feel a slight tugging at the skin, a pinching sensation if the suture has healed into the skin or a light pressure.” Usually, staples are used in recovery from a cesarean delivery.
A doctor will need to remove them. You’ll receive local anesthesia when they do this, so you shouldn’t feel anything during the process. After the removal, you might feel a little discomfort at the incision site, but that feeling should go away soon after.
- Sometimes, people do feel pain when they pee following cesarean delivery.
- This can happen for a few reasons.
- During a C-section, doctors make an incision in the abdomen that is close to the bladder in order to remove the baby,” explains Blindt.
- This can cause irritation to the bladder immediately after delivery that leads to pain or spasm, or later due to adhesions forming as you heal.” You might also feel pain for a couple of days because a healthcare professional had placed a catheter in the urethra to drain urine during the surgery.
Teen explains that “sometimes the catheter can irritate the lining of the urethra.” It is important to monitor your pain in the days following cesarean delivery. And let your doctors know if you see discharge. In rare cases, pain could also be a sign of infection.
- Yes — this is one of the most common side-effects and discomforts of cesarean delivery.
- The anesthesia used during a C-section can make your bowels slow down, causing air to get trapped in the stomach and intestines,” explains Teen.
- This trapped air can cause some pretty intense gas pains.” “Some moms report sharp, shooting pain in their stomach, but the gas pain can also extend into the chest and shoulders,” she continues.
“It can take up to 1 week for the bowels to resume their normal function, and once they do the gas pain usually goes away.” You can try one of several over-the-counter pain medications, like Tylenol or ibuprofen, to help. “If you are able to walk, moving will help support the movement of gas in your body,” says Blindt.
“Often during C-section, pain medication is administered, so it’s important to keep your bowels moving in order to prevent constipation.” No, the cesarean delivery itself doesn’t cause more painful periods generally. However, your first period after the surgery might be heavier or more painful. Some people do see changes in their periods or bodies following cesarean delivery.
Back Pain After C Section – Reasons and Remedies
“You might notice a heavier flow, clots, or increased abdominal pain,” says Blindt. “Hormone fluctuations, healing, and overall health play a role.” If you experience more painful periods, let your doctor know because in rare cases — between 0.03 and 0.4 percent — some birthing parents develop endometriosis following cesarean delivery.
You might have some pain in your back where the epidural or spinal block was placed on your spine, but this should go away within a few days. “This should subside quickly and has been said to feel like a bruised or tender spot,” says Blindt. If you feel more chronic back pain, it likely isn’t the surgery causing the pain.
“The most common cause of back pain after a C-section, or a vaginal delivery for that matter, is due to the wear and tear the body takes while carrying a baby for 9 months,” explains Teen. “The musculoskeletal system goes through significant changes during pregnancy, which can cause postpartum back pain.” Your back pain should start to improve within 12 weeks after delivering your baby, but if your pain lasts longer, it might be worth speaking with a doctor or a physical therapist.
- Some people do feel pain or numbness (or both) at their C-section scar for months or even years after the surgery.
- The nerve endings at the incision site can be disrupted during surgery, which is the most common cause of numbness,” explains Teen, ” the most common cause of incision pain is due to adhesions and scar tissue buildup.” It’s worth bringing up with your doctor, though, especially if it’s causing you concern or regular pain.
It’s difficult to say for certain because each delivery is unique. Plus, you may experience more or fewer complications the second time around, However, some people do anecdotally report less pain after two or more cesarean deliveries. “I believe the primary reason for this is that they know what to expect and are better prepared for recovery, therefore they perceive the pain as less,” says Teen.
- Yes, it is extremely normal to be nervous about the delivery itself, including the pain that you might feel during and after the procedure,” says Teen.
- A C-section is a major abdominal surgery, pain is to be expected, but the unknown of what the pain will entail can be quite nerve-wracking.” If you’re afraid, it can be helpful to talk about your feelings with someone you trust, whether that’s your partner, a friend or family member, a healthcare professional, or a therapist.
Some people also benefit from joining a support group. “You don’t need to suffer in silence, and often through understanding, many of those fears can be transformed, allowing you to have a more peaceful delivery and recovery process,” says Blindt. If you would like to talk about your fears with a mental health professional or a support group, here are a few resources that can help connect you with the mental health support you need:
The International Cesarean Awareness Network has multiple chapters and support groups.The National Parent Helpline has groups dedicated to certain topics. Postpartum Support International Helpline is a toll-free helpline for information and other resources in English and Spanish. The Motherhood Center of New York offers a variety of support groups for new and expecting birthing people, both in-person and online.
First, try to make sure you’ve packed everything you want to take to the hospital. This includes bringing some postpartum care products to help manage the vaginal bleeding that will follow your delivery. It’s typical to feel nervous the night before your cesarean delivery, so you might find it helpful to do some self-care activities.
I recommend having a nice dinner with your significant other or the person that will support you during your baby’s birth,” says Teen. “You will likely be asked to stop eating and drinking 8 hours before your surgery, and it might take you several days to resume a normal diet after your C-section, so having one last dinner with your favorite foods is always a good idea.” You might also want to take a warm bath or shower.
“Most doctors will ask that you not use lotion or perfume,” says Blindt. “Nail polish might need to be removed depending on your medical practice.” Most of all, try to get some sleep. “I know it will be hard to sleep with the anticipation and excitement of meeting your new baby, but try to get into bed a little earlier than usual,” says Teen.
“Playing some soft music or meditating before bed can also help you drift off to sleep easier.” Cesarean delivery is a major abdominal surgery, so it’s typical to feel nervous or anxious about the pain and recovery. “Remember your body is resilient, you are capable of safely delivering and recovering from a C-section delivery,” says Blindt.
And there is support there to help you prepare and recover if you need it.
What is the golden hour after C-section?
The Golden Hour is the first hour after birth that involves the uninterrupted skin to skin contact with baby immediately after birth. Read to learn the top 3 benefits of the golden hour. After doing all the work of laboring and birthing baby, the Golden Hour should be the reward! Golden Hour refers to the first hour (or more) of immediate and uninterrupted skin to skin time with baby after birth.
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After the birth of the baby, both vaginal and c-section birth, the Golden hour consists of uninterrupted and immediate skin to skin contact, limited interventions that are not necessary, if possible and desired having delayed cord clamping, and having the first feeding of baby completed. The Golden Hour can look different for every birth. Especially for vaginal versus c-section birth, but the evidence supports the numerous benefits. It should be offered at every birth! Vaginal deliveries usually babies will be brought directly to the skin after birth.
- Baby is still covered in the fluids of birth when born.
- They will then dry baby gently while skin to skin.
- So if you prefer for baby to be dried off before being placed on your chest you can let the staff know to put down a towel and drying baby off a bit before placing them directly on your skin.
- We want to at least dry baby off to keep their temperature from dropping because they can lose heat quicker when they are wet.) At this time if you wanted delayed cord clamping they will keep baby’s cord unclamped and intact until the agreed upon time (30-60secs, until stops pulsating, until placenta, or after golden hour is complete).
As long as baby is not in any distress, baby will stay skin to skin until at least 1 hour as passed, but more preferably until after their first feeding is complete.
Can I go for a walk 2 weeks after C-section?
Walking after c-section is encouraged and should be your go to for the first few weeks. You’ll start to notice day to day movement getting easier and less discomfort lifting baby or moving around.
Does C-section cause weight gain?
New research, which has been published in the journal Science Advances, explains how giving birth through a cesarean delivery may lead to weight gain in the offspring. Share on Pinterest As more and more women opt for a cesarean delivery, we may need to develop new ways to restore babies’ natural mix of bacteria. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommend that the total number of cesarean deliveries does not exceed 15 percent of live births.
Most cesarean deliveries are required to save the life of either the mother or the baby. However, they may be recommended for other medical reasons, and mothers sometimes opt for an elective surgery. All in all, recent years have seen an increase of 50 percent in cesarean surgeries worldwide. In the United States, it is estimated that almost a third (or 32.5 percent ) of all live births are through a cesarean delivery.
Researchers from the New York University (NYU) School of Medicine in New York City – led by Dr. Maria Dominguez-Bello, a microbiologist at NYU’s Sackler Institute – set out to investigate the link between having a cesarean delivery and the weight of the offspring.
- The research builds on previous studies that have demonstrated a link between having a cesarean delivery and the risk of obesity in the children.
- One such recent study reports that children born via cesarean are 15 percent more likely to become obese, and the increased risk is independent of the mother’s weight.
But what explains this risk? One theory is that a cesarean delivery interferes with the natural transmission of maternal microbes through the mother’s vaginal flora. Such an early acquaintance with bacteria informs the baby’s immune and metabolic systems, preparing them for a healthy adulthood.
Can C-section cause problems years later?
Is It Normal for My C-section Scar to Hurt or Itch Years Later? | Origin There’s an annoying little side-effect of having a that no one is likely to have told you about — your scar can bother you, even years after you’ve given birth. If your c-section scar is currently aching or itching, you’re probably wondering if it’s normal.
In a word, the answer is no. “It’s very common for cesarean scars to itch or hurt years later, but that doesn’t mean that it’s normal,” says Dr. Ashley Rawlins, PT, DPT. Normal implies healthy and functioning well. If you’re bothered by your scar, all is not well — and you can definitely do something about it.
Keep reading to find out why your scar may itch or hurt long after your delivery day, and what you can do to relieve the discomfort.
When can I start bending after C-section?
When Can I Start Bending After C -Section? – As your body heals and the pain decreases when you move around, you can slowly try bending (between weeks 4 and 6). First, bend slowly up to a few inches and stand back up. When you straighten up, you will Stretch yourself to get up.
How long after C-section can you get back to normal?
How Long Is Recovery After a C-Section? We know that every patient has a different experience, but in general, it takes around six weeks to completely heal from your, “We realize many of our patients also face the challenge of caring for the baby while they’re recovering,” said Dr.
Son. “The key is to only do things that you feel you are able to do—don’t push it or try to ‘tough it out.’ Enlist the help of family and friends to care for the baby or your other children. Give your body the time it needs to heal.” “If, after six weeks, you’re still having problems, we want you to schedule an appointment with us,” Dr.
Son added.
How long does it take for body to get back to normal after C-section?
You may be able to recover more quickly from a C-section by getting rest and avoiding demanding physical activity. Other practices that support your overall health may also help. Childbirth is an exciting time. You finally get to meet the baby growing inside you for the last 9 months.
- Yet, having a baby can be taxing on your body, especially if you’ve had a cesarean delivery, commonly referred to as a C-section.
- You’ll need more time to recover than you would after a routine vaginal delivery.
- Here are six suggestions to help speed up your recovery so you can spend less time sore and tired — and more time bonding with your new baby.
A cesarean delivery (C-section) is major surgery. Just like with any surgery, your body needs time to heal afterward. Expect to stay in the hospital for 2 to 4 days after your delivery. If there are complications, your stay will be longer. Give your body 6 to 8 weeks to fully heal.
That’s easier said than done. It’s hard to crawl into bed for hours on end when you have a baby who’s demanding lots of attention. You’ve probably heard this advice from well-meaning friends and relatives: “Sleep whenever your baby sleeps.” They’re right. Try to sleep whenever your baby naps. Ask for help from those friends and relatives with diaper changes and housework so you can lie down when possible.
Even a few minutes of rest here and there throughout the day can help. Take extra care in getting around while you heal. Follow these tips:
Avoid going up and down stairs as much as you can. Keep everything you need, like food and supplies for changing diapers, close to you so that you do not have to get up too often.Do not lift anything heavier than your baby. Ask for help from your partner, friends, or family members.Whenever you have to sneeze or cough, hold your abdomen to protect the incision site,It could take up to 8 weeks for you to get back into your normal routine. Ask your doctor when it’s fine to exercise, go back to work, and drive, Also wait to have sex or use tampons until your doctor gives you the green light.Avoid strenuous exercise, but do take gentle walks as often as you can. The movement will help your body heal and prevent constipation and blood clots, Plus, walks are a great way to introduce your baby to the world.
Ask your doctor what pain medications you can take, especially if you’re breastfeeding or chestfeeding. Depending on the level of your discomfort, your doctor might prescribe a pain reliever or advise you to take an over-the-counter (OTC) one, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
- In addition to pain medication, you can use a heating pad to relieve discomfort at the surgical site.
- Good nutrition is just as important in the months after you deliver as it was while you were pregnant.
- If you’re breastfeeding or chestfeeding, you’re still your baby’s primary source of nutrition.
- Eating a variety of foods will keep your baby healthy and help you get stronger.
A 2017 study shows that eating fruits and vegetables while breastfeeding imparts flavors in breast milk that increase your child’s enjoyment and consumption of those foods as they grow. Also, drink plenty of fluids, especially water, You need extra fluids to boost your milk supply and to avoid constipation.
afterpains, a type of cramping that occurs as your uterus returns to its prepregnancy size breast engorgement, or swelling lochia, a type of vaginal discharge mostly made of blood vaginal dryness diastasis recti, or the separation of your abdominal muscles hair loss skin changes, like loose skin or acne night sweats headache
Some of these, like afterpains and lochia, will eventually go away on their own. Treatments and home remedies are available for some of the others. Try the following:
lubricants or vaginal creams made of estrogen for vaginal drynessexercises for diastasis recti or loose skinsupplements and topical treatments for hair loss topical treatments, oral isotretinoin (Absorbica, Amnesteen, Claravis), or birth control pills for acnelightweight pajamas for night sweatsOTC pain medications for headache
There are a variety of options to help you manage breast engorgement, like:
a warm compress or warm showera cold compress or an ice packnursing to expel the milk breast massage during nursingOTC pain medications
The 12 weeks after your baby is born are sometimes known as the 4th trimester, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that people see their OB-GYN or another doctor multiple times during this period. The first assessment should take place no later than 3 weeks postpartum.
your physical recovery your mental health your energy levels and how you’re sleepinghow your baby is doing and their feeding schedule birth control and whether you’re considering having more children chronic condition managementhow you’re managing any pregnancy-related complications, such as high blood pressure
You’ll probably feel some soreness in the incision, and you may have bleeding or discharge for up to 6 weeks after the C-section. That’s expected. However, the following symptoms warrant a call to your doctor, because they could signal an infection :
redness, swelling, or pus oozing from the incision sitepain around the site fever of more than 100.4°F (38°C) bad-smelling discharge from the vagina heavy vaginal bleeding redness or swelling in your leg difficulty with breathing chest pain pain in your breasts
Also call your doctor if you feel sad and your mood never seems to lift, especially if you have thoughts of hurting your baby or yourself. Finally, if you have a friend or sibling who went through a C-section, try not to compare yourself to them. Every person’s experience with this surgery is different.
How long does it take for organs to go back to normal after C-section?
Phase Two – You don’t look pregnant, but you don’t look “normal,” either. Okay, moving on to phase two. In number two of the phases of your postpartum body, you no longer look pregnant. Congratulations! At around 6 weeks postpartum, or by the 2-month mark, your uterus should be completely back to its pre-pregnancy size.
- But that doesn’t mean everything is back to normal, of course.
- What is “normal” anyway, am I right? Nope, the old normal makes way for a *new* normal, and all mamas get to discover exactly what that normal is for them throughout this process.
- Phase two of the postpartum period means that you don’t look pregnant anymore, but you don’t quite look “normal.” In fact, your body isn’t done changing yet.
Your uterus has shrunk, but your abdominal muscles and connective tissue has a long way to go before they’re healed completely. Some women’s ab muscles won’t heal completely, resulting in This means that your abdominal muscles don’t come completely back together after separating for nine months, leaving a gap between your abs.
- Around this gap, you might see a “pooch” where fat or excess skin sticks out or doesn’t lay flat.
- Cannot be cured, but it can be helped with physical therapy and/or cosmetic surgery.
- Having a squishy tummy that lacks definition and core strength is normal after having a baby.
- And even when your body does completely heal from pregnancy and childbirth, it still won’t be the same.
It will be a new normal. The new you, mama. And we think this new you is absolutely beautiful!