C-Section Q&A: The Facts and What it Takes to Recover
Becoming a new parent is an exciting time, and every birth story is a little different. While some women deliver vaginally, other bundles of joy enter the world through cesarean section or C-section.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one in three women deliver by C-section. OB-GYN Curtis Hoegh, MD, UnityPoint Health, explains C-section facts, including C-section recovery, C-section complications and C-section risk.
C-section Procedure
When is a C-section needed?
About 20 percent of the time, labor does not go as planned, which can lead to a cesarean. The most common reason is lack of progress in labor. A baby also not tolerating the stress of labor could lead to a cesarean. Usually, there is adequate time to move to a cesarean promptly, without a scenario turning into a true emergency.
How long does a C-section take?
Usually, an average cesarean takes about 30-45 minutes.
Are you awake during a C-section?
A cesarean is done with a spinal block or epidural anesthetic. If you’ve been laboring and a cesarean is needed, you may already have an epidural, so that can be used. If a scheduled cesarean is being done, a spinal is used to provide a faster block for the procedure. A spinal is a one-time shot of anesthesia, while an epidural can provide a continuous push of anesthesia. In either case, you are awake to experience the birth of your baby.
If there is an emergency and no time to do a spinal or epidural, then a general anesthetic is used to get your baby out as quickly and safely as possible. That means a mother is put completely under for the procedure.
Will providers take organs out during a cesarean section?
Sometimes, to adequately see during the cesarean, some organs are adjusted but then put back in place.
Can you choose to have a C-section?
There are several reasons to plan a cesarean. The most common is you’ve had a prior cesarean and a repeat is scheduled. Many women can attempt a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), but choose not to due to the risks. Other reasons for a scheduled cesarean would be a breech baby, a suspected large baby (making a vaginal delivery more risky) or a baby with health concern (making labor unsafe). Other indicators during pregnancy can lead to cesarean, including severe pre-eclampsia, placenta previa or heart problems.
The goal is always a healthy baby and healthy mom. Birth is always a success, regardless of route.
C-section Recovery
When can I start bending after C-section?
Bending after a C-section is fine as long as it doesn’t cause pain. Don’t lift anything heavier than your baby in a car seat. Light daily activities, like using the stairs or walking, are OK.
How long after a C-section do you bleed?
Every body is different, but you should expect to bleed for two to six weeks after your c-section. You'll have dark red blood that gradually changes to brown, yellow and finally white. C-section postpartum bleeding is usually less than what’s experienced from a vaginal birth.
How long after C-section can you have sex?
There’s no standard timeline, but it’s recommended to wait at least six weeks to have sex after having a c-section or vaginal birth. Ideally, hold off until your postpartum check-up with your doctor. When you do have sex again, it might feel uncomfortable or even painful at first. This is usually temporary. However, if that discomfort continues for six to eight weeks or longer, talk to your doctor.
When can you drive after C-section?
It’s a good idea to wait at least two weeks to drive after your c-section. Even if you feel well, sudden stops could be painful due to the seat belt across your abdomen. Also, consider if you can get in and out of the car easily and comfortably. If you’re taking medication for pain, don’t get behind the wheel.
How to sleep after C-section
Because a C-section involves an abdominal incision, finding a comfortable sleep position that avoids pressure on your healing wound is tricky. To help you rest more easily, try these sleeping positions:
- On your back: This puts the least pressure on your abdomen.
- On your back at an incline: Elevating your upper body can also reduce strain on the incision.
- Side sleeping: Consider using a pillow tucked between your legs for support.
How big is the C-section scar?
The cesarean scar is just big enough to get the baby out—about six inches.
Will I be able to hold my baby immediately after a C-section?
That is our goal. As long as you and your baby are doing well, we like to get mom, partner and baby bonding as soon as possible.
How long does C-section recovery take?
You’re generally in the hospital three days following a cesarean. You’ll be up and walking around the day after the cesarean and eating a regular diet, if all goes as planned. After going home, you’ll be put on driving, lifting and bathing (shower, not bath) restrictions for the first two weeks. After that, you can gradually resume more activities. By six to eight weeks, you can usually resume all normal activities.
After your anesthesia wears off (12-24 hours), you’ll be give oral medication, such as Percocet, ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to manage C-section pain.
C-section Complications and Risks
Most cesareans go smoothly, but not always. During the procedure, there could be problems, such as unexpected bleeding. It’s also possible to have an injury to other structures in the abdomen (bowel, bladder, blood vessels). This is more likely if there has been prior abdominal surgery.
During recovery, infection is the greatest risk. This most likely would be an infection at the incision itself or the uterus. Bladder infection and pneumonia can also occur. A deep vein thromboses (DVT) or pulmonary embolus (PE) are dangerous, less likely complications. The risks associated with DVT and PE are reduced, if a patient gets up and moving soon after surgery.
Talk to Your Provider
Understanding the facts about C-sections and the recovery process can help you feel more prepared and confident as you welcome your baby. If you have questions about your cesarean recovery, contact your provider. They can offer guidance, address concerns and support you during your recovery.