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C-Section
Aftermath
Pregnant? Just delivered? It is
possible you went through, or may have to go through, a cesarean section
or c-section. Here's what you can expect after you've delivered, and a
few tips to help you recover.
Emotions
It's likely that you will experience
a range of emotions. Many mothers feel let down that they didn't give birth
the normal way. Especially if they prepared for a natural birth - the breathing
exercises, Lamaze classes… A lot of time and effort was spent gearing up
for a regular delivery, and all that was of no use. Such emotions are perfectly
normal, but a healthier attitude would be to just feel grateful that you
had a healthy baby and both of you are fine. A lot of mothers just feel
grateful that everything went of smoothly, even if the c-section was unexpected.
Don't feel frustrated with the time
taken to recover from a cesarean section. Many mothers wonder if it is
normal to take this long, or whether something is wrong. Remember, a cesarean
is a major surgery, and you will take time to recover. There is a lot that
needs healing, so don't expect instant recovery. Mothers have been known
to experience prickly sensations even a year later. It takes some time
for the nerves to grow back.
Lochia
You will have a bloody vaginal discharge,
called lochia, for up to six weeks from the day of your c-section. However,
menstrual type bleeding should not last more than a week to ten days. After
that the blood gradually turns pink and then yellowish. This is the old
blood left over from the delivery, and originates from where the placenta
was attached to the uterine wall. If you continue to bleed heavily even
two weeks after delivery, you should speak to your doctor. If your bleeding
is very heavy and you have to change pads every hour, you should call your
doctor immediately, as you may be hemorrhaging.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding the baby starts small
contractions which helps stop the bleeding in the uterus.
Bowel movement
It is normal to be constipated for
at least a day or two after delivery, so don't worry. Soon your stomach
will start to pain because of gas, and you will also pass gas. This is
a sign that your bowels have started moving again. You will have
to slowly start eating and drinking.
Solicit help
If there is one time you really need
hired help, this is it. So if you can afford it, go for it. If not, speak
to your parents, in-laws, friends and relatives to help you through. You're
going to need rest, and lots of it.
Cough
It is possible that your lungs collect
fluid. To get rid of this fluid, take deep breaths and try to cough at
least once per hour.
Move around
It may not be easy to start moving
around, and it will probably hurt when you get out of bed. It will even
hurt when you cough! But remember, the more you move around, the better
it is. By moving, you encourage blood circulation, and this in turn encourages
healing. If you keep lying down with minimal movement, your blood is not
getting any circulation and may clot, causing further unease and complications.
So walk around, but don't tire yourself. Just move your hands around a
bit and shuffle around the room at a slow, leisurely pace.
Even though you feel the pressure
on your stitches when sneezing, laughing or coughing, you won't open your
stitches.
Getting rid of that
belly
The first thing's you'll want to
do the minute you start feeling better, is to get rid of your belly. But
don't rush into exercising it. You'll have to wait at least six weeks,
and after that speak to your doctor to find out when you can start. Even
then, your exercise routine will be very moderate for several months. Remember,
it will take time before you're back to your fit self. And even if
you want to reduce your tummy, you're going to have to do a lot more than
just stomach crunches. There's no such thing as spot reduction. At the
most, you will tone your tummy muscles which may reduce some of the fat,
but the large bulk will only go through regular aerobic exercises like
swimming, walking or jogging. However, don't start any exercise programme
without consulting your doctor.
Sex
You'll have to wait for four to six
weeks before you can resume sexual intercourse. Get the permission of your
gynaecologist first!
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