Don't shave your stomach or pubic area If hair removal is necessary, your nurse will take care of it with clippers in the hospital on the day of your C-section.
Don't shave your pubic hair within 24 hours of your C-section. This can increase the risk of a surgical site infection. If your pubic hair needs to be removed, it will be trimmed by the surgical staff just before surgery.
Know the basics.
It's no longer standard procedure to shave pubic hair, because it could permit unwanted bacteria into the body. (Nor should you shave or wax your own bikini area or abdomen right before a scheduled C-section, also due to the infection risk.)
At the beginning of a caesarean section, six separate layers of the abdominal wall and uterus are opened individually. Once the baby is delivered the uterus is closed with a double layer of stitching.
You'll be asked to change into a hospital gown when you arrive at the hospital on the day of the caesarean section. A thin, flexible tube called a catheter will be inserted into your bladder to empty it while you're under the anaesthetic, and a small area of pubic hair will be trimmed if necessary.
The Night Before Your C-section
Try to get a good night's sleep. You may brush your teeth in the morning. Check with your doctor if you are taking any medication. Take a shower before coming to the hospital.
Recovering in hospital
The average stay in hospital after a caesarean is around 3 or 4 days. You may be able to go home sooner than this if both you and your baby are well. While in hospital: you'll be given painkillers to reduce any discomfort.
A caesarean is a major operation that carries a number of risks, so it's usually only done if it's the safest option for you and your baby.
A caesarean section is an operation to give birth to your baby. Caesarean section surgery usually takes 30-60 minutes, although the entire process takes a few hours. There'll be many people in the operating theatre with you. You can usually have a support person.
Regional (or rarely general) anesthesia (spinal or epidural) is given to prevent pain, a vertical or horizontal ("bikini line") incision is made in the skin of the lower abdomen, and then the underlying tissues are dissected to expose the uterus.
Once upon a time, hospitals shaved pregnant women before delivery. Now, shaving isn't recommended at all.
Smooth skin may make it easier for surgeons to make incisions cleanly and precisely. In fact, it's customary for surgeons to shave some patients before they perform surgery.
“There is no medical reason for shaving, it's definitely not encouraged by health professionals and the vast majority of expectant mums choose not to.” So there we have it. What do you think, were you worried about this issue before you went into labour?
Next, something that completely surprised me: Some hospitals may strap your arms to the operating table (others leave them free)—done to prevent you from inadvertently knocking a member of the medical team while they are wielding a scalpel.
What should I wear to a planned C-section? Wear something comfortable to the hospital. You will need to be in a hospital gown for the surgery, but you may have some time sitting around and waiting before your C-section. Loungewear and yoga pants are both excellent options.
At first you may be asked to only eat ice chips or take sips of water, at least until your provider is certain you are not likely to have very heavy bleeding. Most likely, you will be able to eat a light diet 8 hours after your C-section.
Returning to Physical Activities After a C-Section
It's important to get out of bed and walk around within 24 hours after surgery. This can help ease gas pains, help you have a bowel movement, and prevent blood clots.
Shower and bath: The incision is water-tight within 24 hours after surgery. The bandage should be removed one day after surgery, and the incision should remain uncovered. Your first shower can be 24 hours after surgery.
The average hospital stay after a C-section is 2 to 4 days, and keep in mind recovery often takes longer than it would from a vaginal birth. Walking after the C-section is important to speed recovery and pain medication may be supplied too as recovery takes place.
Try to relax, meditate, and stay positive. It can be hard to control your worries before a C-section. But deep-breathing exercises can help you stay calm and focused.
General anesthesia is most often used when a C-section is urgent and there isn't time for an epidural or a spinal block. We place a breathing tube through your mouth, down your throat, and into your lungs to help you breathe during the procedure. You'll be asleep during the C-section.
In the five-to-six week postpartum period after giving birth, it's common to experience bowel and digestion issues, and that's true whether you had a c-section or vaginal birth.
“Sometimes, after a C-section, the bowels can take some time to wake up since you've just gone through a major surgery,” explains Dr. Newlin. “It can take three or four days for your first poop after delivery.” That same timeframe holds true if you're taking opioid pain medications.
You should get as much rest as possible, especially in the first few weeks after a C-section. Adages that recommend sleeping when your baby sleeps or asking friends and family to step in so you can rest are great ways to ease the burden in the early days.