What to expect after a Caesarean Section Delivery

You will go through many of the same changes in your body and your emotions as a woman who had a vaginal birth. But the first days after a cesarean may be hard. You may also:

• Feel pain at the site of the surgery.
• Feel pain when you change position, cough, or hold your baby.
• Have gas pains or become constipated.
• As the site heals, you will have a scar. Some women have numbness at the incision site. The skin may be itchy and dry.

To help with healing:

• Avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby for 8 weeks after giving birth.
• Avoid driving your car for 2 weeks after giving birth.
• Take short walks around the hospital and your home every 2 to 3 hours for the first week after giving birth.
• Drink 8 – 10 glasses of water a day and empty your bladder every 2 hours.