After your cesarean section, you will be taken to a recovery room for about an
hour. After this you will be taken to your hospital room. You may be
feeling some pain - be sure to let your nurse know if you need some pain relief.
Your catheter may still be in place so you can rest. You will initially be
allowed liquids only.
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The day after your surgery, your doctor will look at your incision and your
catheter will be removed. You will be helped up and asked to begin
walking. Your doctor will want you to sit and walk more as the day goes
on. You will still be receiving fluids through an I.V. Your first
meal will be soft foods. Once you have shown you can eat, more solid foods
are introduced.
The second day after your surgery your staples will be removed if sutures
were not used. You will be monitored for signs of infection such as fever.
Your vaginal bleeding will be monitored. You will be given instructions
for home care. If you have pain that is not responding to medication, you
will probably need to stay another day for monitoring.
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Home from the Hospital
Your surgeon will give you detailed instructions on what you should and should
not do at home following your cesarean section. You should not lift
anything heavier than your baby for about six weeks. If at any time you
develop a fever or excessive vaginal bleeding, call your doctor immediately.
You should not drive for at least four weeks, and should not place anything in
your vagina for six weeks. This includes tampons as well as intercourse.
You will see your OB/GYN for a follow-up appointment. Be sure you have a
ride to and from this visit. Your doctor will tell you when you can
shower, and will instruct you not to wipe the incision. Allow water to
flow over it while soapy suds drip down along the incision.
Do not rub your surgical area with a towel, but either air dry or gently dab it.
Do not take a bath until your doctor has told you it is safe. If you
become constipated, ask your doctor what is safe to take for it.
You will
probably be given a prescription for a narcotic for the first few days. If
you are able to tolerate ibuprofin and can manage your pain with it, take this
rather than the narcotic. Again, your doctor will give you specific
instructions on your post-operative care.
