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Recovery

Recovery after a caesarean: the first weeks

What to expect in hospital and at home after a caesarean: caring for the wound, walking, lifting, breastfeeding and the signs that need a doctor straight away.

4 min read

In this article

A caesarean is major tummy surgery, and afterwards you also have a newborn to care for. Most women leave hospital 1 to 2 days after the operation. Pain is usually worst in the first few days, but for some women it lasts several weeks.

The first days

  • Get up and walk as soon as you are allowed. Short walks lower the risk of blood clots in your legs.
  • Take painkillers regularly, not only when the pain gets bad. Ask your doctor which are suitable while breastfeeding.
  • Breastfeeding can start as soon as you are ready. A caesarean does not stop you breastfeeding. Lying on your side, or holding your baby under your arm, keeps them off the wound.
  • When you cough or laugh, hold a pillow over the wound.
  • Vaginal bleeding is normal after a caesarean too. Use pads, not tampons.

At home in the first weeks

  1. 1

    The wound

    Clean and dry it gently every day. Wear loose clothes and cotton underwear. Stitches that do not dissolve are usually removed after 5 to 7 days.

  2. 2

    Lifting

    You can carry your baby, but nothing heavier. Let someone else carry water, shopping, the pram and older children.

  3. 3

    Walking

    Take short walks every day. Leave strenuous exercise until you can do it without pain.

  4. 4

    Driving

    Do not drive for a few weeks. Ask your doctor when you are ready, and arrange a lift home from hospital.

  5. 5

    Sex

    When you feel ready and it is not uncomfortable, often around 6 weeks after the birth. Talk to your doctor about contraception.

The 40 days and family help

The Albanian tradition of 40 days, when the mother rests and others look after the house, matters even more after a caesarean. Accept help with cooking, washing and shopping, and keep your baby in your arms. But rest does not mean lying down all day: a gentle walk every day is part of healing.

See a doctor straight away if you have

  • severe pain
  • heavy vaginal bleeding
  • leaking urine or pain when you wee
  • a wound that becomes red, swollen or more painful
  • pus or foul-smelling discharge from the wound
  • a cough or shortness of breath
  • swelling or pain in your calf
  • a temperature of 38°C or higher

These can be signs of an infection or a blood clot. If you have chest pain or cannot breathe, call 127. Signs that apply to every new mother are in warning signs in pregnancy and after the birth.

Common questions

Will my next birth have to be a caesarean?
Not always. Many women can have a vaginal birth next time. It depends on why you had the caesarean and the type of cut, so talk to your doctor in your next pregnancy.
Can I breastfeed after a caesarean?
Yes. Lying on your side, or holding your baby under your arm, keeps them away from the wound.
When can I get the wound wet?
The wound is cleaned and dried gently every day. Ask your midwife or doctor when you can have a bath.

Sources we consulted

Written by the mam.al editors as general information. It does not replace advice from your doctor or midwife. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

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