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Cesarean Section

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

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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