A Cesarean (suh-ZAIR-e-un) section--also called a
C-section--allows safe, quick delivery of a baby when a vaginal
delivery is not possible. In a C-section, the doctor makes a
cut in the lower belly and into the uterus. The baby is
delivered through this cut (often called an incision.) After
the procedure, it will take about 4 weeks for you to feel like
your old self. There are many reasons for doing a C-
section: The baby may be in the wrong position, the baby's head
may be too large to pass through the birth canal, your
contractions may not be strong enough to deliver the baby, the
placenta (afterbirth) may not be in the right place, or you may
have had a C-section before.
IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE
HOSPITAL...
Remember These Pointers After You
Leave
A hard ridge may form along
your incision. It will slowly go down as the incision
heals.
Use an electric heating pad
(set on low) or a warm, moist towel to relieve the pain in
your incision.
You may shower as usual.
Gently wash your incision with a mild, unscented
soap.
Do not douche unless your
doctor tells you to.
Resume your normal activities
as soon as you are able.
You may drive a car after you
have been home for 3 weeks.
You may have sex when your
doctor tells you it is okay and when you are
able.
For comfort when you are
feeding your baby, rest the baby on a pillow over the
incision area.
Call Your Doctor
If...
Bleeding from the incision
soaks more than one pad every hour or turns bright
red.
The feeling that you need to
urinate right away lasts longer than 1
month.
Your vaginal discharge
(bleeding) lasts longer than 1 month.
You have pain, red streaks,
or warmth on the lower part of one of your
legs.
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