How Long Is Recovery After a C-Section?

We know that every patient has a different labor and delivery experience, but in general, it takes around six weeks to completely heal from your C-section.

“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.

When Can You Exercise After a C-Section?

Again, this depends upon the circumstances surrounding your labor. If you had a difficult labor, we may suggest that you hold off on doing exercise for a while.

However—in general–we recommend that you wait for at least three weeks before beginning an exercise routine. Check with us before starting one. We support exercise, but you have to do it when your body is ready.

After a C-section, we favor gentle exercise. Even something as simple as walking can actually help you recover. Low-impact activities are also a good choice.

But there are some exercises that are absolutely off-limits while you are healing.

For example, you should avoid running or anything that causes you to lift anything heavy. (This may mean having your partner or support person pick up the baby for you!)

Certain yoga poses may be uncomfortable, and ab exercises are out until the area has a chance to heal.

Even doing heavy housework—such as vacuuming—can be difficult, so we suggest you take advantage of leaving the cleaning to someone else!

When Can I Drive After a C-Section?

You should wait until you’re healed—which is typically around two weeks.

We understand that you may feel fine. It’s very tempting to believe that you can easily drive shortly after a C-section.

But what if you have to brake suddenly? The seat belt stretches across your abdomen, and this can be painful in a sudden stop.

Also, ask yourself this question: Are you able to get in and out of the car easily—and comfortably?

These are some of the reasons we want you to hold off before getting behind the wheel.

When Can I Have Sex After a C-Section?

You may not feel like sex after having a baby—especially after having a C-section. That’s okay.

However, if you’re ready to return to the bedroom, you should wait for six weeks before having vaginal intercourse.

If you had any complications, either during or after the delivery, we suggest waiting for around eight weeks.

We really want to talk with you before you resume any type of vaginal intercourse because we want to be sure that all the tissue has healed.

When you do resume intercourse, sex may be uncomfortable or even painful for you. This should be temporary. If sex is still painful after six to eight weeks, please contact us so we can help you.

Useful Tips for C-Section Recovery

We’ve performed C-sections on women in Raleigh and throughout the Triangle area.

So we’ve got a great list of useful tips to make your recovery easier.

Get Plenty of Rest

It may seem obvious, but let’s face it: Moms don’t get a lot of rest. Now that the baby is here, sleep is at a premium.

Get someone else to help with the baby. Have a friend assist with housework. Ask your partner or support person to run errands for you.

It’s common advice, but it still rings true: When your baby rests, you should rest.

Eat Healthy Meals

This is good advice at any time, but as your body recovers, it needs valuable nutrients that can only come from healthy, nutritious food.

Follow Our Directions for Pain Management

We know that recovery is uncomfortable. Be sure to follow our directions for medication for pain. Remember; don’t wait until you’re in pain before you take your daily dosage.

We’re always available if you need clarification or more direction.

If you have pain that is unmanageable, you should schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible.

Associates in Women’s Healthcare: Partnering With You Throughout the Delivery Process

We’re unique. Many practices claim that, but we truly stand apart.

How?

Because we are women providing health care for women. We also recognize that your gynecological health is only one facet of your overall health.

And we want to take care of the entire patient. Whether you’re thinking of having a baby or you have experienced prolonged depression, we consider it a privilege to take care of you.

See why we are the provider of choice for Raleigh, NC and the surrounding areas. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.