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.

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.

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.

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