Almost every third baby in Germany is born through a caesarean section. It used to be common for the mother to take it easy for six to eight weeks after giving birth in order to recover. Even if this is not always necessary after a natural delivery and is handled this way, this rest phase is very important after a caesarean section. There are a few tips to keep in mind in order to yourself recover faster from a caesarean section.
When a caesarean section is needed
During a caesarean section, which is a routine procedure for doctors, the baby is not born naturally, but through an operation. It is brought in through an incision in the abdomen and not through the birth canal. The caesarean section is an alternative if a natural birth is not possible for various reasons, i.e. the health of the mother and / or the child is at risk. For example, this is the case in the following cases:
- Bad position of the baby
- The diameter of the pelvis is not large enough for the child's head
- Placenta loosens prematurely or lies in front of the inner cervix
- Present diseases in the mother, such as sexually transmitted diseases, that could be transmitted
- Unfavorable birth progress
- Bad position of the umbilical cord
- Bleeding during childbirth
- Other dangers to mother or child
Even without specific reasons, many mothers nowadays choose to have a incision birth. With a bit of patience and mindfulness, women can become recover faster from a caesarean section.
Don't lift heavy things
After the caesarean section, it must be remembered that nothing heavy must be lifted at home. This also applies to an older sibling, if one is in the household. This usually would like to be poked at once. As a rule of thumb, nothing heavier than the baby should be carried.
For around six weeks, you must neither lift heavily nor strain yourself so that the wound can heal without complications. Movements that require stooping will also be difficult for a time. Therefore, strenuous household chores such as vacuuming are taboo at first.
Slowly learn to walk again
After a caesarean section, there is usually pain in the first few days, especially when getting up and moving. This is completely normal, since the caesarean section is a major abdominal surgery that injures numerous nerves. After a day, the mother may be well enough to walk around carefully.
However, a few more days will pass before pain-free movement is possible. The earlier the first attempts to walk are started, the better it is for the circulation and healing process. Nevertheless, nothing should be rushed, but slowly learned to walk again.
Pain medication will help
For a caesarean section, the abdominal wall must be opened so that surgical pain occurs in the first phase. It is possible that help is needed for even the smallest of movements, such as getting up in bed. There will also be pain when you cough or laugh.
The wound can be protected in these moments and the pain can be alleviated somewhat if the hands are kept on the stomach. However, the mother is not at the mercy of this postoperative pain, but can take medication that is not harmful to the baby if it is breastfed.
Properly care for the wound
The bandage is removed the day after the caesarean section. The seam may now get wet so that a shower is also possible. After that, however, it is important that the wound is always carefully patted dry with a clean towel. Under no circumstances should the wound be drifting around. The threads with which the scar is often sutured dissolve by themselves after about three weeks or they are removed after about ten days.
If there are signs of inflammation, such as redness, swelling, a wound fluid or pain, the doctor or midwife should be informed. When the surface of the surgical wound has healed, the scar can be treated with a marigold ointment.
So that no pressure is created on the scar, it is advisable not to wear tight clothing for the first few weeks. The underpants should be one size larger. It takes about six weeks for the scar to heal completely. This time should also be used for recovery after the caesarean section. While the seam is puffy and reddish in the first few months, it fades more and more over time. After two years at the latest, it is only recognizable as a light, thin line.
First of all, do without sport or sexual intercourse
Light and gentle exercises, especially for the pelvic floor, can be done soon after the caesarean section. However, you should avoid doing gymnastics or sports that use the abdominal muscles until the scar has healed. The post-graduate course can begin approximately six weeks later. After about eight to ten weeks, more strenuous exercises can be started.
Because of the weekly flow after the caesarean section, which is highly bacterial and therefore can lead to infections, sexual intercourse should also be avoided for three to five weeks. The surgical scar also poses a risk. This, too, should first be well healed and no longer open.
Get advice from the midwife
Before the due date, it is advisable to contact a freelance midwife who will look after the mother and child at home. For example, she controls the healing of the suture and the regression of the uterus and is also the ideal contact for all other questions or problems.
Care wherever possible
After the caesarean section, nothing should be rushed because the caesarean section is a major operation. Even at home, where the mother is on her own, it is important to take it easy for six weeks after the caesarean section.
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