Yes, you bleed a significant amount after a C-section, similar to a vaginal birth, but often more (around a quart compared to half a quart for vaginal), experiencing heavy, dark-red bleeding with clots initially (like a heavy period), which gradually lessens and changes color over several weeks as the uterus heals. This normal postpartum bleeding, called lochia, is heaviest in the first few days and typically lasts 2 to 6 weeks, with spurts possible during breastfeeding, but you should contact your doctor for sudden heavy bleeding or large clots after the first day.
The average amount of blood loss after the birth of a single baby in vaginal delivery is about 500 ml (or about a half of a quart). The average amount of blood loss for a cesarean birth is approximately 1,000 ml (or one quart).
When compared to C-Section, normal labor is more painful during delivery. However, it is only for a short time. When the delivery is finished, there will be no pain. Normal labor also helps the new mother get started with breastfeeding sooner and better.
Bleeding after delivery (even a C-section) will continue for 4-8 weeks but should get lighter after the first few days. You may have a return of bright red bleeding 7-10 days after delivery, this is normal if it is similar to a period or less.
When it occurs, the mother may feel faint or nauseous and may vomit. If her blood pressure falls excessively, the mother runs serious risks (such as loss of consciousness), as does the baby (such as lack of oxygen and brain damage).
If everything goes smoothly, the procedure often takes about an hour. The baby can usually be taken out in 10 to 15 minutes, or even faster in an emergency. After the baby is delivered, the womb and the various layers of the abdomen are carefully stitched up.
Some of the main risks to you of having a caesarean include:
Discomfort is expected after a C-section, especially around the incision and abdomen. Pain typically peaks in the first few days and improves over several weeks.
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.
Occasionally, a week or two after your bleeding seems to have stopped, you may have a sudden gush of bright red blood. This is the normal process of the placental site scab coming off. This too will taper off over a few days.
For some people, a c-section is safer than vaginal birth. If you have medical conditions that affect your pregnancy, you may need a c-section to protect the health of your baby. A c-section can be planned (scheduled) together with your health care team based on your health needs and the needs of your baby.
A numerical rating scale (NRS) of 0–10 was adopted to evaluate maternal pain, with 0 describing no labor pain and 10 describing the most severe labor pain. The higher the score, the more severe the labor pain is.
Since babies born via C-section do not pass through the birth canal and are not exposed to the same bacteria as babies born vaginally, their microbiome develops differently and has different strains of bacteria. In 2019, the largest ever study of newborns' microbiomes was published in the scientific journal Nature.
You will need to have extra-absorbent menstrual pads which the hospital should provide after delivery. Do not use tampons during this time. It is important to mention that bleeding after a C-section can differ from person to person – it may last from a few days to few weeks.
The night before
To reduce the risk of aspiration, you can vomit after having your anaesthetic or whilst having your C-section. Ensure you have a late evening meal or plan a substantial pre-bed snack.
A c-section is major surgery and may lead to more complications than a vaginal birth, including: Infection in the incision (cut), uterus, or nearby areas, like your belly and bladder.
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Keep the wound area clean by washing it with mild soap and water. You don't need to scrub it. Often, just letting the water run over your wound in the shower is enough. You may remove your wound dressing and take showers if stitches, staples, or glue were used to close your skin.
Protect your ab muscles: For the first 12 weeks after a C-section, avoid activities that make you breathe hard or strain your muscles. Avoid sit-ups, crunches, push-ups, planks or movements that put pressure on your core muscles. Take care of your incision: Your doctor will tell you how long to keep your wound covered.
The 5-5-5 rule for postpartum C-section recovery is a guideline for the first 15 days, emphasizing 5 days in bed, 5 days on the bed, and 5 days around the bed, focusing on rest, gradual movement, bonding, and healing by limiting activity and staying near a resting spot for essential needs only. It's a structured way to encourage vital rest and set boundaries with visitors, preventing overexertion during the critical initial healing phase after major surgery.
However, as a major surgery, cesarean delivery carries risks, including infection, bleeding, and longer recovery times compared to vaginal births.
The Golden Hour is a special period of skin-to-skin contact between a birthing parent and newborn for the first hour (or two) after birth. During the Golden Hour, we keep interruptions, including exams and measurements, to a minimum to make the skin-to-skin contact as continuous as possible.
A c-section is major surgery and your partner will need time to recover. It can take at least 6 weeks, but they may have discomfort for much longer than this.
Current pharmacological management of haemorrhage at caesarean section draws upon evidence extrapolated from studies where the majority of study subjects have laboured and delivered vaginally. Injectable agents used to prevent or treat PPH include ergometrine, oxytocics, and prostaglandins.
Diet and medication
You may eat solid food up to 6 hours before your scheduled hospital arrival time. You may drink clear liquids up to 2 hours before your scheduled arrival time. Clear liquids include water, broth, apple juice, and coffee or tea without milk or creamer.