After a cesarean delivery, if you ask doctors or experts how long it takes to heal, you may hear a gentle answer, usually around 4-6 weeks. However, in reality, things are not always that easy.
How long does it take to heal after a C-section?
C-section is a major surgery both psychologically and physically for a woman. During a cesarean delivery, to meet your beloved baby, you have to endure two large incisions simultaneously. They include a cut in your lower abdomen and a cut on top of your uterus.
A cut may sound simple, but in fact, doctors have to go through many layers on the wall of your abdomen and uterus to complete a C-section surgery.
That’s why you may not experience labor pains. But you also suffer from no less pain after the baby is born.
Typically, the time needed for your two wounds to heal is about 4-6 weeks, depending on each person’s physique. Some mothers recover very quickly and vice versa.
Many women still experience pain and numbness at the incision site for several months or even years after giving birth.
Therefore, the time for a person to fully recover after a cesarean delivery is different. This also depends on many factors. For example, your physique, whether you have to take care of older children at home or not, whether you have an infected wound, and whether you eat healthily and exercise or not.
“I am quite busy taking care of my older children. I feel tired and uncomfortable for nearly 3 months,” said Sarah, a mother, about her postpartum recovery.
How to take care of the cesarean wound at home to heal quickly?
After leaving the hospital, you need another 5-10 days for the wound to be temporarily stable before removing the stitches. This depends on the doctor’s instructions. The incision may still bother you for a few more weeks. Therefore, you should prepare pain relief medicines such as paracetamol and ibuprofen in advance.
The doctor will guide you on the appropriate and safe dosage of pain relief medication.
When the wound is stitched, you should clean it daily. You can take a shower as usual, then dry the incision carefully. Loose, breathable clothing will make you feel more comfortable.
You should monitor your incision and inform your doctor or go to a healthcare facility immediately if:
- You have a high fever
- You feel unwell
- Your incision is swollen, red, painful
Tips for a healthy recovery after c-section
Aside from taking care of the incision site, there are other things you can do to promote a healthy recovery after a c-section. Here are some tips:
- Rest: It’s important to get plenty of rest in the weeks following a c-section. Don’t push yourself too hard and listen to your body when it tells you to slow down.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids is important for your recovery. Water is best, but you can also drink other fluids like coconut water or herbal tea.
- Eat a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help your body heal after surgery.
- Take your vitamins: Your body needs certain vitamins and minerals to heal after surgery. Be sure to take any supplements recommended by your doctor.
- Get moving: Although you should avoid strenuous exercise for the first few weeks, it’s important to start moving as soon as possible. Walking can help prevent blood clots and promote healing.
- Ask for help: Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. This could mean asking a friend or family member to help with childcare or household chores, or it could mean seeking out professional support like a lactation consultant or therapist.
In conclusion, recovery after a c-section can take time and patience. While the incision site may take 4-6 weeks to heal, it’s important to remember that everyone’s recovery journey is different. By taking good care of yourself and seeking out support when needed, you can ensure a healthy and successful recovery after your c-section.
