Caesarean section: possible consequences and recovery after surgery. Caesarean section - what is it and how quickly it will recover after it! Recovery after a cesarean section

Caesarean section in the modern world is perceived as something simple that does not require special attention - like a tooth extraction or light surgical procedures. In fact, a cesarean section is nothing more than a real abdominal operation, which requires anesthesia (or other anesthesia), can give its complications, and does not go unnoticed for any organism. And recovery from a cesarean section is similar to recovery from appendicitis or any other abdominal surgery. The only difference is the presence of a baby who also needs care and attention and who cannot be explained that mommy herself is not feeling very well and needs help herself. And we will now talk about how to combine recovery after a cesarean section with having a small child.

Possible complications after a cesarean section

Due to the fact that a cesarean section is an operation that involves cutting the tissues of the peritoneum, it can be accompanied by all sorts of complications associated with the abdominal cavity and with the woman's body as a whole.

Firstly, any operation involves a certain degree of blood loss. For comparison: if during normal, physiological childbirth, you lose about a glass of blood (200-250 ml), then during a cesarean section, the blood loss is much more - from half a liter to a liter of blood. Naturally, this gives certain complications associated with emergency blood transfusion or other medical procedures aimed at restoring normal hematopoiesis. With natural childbirth, if there were no complications, no such measures are provided - a lost glass of blood is easily restored in the body for some time.

Secondly, a possible complication of a cesarean section may be the occurrence of adhesions in a woman's intestines. If the adhesions are small, this will not cause you any particular discomfort. But if the adhesions are very pronounced, you may have problems with stool, digestion, and begin. In this case, doctors prescribe special physiotherapy procedures, and in especially severe cases, adhesions are treated even with surgical methods.

Thirdly, a caesarean section operation, if it was carried out even with the slightest imperfections in the field of hygiene, can lead to endometritis - inflammation of the uterus. The thing is that during a cesarean section, the uterine cavity is in direct contact with the surrounding air - and if even the slightest pathogenic bacteria enters the uterus, inflammation will begin. Of course, during natural childbirth, endometritis also sometimes occurs - but the frequency of such cases is incomparable with the frequency of similar cases with cesarean section.

And finally, fourthly, a cesarean section is fraught with violations of the contraction of the uterus. If during natural childbirth there are no mechanical influences on the uterus, then during cesarean section the muscle of the uterus is crossed, which can disrupt the contractility of the uterus. To remedy the situation, after a cesarean section in the maternity hospital, additional therapy is carried out, aimed at improving the contractility of the uterus.

How a woman feels after a cesarean section

The state of health of a woman after childbirth, regardless of how the child was born, is markedly different from her usual state of health. Let's take a look at the main characteristics of a woman's well-being after a cesarean section.

If you had a caesarean section under general anesthesia, then such manifestations as vomiting, hallucinations, nausea, etc. are quite possible. Therefore, agree in advance that during the recovery period after a cesarean section (at least during the first 2 days) someone close to you will be with you.

If the operation was carried out with the use, then on the first day after it, the woman often feels numbness in the lower body from the legs to the abdomen. In addition, for about 12 hours after the anesthesia, it is necessary to lie only on your back, without changing your posture. Of course, all this causes certain inconveniences and slows down the recovery after a cesarean section.

The general condition of the body after a cesarean section. As a result of the operation, the general condition of the body may worsen - the temperature rises, the pressure rises, the seam hurts, nausea is felt, etc. Since the postoperative period is fraught with all sorts of inflammation or penetration of infection into the wound (which is why all of the above symptoms appear), recovery after a cesarean section is always accompanied by antibiotic therapy with antibiotics. As for nausea, this is normal after a cesarean section, but if it lasts more than 3 days, be sure to tell your doctor so that he can find out the causes of the nausea and take the necessary measures.

A seam is a very vulnerable place on your body after an operation, so you need to take special care of it. Within 7 days after the cesarean section with antiseptics and do not exert any mechanical effects on it (including with a washcloth during washing). After the anesthesia wears off, the suture may start to hurt a lot. In order not to suffer from pain, doctors usually offer painkillers to young mothers, which can be injected directly into the suture area. If you are breastfeeding, do not worry - these drugs do not pass into breast milk.

Stool after caesarean section. After childbirth (including a cesarean section), you may experience urinary problems and suffer from constipation and gas. To solve the problem of urination, you will have a catheter placed for 1-2 days. The only drawback of the catheter is that it can cause inflammation of the bladder or urethra, so at the slightest discomfort it must be removed.

As for constipation and gas that may appear due to abdominal surgery and pain in the suture area, this problem can be solved by using foods that improve intestinal motility, laxatives or, in rare cases, even enemas. If the question is only about gases, you can use special drugs against gases or use a special gas tube (as for children).

Features of breathing after cesarean section. Special breathing exercises make it much easier to recover from a cesarean section. To remove the remnants of anesthesia from the body and to straighten the lungs to avoid postoperative pneumonia, doctors advise women to do breathing exercises and cough.

This exercise is very useful for recovering from a cesarean section: press firmly against the seam of your hands, a pillow or bandage the seam with a towel (to reduce pain during exercise), and then draw more air into your lungs and exhale sharply but gently, drawing in your stomach. This exercise is especially useful for those who feel gurgling and sobbing in their lungs. By the way, this exercise can be done before the operation if you have a planned cesarean section. This way you are less likely to accumulate fluid in your lungs.

Excess fluid in the diaphragm can cause shoulder pain. To avoid this, it is also worth doing physical exercises and, if necessary, using pain relievers.

Beginning of physical activity after a cesarean section. Once the anesthesia is gone, you can get out of bed with someone else's help. For some, this time may come a few hours after the operation, for others - only a few days later. But whenever you decide to get up, in the first minutes of your physical activity, you may be accompanied by dizziness, weakness, numbness of the limbs, darkening in the eyes and other signs that portend an imminent fainting. In order not to fall immediately, as soon as you get to your feet, roll over onto your side and hang your legs out of the bed as far as possible. Then sit slowly, sit on the bed for a while, twist your limbs to improve circulation. When you feel that the dizziness has receded, lower your feet to the floor and stand on them with the help of someone. If you succeed in standing, try walking (naturally, with support). Gradually increase the duration of your physical activity each time - and very soon you will fully recover from a cesarean section.

The state of the uterus after cesarean section. In the same way as in the situation with natural childbirth, the uterus returns to normal for some time after delivery. This is manifested in involuntary contractions of the uterus - the only "but" may be that contractions of the uterus after a cesarean section give an additional load on the suture.

Swelling and sweating. After a cesarean section, as well as after a natural childbirth, there may be increased sweating and swelling of the legs. The situation in the case of a cesarean section is aggravated by the fact that physical activity after the operation is quite limited - therefore, swelling must be fought especially intensively. To prevent swelling from leading to varicose veins and thrombophlebitis, be sure to wear elastic stockings.

To fight sweating, wipe yourself with a damp cloth as needed (after all, you can't wash for a week after a cesarean section).

Removal of stitches. If you do not have self-absorbable sutures, they will have to be removed - about a week after the operation. In the first days after the removal of the stitches, the site of the scar may itch, and there may be small discharge from the wound. With proper hygiene, this discharge will soon stop.

Eating after caesarean section

The first days after the operation are rather modest in terms of nutrition. During this period, only drinking is allowed - water with lemon juice.

A day later, if you feel normal, you can eat chicken broth, boiled meat chopped in a meat grinder, cottage cheese and natural yogurt (all low in fat), cottage cheese or meat puree or soufflé, fruit drink or compote without sugar.

If, in the process of recovering after a cesarean section, you yourself went to the toilet "in a big way" on the 4-5th day after a cesarean section - you can rejoice! You can start eating the way you are used to (taking into account breastfeeding and your own well-being, of course).

Breastfeeding after a cesarean section

Breastfeeding problems after a cesarean section are very contrived. after natural childbirth and cesarean section differ only in terms of onset. If, after natural childbirth, milk comes in 3-4 days, after cesarean it can only be waited for 4-5. The reason for this delay is that in natural childbirth, the hormone responsible for lactation is released into the bloodstream immediately after childbirth, and with a cesarean section, this phenomenon occurs later.

But the late arrival of milk after a cesarean section does not in any way affect the condition of the newborn, especially, if urgently needed, he can always be supplemented with infant formula.

Recovering from a cesarean section in everyday life

Well, the initial recovery has passed and you have returned home with your baby. How will your life change now, and what restrictions in everyday life will be present for you for some time after the cesarean section?

As for lifting weights, it is contraindicated to lift more weight than your child's weight (that is, about 3-4 kg) within 2-3 months after a cesarean section.

Even if you want to quickly put your figure in order after childbirth - and decided, first of all, to start pumping the press - wait at least a month until the seam heals. Otherwise, the consequences can be the most unpleasant.

The resumption of sexual relations after a cesarean section occurs after at least 8 weeks - since the uterus after any type of childbirth is a big wound. And if an infection gets into it during intercourse, inflammation cannot be avoided!

And, finally, as for the postpartum bandage, it is not worth abusing it while recovering from a cesarean section. Much more useful will be the situation when the muscles will work on their own.

Recovery after a cesarean section is a rather difficult period, and your loved ones should understand this. To make life a little easier for yourself after a caesarean section, do not hesitate to ask for help with childcare and household chores. Remember that care and attention in your situation is necessary not only for the child, but also for you!

Update: October 2018

For a man, especially a woman, many difficulties are measured by God. Both the birth process and pregnancy do not apply to exceptions. Often there are situations that force the doctor to get the child out of the woman's womb by means of a cesarean section.

Such a termination of pregnancy by many of the fairer sex is considered preferable, since they do not know or forget about the potential consequences after a cesarean section.

And, of course, a woman should remember how long and hard she will have to recover from the operation, how much she will need strength, perseverance and patience. About the consequences of a cesarean section and recovery after it - our article.

Negative aspects of abdominal delivery

Undoubtedly, a cesarean section has long been no longer an operation of despair, when all other possibilities were used to facilitate the birth of a child, and therefore the risk of complications during and after the operation, as well as the consequences, has significantly decreased.

However, it is possible and necessary to prevent the development of potential consequences after removing the baby by means of gluttony. The percentage of postoperative consequences is directly proportional to:

surgical technique
time spent on the operation
antibiotic therapy after cesarean section
suture quality
the experience of the surgeon and many other factors affecting the operation and the course of the postoperative period

It is worth noting that any, even a perfectly performed cesarean section, does not pass without leaving a trace for the woman and the child. Only quantitative indicators of consequences vary.

Caesarean section - consequences for the mother

Suture on the anterior abdominal wall

Oh, how many negative emotions such a rough and unaesthetic scar on the anterior abdominal wall carries. I would like this negative moment after the operation to remain the only one for the woman, the main thing is not physical beauty, but the health of the young mother and her baby.

Do not be upset about the "disfigured belly", currently there are several methods that allow you to suture the skin of the abdomen either with a cosmetic (intradermal) suture, or make a transverse incision in the suprapubic region, which will allow a woman to flaunt in an open swimsuit.

The formation of a skin (invisible or convex, wide) scar depends on the production of certain enzymes in the body. And, unfortunately, someone produces more of them, and someone less, which leads to the formation of a keloid scar. But even in this case, do not despair, currently there are many ways to get rid of reminding about the operation (for example, "resurfacing" of the scar or laser).

Adhesive disease

Any surgical intervention in the abdominal cavity leads to the formation of adhesions in it. The risk of developing an adhesive process is especially high when blood and amniotic water gets into the abdominal cavity, a fairly long and traumatic operation, with a complicated course of the postoperative period (the development of endometritis, peritonitis and other purulent-septic diseases).

They overtighten the intestines, which disrupts its functions, pipes, ovaries and ligaments that hold the uterus. All this can cause:

persistent constipation
development of intestinal obstruction
tubal infertility
improper location of the uterus (its bend or bend backward), which affects menstruation (see).

After the second, third cesarean section, the consequences in the form of adhesive disease and its complications are most likely.

Postoperative hernia

The formation of a postoperative hernia in the area of the scar is also not excluded, which is associated with insufficient tissue matching during wound suturing (in particular, aponeurosis) and the course of the early postoperative period. In some cases, diastasis (divergence) of the rectus abdominis muscles may occur, that is, their tone is reduced, and they cannot perform their functions:

as a result, the load is redistributed to other muscles, which is fraught with displacement or),
the formation of an umbilical hernia (the umbilical ring is a weak point in the abdominal wall),
digestion is disturbed and pain in the spine appears.

Consequences of anesthesia

The decision about pain relief during a cesarean section is made by the anesthesiologist. It can be either intravenous anesthesia with tracheal intubation or spinal anesthesia. After endotracheal anesthesia, women often complain of coughing, which is associated with microtraumas of the trachea and the accumulation of mucus in the bronchopulmonary tract.

Also, after coming out of general anesthesia, nausea, less often vomiting, confusion, drowsiness are disturbing. All of these signs disappear after a few hours. After spinal anesthesia, headaches may appear, so the patient is recommended to stay in a horizontal position for at least 12 hours.

When carrying out epidural and spinal anesthesia, damage to the roots of the spinal cord is possible, which is manifested by weakness and trembling in the limbs, pain in the back.

Scar on the uterus

The postponed caesarean section will forever leave a memory of itself in the form of a scar on the uterus. The main criterion of the uterine scar is its consistency, which largely depends on the quality of the operation performed and the course of the postoperative period.

An insolvent (thinned) scar on the uterus can cause a threat of pregnancy and even rupture of the uterus, not only during the next birth, but also during pregnancy. That is why doctors recommend sterilization (tubal ligation) to women who are planning a second cesarean section, and after the third operation they insist on this procedure.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is characterized by the fact that cells similar in structure to the endometrium are localized in atypical places. Often, after a cesarean section, endometriosis of the scar on the uterus develops, since in the process of suturing the uterine incision, the cells of its mucous membrane can enter, and in the future, germinate in the muscle and serous layers, that is, scar endometriosis occurs.

Lactation problems

Many women report problems with the development of lactation after abdominal delivery. This is especially true for those who were taken for a cesarean section as planned, that is, before the onset of labor. The influx of milk after natural childbirth and cesarean section in women who are "allowed" to give birth occurs on the 3rd - 4th day, otherwise the milk arrives on the 5th - 9th day.

This is due to the fact that during childbirth, oxytocin is produced, which causes uterine contractions. Oxytocin, in turn, stimulates synthesis, which is responsible for the production and release of milk.

It becomes clear that the woman after the operation is not able to provide the baby with breast milk in the coming days, and he has to be fed with formula, which is good. Often, after undergoing cesarean, postpartum women have hypogalactia (insufficient milk formation) and even agalactia.

The consequences of a cesarean section for a child

A cesarean section also affects the newborn. Caesareans often have breathing problems.

Firstly, if the operation was performed under intravenous anesthesia, then some of the narcotic drugs enter the child's bloodstream, which causes depression of the respiratory center and can cause asphyxia. In addition, in the first days and weeks after birth, the mother notes that the child is lethargic and passive, and does not take the breast well.
Secondly, in the lungs of children born through the operation, mucus and fluid remain, which are pushed out of the lungs when the fetus passes through the birth canal. In the future, the remaining fluid is absorbed into the lung tissue, which leads to the development of hyaline membrane disease. The remaining mucus and fluid are an excellent breeding ground for pathogenic microorganisms, which further leads to the occurrence of pneumonia and other respiratory disorders.

During natural childbirth, the baby is in a state of hypernation (that is, sleep). In a dream, physiological processes proceed more slowly, which is necessary to protect the baby from a sharp drop in pressure during birth.

With a cesarean section, the child is removed immediately after the uterus is cut, the baby is not prepared for a sharp change in pressure, which leads to the formation of microbleeds in the brain (it is believed that in an adult, such a pressure drop would cause pain shock and death).

Caesarean children adapt much longer and worse in the external environment, because they did not experience birth stress during the passage through the birth canal and they did not produce catecholamines - hormones that are responsible for adapting to new conditions of existence.

Long-term consequences include:

poor weight gain
hyperactivity and increased excitability of caesarean children
frequent development of food allergies

There are also problems with breastfeeding the baby. A child who was fed artificial mixtures all the time while the woman was recovering from anesthesia and undergoing a course of antibiotics has no motivation for breastfeeding, he is reluctant to breastfeed and does not want to exert force to receive breast milk from the breast (it is much easier from the nipple).

It is also believed that after a cesarean section, there is no psychological connection between the mother and the child, which is formed during natural childbirth and is fixed by early (immediately after birth and crossing the umbilical cord) attachment to the breast.

Recovery after a cesarean section

Immediately after the operation, the woman is transferred to the intensive care unit, where she is under the vigilant attention of medical personnel for 24 hours. At this time, ice is needed on the abdominal area and pain relievers. After a cesarean section, the restoration of the body must begin immediately:

Physical activity

The sooner the newly-made mother begins to move after the operation, the faster she will be able to return to her usual rhythm of life.

The first day, especially after spinal anesthesia, a woman should be in bed, which does not exclude the possibility of movement.
You can and should turn from side to side in bed, do exercises for the legs:
- pulling fingers towards yourself
- rotation of the feet in different directions
- strain and relax the buttocks
- press your knees together and relax them
- alternately bend one leg at the knee joint and straighten, then the other
Each exercise should be performed 10 times.
It is also necessary to immediately start doing Kegel exercises (periodically contracting and relaxing the muscles of the vagina), which strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor and prevent problems with urination.
When can i sit down after a cesarean section? Getting out of bed is allowed after the first day. To do this, you need to turn on your side and lower your legs from the bed, then, resting your hands on, raise the upper end of the body and sit down.
After a while, you should get to your feet (you can hold on to the headboard), stand for a while, and then take a few steps, trying to keep your back straight.
Getting out of bed should be supervised by the sister. Early physical activity stimulates intestinal motility and prevents the formation of adhesions.

Seams

The skin sutures are treated daily with antiseptic solutions (70% alcohol, brilliant green, potassium permanganate), and the dressing is changed. The sutures are removed 7-10 days after the operation (the exception is the intradermal suture, which dissolves in 2-2.5 months on its own).

For better resorption of the skin scar and prevention of keloid formation, it is recommended to lubricate the seams with gels (Curiosin, Contractubex). A shower can be taken after the healing of the skin scar and removal of the stitches, that is, for about 7 - 8 days (avoid rubbing with a washcloth of the seam), and taking a bath and visiting the bath is postponed for 2 months (until the scar on the uterus heals and the suckers stop).

Urination, intestinal gas

The passage of intestinal gases is of no small importance for the restoration of bowel function. Many women are very afraid to let out gas. You should not keep them in yourself, to facilitate the discharge of gases, you need to stroke your stomach in a clockwise direction, then turn on your side and raise your leg and relieve yourself. If constipation occurs, you can take Lactulose (Duphalac), this is the safest remedy for constipation, or use glycerin suppositories (see) that can be used by nursing women.

Often there are problems with urination after surgery. As a rule, this is due to the catheter standing in the bladder for the first day (no more). After the catheter is removed, it becomes difficult to urinate: delay or pain during urination. You should not be afraid of pain, they will disappear after 2 - 3 days on their own, and the pain syndrome itself is caused by irritation of the mucous membrane of the urethra. But a long retention of urine (more than 4 hours) scares mothers. Be sure to tell your doctor about this, but you yourself need to take action - to drink more fluids. And, of course, after a cesarean section, even if there are no problems with urination, you should visit the toilet as often as possible (every 2 hours). This is because an overflowing bladder will press on the uterus, preventing it from contracting.

Nutrition

Nutrition after cesarean section is given special attention, because this is an abdominal operation, that is, on the abdominal cavity:

First day

It is allowed to drink mineral water without gas, which can be acidified with lemon juice. Even if relatives brought "mineral water with gas", the nurse will definitely open it and leave it in such a way that the gas disappears. Basically, on the first day, you don't really want to eat, but you shouldn't worry that you are starving, all the nutrients are supplied through the "droppers" that will be prescribed after the operation.

Second day

Mom is transferred from the intensive care unit to the postpartum ward. The diet is expanding. It is allowed to eat only liquid food, for example, low-fat chicken broth or meat (water after boiling is drained and poured in new), kefir, yoghurts (without pieces of fruit).

Third day

The diet becomes richer. You can use twisted lean boiled meat (beef, veal, rabbit meat), meat or fish soufflé, cottage cheese processed in a blender. Viscous cereals (wheat, rice) cooked in milk and water in a ratio of 1/1 are also introduced into the menu. All food is served boiled and mashed, at room temperature. The food intake is fractional and is 5 - 6 times a day in small portions.

From drinks, you can use weak black tea with lemon, compotes, jelly, fruit drinks, and other herbal teas. Do not get carried away with juices. They should be drunk diluted with boiled water (1/1).

Fourth day

By the fourth day, as a rule, there is an independent chair. Therefore, you can eat thin vegetable soups with mashed meat, potato and other vegetable purees, boiled fish, lean poultry. You can eat 2 - 3 small pieces of dried rye bread or yesterday's rye bread a day. All baked goods and pastries are excluded. Products that stimulate gas formation are also prohibited: peas and all legumes, cabbage and others. Fruits are introduced into food with caution and only those that are not prohibited by the pediatrician (so as not to cause allergies in the child). You can 1 banana, chopped, peeled green apple, kiwi.

Fifth day and beyond

Meals are normal, but taking into account the products approved by pediatricians. Any nuts are not allowed (although they stimulate lactation, but are very allergens for a newborn), honey in large quantities, various confectionery creams, chocolate, red fruits. The emphasis should be on protein foods (meat, fish, poultry), dairy products and fresh vegetables.

All fatty and fried foods, marinades and pickles, canned food, instant foods and fast food are prohibited.

Food is boiled, steamed, stewed or baked, but without the crust. Meals remain fractional, up to 5 times a day and still in small portions.

Bandage

Wearing a bandage will make life much easier, especially in the first days after surgery. However, you should not abuse this device, for a full and quick restoration of the muscle tone of the anterior abdominal wall, the bandage must be periodically removed, gradually lengthening the "bandless" periods.

Cough

After a cesarean section, a woman is often worried about a cough, especially after endotracheal anesthesia. However, the fear of dislocation of the stitches during coughing inhibits the urge to cough. To strengthen the seams, you can press a pillow to the stomach (an excellent replacement is a bandage or dressing with a towel), then inhale deeply and then exhale completely, but gently, making a sound like: "woof".

Physical activity and restoration of elasticity of the abdomen

After a cesarean section, lifting weights is limited to no more than 3 - 4 kg for at least three months. Lifting and caring for a child is not prohibited and even encouraged. All household work, especially related to bending and squatting (mopping, washing) should be delegated to another family member.

A month after the operation, you can start doing light gymnastic exercises. After a cesarean section to restore the abdomen, you can start pumping the press no earlier than six months later. In principle, the sagging belly will return to normal by itself in 6 - 12 months (the skin and muscles will acquire elasticity, their tone will be restored).

To restore the figure after a cesarean section, sports (fitness, aerobics, body flex, yoga) must be carried out according to an individual program with an instructor and only after consulting a gynecologist (no earlier than six months after the operation). Bodyflex exercises 15 minutes a day perfectly help to restore the figure and tighten the stomach.

Gymnastics after a cesarean section

Gymnastics classes will help bring the figure back to normal. In the second week, after the stitches are removed, you should walk as much as possible (at an unhurried, pedestrian step). Do not overstrain, as you felt tired, stop walking and return home. Also, during these periods, it is allowed to perform simple exercises to support the abdominal muscles. One of the exercises, abdominal retraction, is performed in a seated position with a bent back. You need to draw in the stomach while exhaling, and relax while inhaling. Repeat no more than 15 - 20 times at a time, and perform the exercise 2 times a day. Also, don't forget about Kegel exercises for your pelvic floor muscles.

A month after the operation, it is allowed to perform simple exercises aimed at restoring posture.

1 exercise

Sitting on a chair with a straight back and open shoulders, put your feet shoulder-width apart. After 0.5 minutes, try to reach your toes with your hands in an incline and relax. Repeat 6-12 times.

2 exercise

Press tightly against the wall, touching it with the back of the head, shoulder blades, calves and heels. Fix the position for 3 minutes, and then retreat 2 steps and hold in this position for another 3 minutes.

3 exercise

Feet shoulder width apart, then bend your knees slightly and try to bend forward. Keep your hands on your hips, and straighten your shoulders and bring your shoulder blades together. Repeat 30 times three times a day.

4 exercise

Standing on all fours, alternately raise the right straight leg with the right hand, then lower and repeat with the left limbs. Perform 10 - 15 times on each side.

5 exercise

Standing on all fours, straighten one leg and bend the knee at an angle of 90 degrees. At this time, strain the buttocks. Lower your leg and repeat the exercise on the other. Perform 10 - 15 times with each leg.

Lactation

Early attachment to the breast, that is, immediately after childbirth, is now encouraged. Unfortunately, not many maternity hospitals attach the baby to the breast immediately after its extraction during the operation, and most often this happens on the 2nd or 3rd day, when the mother is transferred to the postpartum department. It is better to agree with the doctor in advance so that the child is not just shown to the mother during the operation, but attached to the breast (if the operation is not performed under endotracheal anesthesia). It is also appropriate to require the baby to be brought to the intensive care unit while feeding. The first 4 - 5 days after the cesarean section, the mother still does not have milk (after spontaneous childbirth, the milk flow occurs on the 3rd - 4th day). This is not a reason for despair, and, moreover, refusal to breastfeed. By rubbing the nipple, the baby not only stimulates the flow of milk, but also helps the production of oxytocin, which contributes to the contraction of the uterus.

Postoperative breastfeeding positions that mothers prefer are lying on their side or sitting on a chair. To stimulate the baby's lactation, it is better to undress and attach to the naked breast. Also, during feeding, both mammary glands should be involved (first feed one, then attach to the other). This method stimulates milk production. It is not worth reminding that after feeding, it is imperative to decant and process the nipples, for example, with sea buckthorn oil.

If in the maternity hospital, feeding was carried out strictly by the hour, then after discharge it is advisable to adhere to free feeding or feeding on demand (but at least every 3 hours). This not only contributes to better satiety in the baby, but also the production of milk and oxytocin.

Sex life

You can resume intimate relationships in 1.5 - 2 months after abdominal delivery (the same period after independent delivery). This period of abstinence is necessary for the healing of the wound surface in the uterus (placenta attachment) and the uterine suture.

It is important to attend to the issue of contraception even before the onset of sexual activity. Every woman who has undergone surgery should remember that an intrauterine device can be installed only 6 months after cesarean, a) it is strictly contraindicated for her, since they injure the suture on the uterus and can cause the failure of the scar.

Menstrual cycle

There are no differences in the restoration of the menstrual cycle after abdominal delivery and spontaneous delivery. In the case of breastfeeding, menstruation may begin six months after childbirth or later. In the absence of lactation, menstruation begins after 2 months.

Next pregnancy

Obstetricians recommend abstaining from a new pregnancy after surgery for at least 2 years (optimally 3). This time period allows a woman not only to recover physically and psychologically, but is also necessary for the full healing of the suture on the uterus.

Observation by a gynecologist

All women who have undergone a cesarean section are registered with an antenatal clinic, where they are observed for two years. The first visit after the operation should be no later than 10 days, with the obligatory ultrasound of the uterus. Then, after the lochia is over (6-8 weeks), and at six months, to assess the condition of the scar on the uterus, then a visit to the gynecologist at least once every six months.

Question answer

What day is discharged after a cesarean section?

Normally, they are discharged on the 8th day, when the stitches are removed. An earlier removal of stitches is also possible (on the 7th day), and the discharge on the 6th or 7th day, but this is welcomed in large cities.

How long does the stomach hurt after surgery and what to do?

If the operation took place without complications, then the pain syndrome is very intense only on the first day after the cesarean section. During this period, the woman must be prescribed analgesics that are safe for the child (ketorol). But with very severe pain, it is possible to prescribe narcotic painkillers (promedol). In terms of pain, the first days are the most difficult, then the pain gradually disappears, especially with vigorous activity.

Is it possible to do without a bandage after the operation?

It is certainly possible, and some doctors are generally against this device. But in the first three days it is easier to move around and endure pain with a bandage.

When can I shower and bathe?

A shower can be taken immediately after discharge, that is, on the 7-8th day, provided that the stitches are removed and there is no suppuration of the postoperative scar. And taking a bath will have to be postponed, it is allowed only after the cessation of lochia, about 1.5 months after the operation. Moreover, you should monitor the temperature of the water, it should be warm, but not hot (you can provoke late bleeding).

Can i use the pool after a cesarean section?

Yes, swimming is encouraged after childbirth, especially after abdominal delivery, but is allowed only after the end of lochia, that is, 6 to 8 weeks after childbirth. Swimming successfully restores the figure, acts on the abdominal muscles and improves overall tone.

How to protect yourself after surgery?

This question is of interest to all women, no matter what the birth was, independent or operational. In the first six months, you can use the lactational amenorrhea method, but subject to the conditions. Breastfeeding should be every three hours, including nighttime. The child is not supplemented with formula. But this method is not particularly reliable, so you can take mini-pills (when breastfeeding) or combined oral contraceptives if the mother is not lactating. It is optimal to insert an intrauterine device, but after a cesarean section, it is inserted no earlier than 6 months later.

Can i sleep on my stomach after a cesarean section?

It is possible and necessary. But only on the first day the mother will be on her back (intravenous administration of solutions and drugs, monitoring of blood pressure, pulse and respiration). After the postpartum woman began to stand up and move on her own, lying on her stomach is not only not prohibited, but also encouraged (contributes to the contraction of the uterus). You should not be afraid of seam divergence, if the seams are sound, they will not disperse.

Statistics show that with the help of this type of surgical intervention, more than 30% of newborns are born. For special contraindications or for health reasons, the mother cannot give birth to a child naturally. Sometimes they come to a cesarean section already at the eighth month of pregnancy in order to protect the child and mother from any complications.

Indications for caesarean section can be:

Narrow pelvic bones.
Tumors and pathologies of the genital organs.
Early placental abruption.
Hypoxia or fetal strangulation.
Incorrect fetal position.
The size of the fetus is not suitable for the uterus.
Maternal infections (HIV).
Age category over 38 years old.

There are a lot of indications for a cesarean section, some of them are considered absolute, others are relative. For the obstetrician, the first place is always to save the life of the mother and child. If this operation is indicated for a pregnant woman, then you should check with the doctor in advance how it goes and how quickly to recover after a cesarean. Usually, a planned cesarean is prescribed, when a woman is hospitalized and monitored for several days before the operation itself, carrying out the necessary procedures. In the case of an emergency hospitalization, every fraction of a second can count, so they do general anesthesia and start the operation. Such an operation lasts about an hour, followed by the transfer of the woman in labor to the intensive care unit. There she spends the first day when the baby is looked after by the medical staff of the maternity hospital. Discharge is carried out 5 - 7 days after birth. And then a new life and maternal troubles begin. In parallel with caring for a baby, a woman begins the process of restoring her body after a caesarean section. This process is very laborious and requires a lot of time, effort and energy. Life after surgery has its limitations. The doctor must tell about these restrictions and write out recommendations that must be followed.

The day after the operation, the newly made mother spends in the intensive care unit, the child, if he was born without pathologies, is in the children's department, where he is closely monitored and all the necessary postpartum procedures are performed. Getting out of bed and making sudden movements is prohibited for another day. There are also restrictions on lifting weights. Most often, the load is on the intestines; nausea and headaches may occur in the first days. The mother does not bring a newborn during this period. In total, the child and the mother spend about a week in the maternity hospital. Before discharge, the doctor always advises how to recover from a cesarean and establish a new rhythm of the body. After a cesarean section, rehabilitation of the body takes almost 6 months. Not only the internal organs of the girl are being rebuilt, but also the hormonal background. Quite a long period is accompanied by proper nutrition and limited physical activity.

Seam care

In the postoperative period after a cesarean section, a seam remains on the girl's body, in the abdomen, and a bandage must be applied over the seam. While the patient is in the hospital, all the necessary manipulations with the wound are performed by the nurse. The seam is treated with antiseptics and dressing changes. The stitches are removed on the 7th day, after which it is already allowed to wet the wound. In the period after the operation of the cesarean section, suppuration may occur on the scar. For quick healing, special quick-healing creams should be applied to the wound. In such cases, you should urgently consult a doctor.

Using a bandage

To maintain the tone of the abdominal and abdominal muscles, it is imperative to wear a bandage. The postoperative period after cesarean section is reduced by almost half with the help of bandages. The period of wearing it is at least one month, in extreme cases, the more, the faster the rehabilitation after cesarean section is carried out. The bandage not only protects the seam, but also makes it easier to care for the baby. Many doctors advise starting the bandage after the sixth month of pregnancy. But even such an item has a number of contraindications:

Problems with the gastrointestinal tract.
Suppuration of the seam after cesarean.
Possible renal edema.

The discomfort in the first case is based on the fact that the bandage squeezes the organs of the digestive system, because of this, serious problems can arise. Suppuration of the seam brings painful sensations.

You should take breaks when wearing the bandage, you cannot stay in it around the clock. The abdominal muscles relax over time, so breaks should be taken every 3-4 hours. A doctor will help you to choose a bandage individually.

Restoration of the menstrual cycle

In this case, there are no special differences after natural childbirth and cesarean section - the menstrual cycle is restored in the same way. Lochia is a red, postpartum discharge, similar to menstruation, with its own specific odor. They leave for about 2-3 months, especially plentiful in the first few days after childbirth. They gradually lose color and disappear completely. How much the body is recovering after a cesarean section and the menstrual cycle is a purely individual process. After childbirth, the uterus comes to the right tone and creates a new mucous membrane. Recovery takes about 3 months. When your period hits, the first few cycles are very heavy. With each cycle, the amount of discharge normalizes and ends completely after 5 months. It is from this time that menstruation, as before, comes at the right time and once a month.

Diet and nutrition

Rehabilitation after a cesarean section largely depends on what the new mother eats. In the first days of rehabilitation after a cesarean section, a woman is shown a cleansing enema to restore the intestines. Doctors recommend not to overload the gastrointestinal tract and limit food intake, which is why appropriate droppers with the necessary substances are prescribed (usually glucose is injected). You can enter the diet on the second or third day. The maternity hospital has everything to restore the body of women in labor. After three days, it is allowed to take many products into the diet, it is desirable that they be steamed and vegetable oil. Fried and spicy foods should be excluded from the diet, especially when breastfeeding.

Features of nutrition after discharge:

Dairy and fermented milk products (milk, kefir, yogurt, cottage cheese, natural yoghurts).
Raw and cooked vegetables. It is recommended to steam the vegetables as they retain more beneficial vitamins.
Meat. It should also be steamed or eaten boiled. Meat contains a lot of protein, the body needs it for building material.
Fruits. Raw apples, pears, bananas, grapes and oranges. Especially citruses, with a high saturation of vitamin C.
Butter and vegetable oil. Contains a large amount of fat-soluble vitamins.
Water. The more water, the better to tone the skin and look healthy.

Limit consumption:

Meat products (sausages, sausages).
Smoked products (fish, meat).
Tomato sauce, ketchup.
Sweets.
Garlic and onions.
Pickled products.
Fast food.
Carbonated drinks and alcohol.

If a girl decides to go on a diet, then this must be discussed with the doctor. It is possible to adhere to a certain diet if there are no complications after the operation. And it is worth remembering first of all about the baby, because during breastfeeding everything that the mother eats is reflected in him. The diet should be followed for a long time, about 2 months.

First day. Breakfast - oatmeal, tea and butter sandwich. Lunch - Vegetable stew, chicken broth, boiled breast, tea. Dinner-juice with muesli. In between meals, you can eat fruit and nuts.
Second day. Breakfast - boiled egg, cereal with milk, tea. Lunch - boiled pasta, no oil, steamed fish, vegetable salad, seasoned with olive oil. Dinner - stewed cabbage, steamed cutlet, tea.
Third day. Breakfast - buckwheat porridge, tea, natural yogurt. Lunch - noodles soup, steamed meat, sugar-free compote. Dinner - cottage cheese with fruit and yoghurt, tea, cracker with butter.
Fourth day. Breakfast - oatmeal porridge with butter, tea, apple. Dinner - vegetable salad, chicken breast with buckwheat, light soup, tea. Dinner - vegetable side dish with boiled fish, sugar-free drink.
The fifth day. Breakfast - kefir and cereals, an egg. Lunch - fish soup, boiled potatoes without oil and a piece of steamed meat. Dinner - boiled vegetables with chicken cutlet.
Weekends - drinking regimen, more than 2 liters of water, raw vegetables and fruits.

Such food can be combined every week and add something new, healthy.

Sex and sex life

How long does the body recover after cesarean and when it is possible to start a sexual life is difficult. These processes are individual. The gynecologist must prescribe contraception to the girl, even if her period has not yet begun. Permission to live sexually is possible after consulting a doctor, only after examination and the conclusion that the uterus has come into the desired shape. This usually happens after two months. What is contraception for? The process of caesarean section harms the body's life, the genitals and hormones are restored anew. After a cesarean, the next pregnancy is possible only after two to three years, when the body is completely back to normal.

Rebirth

The second and subsequent births after cesarean section are possible after two to three years. Until that time, the process of sexual life should be accompanied by the use of contraceptive drugs. If the couple decided to have another child, you need to consult a doctor. There are cases when pregnancy after cesarean is impossible. For many girls, doctors give a favorable prognosis for the next pregnancy - you can give birth naturally and there are no barriers to this.

Sports and body restoration

How long the body recovers after cesarean and when you can start playing sports depends on the general condition of the woman. As soon as the mother decides to start playing sports, a consultation with a gynecologist is required. He assesses the condition of the genitals and the healing process of the suture. If everything is in good shape, he gives approval for physical activity. It is very common that after a girl starts to play sports, milk disappears. Is this possible? Yes, it is possible. In the sports process, it is imperative to know when to stop and not to overload an unprepared body. It is required to increase the approaches and the number of exercises gradually. For example, Kegel exercises will help restore the tone of the uterus.

If there are no contraindications to the doctor, then you can start gymnastics in the ward, with the help of breathing.

Exercises:

Take a deep breath, exhale quickly. 2 sets of 10 reps.
Stroking the abdomen in a clockwise direction with a deep inhalation and deep exhalation.
Massaging the abdomen from top to bottom.

Doctors advise doing yoga after a cesarean. You can sign up for one-to-one lessons or find an exercise course for home workouts.

After 2 months, you can go in for sports more actively. The emphasis should be placed on the muscles of the abdomen and buttocks.

Exercises for the abs:

Alternate leg raises. 3 sets of 20 reps.
Raising the torso. 5 approaches 15 times.
Raising the head while lying down. At the same time, straining the muscles of the press. 3 sets of 15 reps.

Exercises for the buttocks:

Squats. 3 sets of 30 reps.
Squats with weights (2-3 kg). 3 sets of 20 reps.
I.p - lying on its side. Raising the legs along the body. 3 sets of 20 reps. The other leg is the same.

Sleep and rest

After the operation, you should definitely have a good rest and establish a sleep and rest regimen. In a dream, the body recovers and gets in shape. With a small child, this is certainly problematic, but you can always find a way out.

Walking

With the arrival of the baby, walks should be part of the daily routine. Fresh air and oxygen will help the baby get used to the lifestyle outside the womb, and the mother - to saturate the body with oxygen. Without oxygen, the restoration of the body is impossible. It nourishes tissues and organs and helps heal cuts and scars.

Hygiene

Showers and hot baths are allowed only after the stitches have been removed. Until this moment, you should wash yourself with warm water and soap and wipe the body with napkins in order to avoid the occurrence of infections.

Abdominal skin tone

Armed with oils, you can begin the fight against stretch marks, if they are of course available. The oils actively smooth and nourish the skin. The main thing in this business is regularity. Apply oil on the stomach and buttocks daily - in the morning and in the evening. For the best effect, massage will not hurt.