Recovery from Cesarean Section
During a cesarean section, babies emerge into the world through an incision made in the abdominal wall and uterus. This is a medical procedure that necessitates medical care after recovery and requires prior preparation. Following the surgery, you will be transferred to the recovery room for two hours of supervision and then to the maternity ward. During these two hours and throughout your stay in the maternity ward, a nurse will monitor various vital signs, including urine quantity, pain intensity, uterine involution (height of the uterus), and potential side effects such as pain, nausea, and shivering after spinal anesthesia. The nurse will also assess the quantity of vaginal bleeding, examine the surgical wound, and report and treat any issues as needed. Whether there is complete rooming-in or not, and if you feel comfortable, you will have the opportunity for initial bonding with your baby through nursing and skin-to-skin contact.
Within 6 to 8 hours after surgery, if conditions allow and you feel well enough to be able to move your arms and legs without a sense of heaviness, the nurse will remove the catheter from your bladder. You will then be able to gradually get out of bed with the assistance of a nurse or a family member. Initially, you will sit in an armchair, and later, you can take a shower. It is highly recommended to make an effort and move early to prevent complications associated with prolonged lying down. The sooner you get up, the fewer complications are likely after a cesarean section, including thromboembolic complications (formation of blood clots due to immobility). Moreover, early movement after surgery helps alleviate pain.
Symptoms and treatment following a cesarean section
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Pain
During the first few hours after surgery, you may experience pain in the surgical wound and from uterus contractions after delivery, as well as nausea and vomiting. It is important to tell your nurse about these symptoms so that they can assess you and provide appropriate treatment.
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Dry mouth
This occurs due to fasting requirements (as per the ward's regulations, the nurse will guide you to gradually drink and eat). You can alleviate the sensation of dryness by moistening your lips.
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Vaginal bleeding
After cesarean section and also after vaginal delivery, the uterus undergoes self-cleansing, resulting in vaginal bleeding. If the bleeding becomes excessive, discolored, or exhibits a foul smell, it is essential to promptly inform the nurse.
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Constipation
Occasionally, after a cesarean section, bowl movement may be reduced, leading to constipation. It is advisable to seek assistance and consult with the medical team regarding appropriate treatment.
Guidelines for the mother after a cesarean section
- Breastfeeding: there is no impediment to breastfeeding if you wish and are able to do so. It is also possible if you are still lying down. Breastfeeding can be carried out with a companion and under the guidance of a nurse. Breastfeeding is encouraged and feasible upon arrival at the maternity ward, and even earlier, during the recovery period and when a complete rooming-in arrangement is in place.
- Hygiene: your initial post-surgery bath will be assisted by a nurse. Subsequently, to prevent infection, it is important to daily rinse the surgical wound and pat it dry with a clean towel. Additionally, ensure daily cleansing of the vaginal area to maintain hygiene.
- Home discharge: if everything goes well, you will be discharged home.
with your baby within 3 to 5 days. - Removing staples/nonabsorbable sutures: according to the doctor’s orders specified in the discharge letter.
- The newborn: you will receive instructions from the pediatrician and the maternity ward nurse regarding the Family Health Center (Tipat Halav) appointment for further growth follow up, development, and vaccinations.
Locate the nearest Family Health Center
Potential complications following a cesarean section
Similar to other medical procedures, a cesarean section may entail various complications. The medical team is aware of these complications and is prepared to provide the best possible treatment in the hospital. Immediate complications include bleeding due to damage to blood vessels performed during the surgery, or injuring organs adjacent to the uterus (bladder, intestines).
Other medical complications
- Infections in the uterus: following a cesarean section, an infection such as endometritis may develop. Symptoms include a high fever and a tender uterus. There may also be a vaginal secretion with a foul smell, requiring antibiotic medication.
- Infection of the surgical wound: typically characterized by pain, redness, and secretions at the surgical wound site. In some instances, it may be necessary to open the wound for cleansing, rinsing, or the administration of antibiotics.
- Urinary tract infection.
- Pneumonia.
- Blood clots: after surgery, there may be an increased tendency for the development of blood clots, leading to an elevated risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In such instances, you may typically experience sharp pain in the leg caused by swelling of blood vessels, a condition diagnosed through ultrasound. This complication requires an anticoagulant treatment, specifically the administration of blood thinners to prevent blood clots. Additionally, it is crucial to get out of bed and engage in movement as early as possible.
Late complications
- Uterus adhesions: adhesions may cause chronic pain in the pelvis and mechanical obstructions in the fallopian tubes (fertility problems, difficulty extracting the fetus in the next cesarean section).
- Difficulties in the next delivery: a high risk of a uterus tear in the next delivery. The major risk of a regular delivery after a cesarean section (VBAC, vaginal birth after cesarean section); An increase in placenta accreta spectrum and placenta previa in the next pregnancies. Although these incidents are rare, risks are substantial.
- Anesthesia complications: spinal/epidural or full anesthesia. The recommended anesthesia in most cesarean sections is, obviously, spinal or epidural. However, occasionally, full anesthesia may be necessary. Even in these cases, it is important to point out that complications are extremely rare. After the anesthesia, there may be a throat ache, hoarseness, and more.
- Fetal complications: most fetal complications are temporary and resolve with proper treatment. For example, Transient Tachypnea of Newborn (TTN). In vaginal delivery, the pressure from the birth canal during delivery squeezes fetal lung fluid. In a cesarean section, the fetus does not go through the birth canal, which is why they sometimes experience rapid breathing, a condition that resolves within 48 hours. Additionally, there may be bruising in the extremities (in the event of a difficult extraction), and in full anesthesia, the absorption of anesthetics may cause hypoventilation.