After the Procedure

Postoperative Care
Reasons to Call Your Doctor

The baby is immediately examined by medical personnel. Depending on your condition and the baby's condition, you may be allowed to hold the baby, even while the surgeon is still sewing up the incision.

After the surgery, if you have an epidural in place, your surgeon may give you pain medication through the epidural tube to keep you comfortable. Otherwise, you'll receive pain medications through your IV and/or by mouth.

You will remain in the hospital for two to four days.

You should heal quickly and completely after a c-section. If you are hoping to have additional children, talk with your surgeon about the type of incision used, so that you'll know whether you can attempt a vaginal delivery in the future.

If you are breastfeeding, you may need some help learning to position and hold the baby in a manner that doesn't put pressure on your abdominal incision. You may also notice some uterine cramping, pain, and an increase in vaginal bleeding at the beginning of each nursing session.

Postoperative Care

• You will probably require anti-nausea and pain medications.
  
  
• For several days after surgery, you may need to eat a lighter, blander diet than usual.
  
  
• You may be given special compression stockings to wear after surgery, to decrease the possibility of blood clots forming in your legs.
  
  
• You may be asked to use an incentive spirometer, to breathe deeply, and to cough frequently, in order to improve lung function after general anesthesia.
  
  
• You'll be encouraged to walk very soon after surgery.
  
  
• You will experience heavy vaginal bleeding, as after any delivery, and will need to use an absorbent sanitary napkin.
  
  
• Avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby for the first weeks after surgery.
  
  
• Delay having sexual intercourse until you've had your six-week check-up.

Reasons to Call Your Doctor
If you have just had a cesarean section, call the doctor immediately if:

• You develop a fever.
• You become dizzy or faint.
• You experience nausea and vomiting.
• You become short of breath.
• You have pain, swelling, and redness at the incision site.
  

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