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If youre getting ready forparenthood, you may have a ton of questions about C-section recovery.
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Well, youve come to the right place.
You may have heard from a friend that recovery was tough, possibly even tougher than they anticipated.
Below, ob-gyns share the details of what C-sections and C-section recovery really entail.
What is a C-section?
That allows them to make an incision into your uterus to deliver your baby, along with the placenta.
When is a C-section necessary?
There are a few specific reasons that people might get a C-section.
Your ob-gyn may also recommend a C-section if youve had one before, but this isnt a given.
Its rare, but a real risk because it can be harmful to both you and your baby.
Some hospitals dont have the staff to handle VBACs and thepotential delivery complications.
What can you do to prepare for a C-section?
Even if you cant anticipate exactly what youll need, its helpful to have these conversations ahead of time.
What should you expect during and after your C-section?
Your doctor will likely insert a catheter into your body to collect urine as well, theMayo Clinicexplains.
Emergency C-sections may require general anesthesia, which means youre not conscious during the delivery.
These symptoms are thanks to the catheter.
(People who get epidurals during vaginal births may experience the same sensation.)
Its totally normal to be irritated and should clear up in a few days, says Dr. Quimby.
Thats what theyre there for.
As days turn into months and years, its important to remember that your body has changed.
Its not unusual for the numbness to last for several years.
Are there things to avoid when you get home?
In fact, you should plan to be sidelined for several weeks, theACOGexplains.
As for exercise, walking is great right off the bat.
We need to let that incision heal, Dr. Jones says.
(And if yourenot in the moodto have sex after six weeks, thats completely valid.)
Here are a few other C-section recovery tips and insights to keep in mind.
C-sections are major surgeries, which means they can come with complications.
And, when it comes to poopingor rather, not poopingthere are a few possible culprits behind postpartum constipation.
Complicating the constipation problem?
Many have a side effect of constipation.
you’re able to also try a stool softener, like Colace ($9,Amazon).
I encourage my patients to play around with different positions.
See if your hospital has a lactation consultant who can help.)
Not so, in a majority of hospitals.
Physical changes are only one aspect of the postpartum experience.
Parenthood brings mental changes and shifts with it too.
you could also seek out support groups and online communities that may help you feel like youreless alone.