A Caesarean is a huge ordeal for your body to go through so it is no surprise that you will be left feeling a bit worse for wear. Unfortunately, whether it is a planned c-section or done in an emergency, nobody really tells you exactly what will happen after surgery.
Here are the six things you are likely to experience:
Laughing will hurt
After a caesarean, laughing, coughing and even sneezing can cause a lot of pain. The pain is worse during the first week after delivery but it should lessen as the weeks go by. A band across your stomach can help support you, thus reducing the pain.
There will be a scar
You will be left with a scar, a big scar that may frighten you. However, it will fade over time and will eventually become a symbol of what you went through for your little one.
Going to toilet will be an ordeal
It will be tough going to the toilet for the first couple of weeks as your abdomen will be tender and sore. Pooing will be extra hard as pushing will hurt - stock up on a few stool softeners to help you.
You will need to exercise
Getting up and moving around after a c-section is probably the last thing on your mind but it is important to prevent blood clots. It is vital that you wait until your doctor gives you the all clear to do anything more than a walk/ hobble around the house.
Your body will hurt
The lower part of your body will hurt and so too will your breasts if you are breastfeeding. Take your time getting better and use your limited movements as an opportunity to pour all your attention into your new arrival.
There will be lots of blood
You will experience postpartum bleeding even though you didn’t have a vaginal delivery. Bleeding is usually down to the fact that the placenta has been detached and your body is responding to hormone changes. Fortunately, bleeding will be light and should only last about six weeks; however, talk to your doctor if you feel you are experiencing excessive blood loss.
