We know that it takes about six weeks for the cervix to return to its normal size, the uterus to shrink, and the caesarean wound to heal. Understandably, the recovery process takes time and the medical advice is to wait until you're six weeks postpartum.
Rushing into things too quickly and even sex four weeks after a C-section can lead to complications such as infection. Six weeks is the average amount of time it takes the uterus to return to its normal size, cervix to close, and C-section incision to heal.
If you have a scar of any sort (episiotomy, caesarean) there is a risk you may cause trauma to your scar and slow down the healing process if you start exercise too early or do too much too soon. You might notice your scar feels sore after exercise, or it looks raw or leaks fluid.
When Can I Start Bending After C -Section? As your body heals and the pain decreases when you move around, you can slowly try bending (between weeks 4 and 6).
3 weeks post-cesarean delivery
After you've been home from the hospital for 3 weeks or so, you might be walking for up to 15 minutes, gradually building up the time if it feels good. Keep up your daily pelvic floor exercises too.
The first day after a C-section is often the hardest, and moving around may hurt. Take any prescribed pain medication on schedule, and time your trips to the bathroom or around the room to coincide with when the pain medicine kicks in, suggests Dr. Woeber.
Increased bleeding after your lochia starts to decrease can be a sign you're overdoing it and need more rest. Seeing ongoing clots could mean your uterus is having trouble getting back to its pre-pregnancy size. In either case, it's always best to call.
Most doctors advise not to put anything in the vagina—including toys, fingers, and penises—for four to six weeks to allow for healing and reduce the risk of complications.
During the first six weeks after having your baby, you can gradually increase activity at a pace that suits you. You could start with a five-minute walk, and gradually extend this time when you feel able. Ask your midwife or health visitor if you're unsure about what's best to do.
Your six-week postpartum checkup is a comprehensive visit with your OB or midwife to check on your recovery after childbirth. You'll have a complete examination, including a mental health screening and any tests or immunizations you need. If all is well, you'll get the okay to start exercising and having sex again.
It usually takes about 6 weeks to recover from your c-section but this will depend on your individual situation. If you had any problems during or after your c-section, or if you're looking after other children at home, you may feel you need more time to recover.
Some women do experience symptoms related to their C-section scar long after the operation. Some women feel pain, restriction, or a pulling sensation on or around their scar months or even years after surgery. This is normally due to the build-up of scar tissue which can stick to muscles or even organs and cause pain.
Your Recovery
A caesarean section, or C-section, is surgery to deliver your baby through a cut that the doctor makes in your lower belly and uterus. The cut is called an incision. You may have some pain in your lower belly and need pain medicine for 1 to 2 weeks.
Women should walk for about 20 minutes at a moderate pace to increase circulation and speed up healing. Fit mothers recover quickly and can be back on their feet in a matter of weeks. Walking after a cesarean delivery is regarded as an important part of recovery exercise.
Avoid bending, stretching, or lifting — and don't carry anything heavier than your baby for the first four to six weeks.
Water is obviously important for everyone, but research shows that early hydration after a C-section can help speed up recovery by helping you return to normal eating habits and light activity (like walking) sooner. Also, if you're breastfeeding, you might be feeling extra thirsty — so hydration is key.
A repeat caesarean section usually takes longer and is more difficult than a first operation because of scar tissue. It carries a possibility of wound infection and blood transfusion.
Doctors, traditionally, have advised women to avoid stairs after a C-section. But Kathryn Houston, a clinical instructor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of California, San Francisco, shrugs off that recommendation. “Stairs are fine as long as you take them slowly,” she says.
Following your c-section, it's generally okay to engage in light, low-impact movement, such as walking. (Avoid pounding, jumping, running, or any other intense forms of exercise until you've been cleared by your healthcare provider.)
After Going Home:
Initially, you should avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby, and avoid most housework. Your lochia bleeding will change over time and can increase with activity and position changes. Use your bleeding as a way of making sure that you are not involved in too much activity.
After a c-section, you should sleep on your back or side. This shouldn't put too much strain on your c-section wound. You can also try sleeping on your back with your head elevated. Use pillows to keep your spine aligned and take pressure off your joints.
Once the baby is delivered the uterus is closed with a double layer of stitching. Four of the five remaining layers are stitched with a single layer of stitching, but one layer is not restitched as it heals better – with no buckling and reduced chance of scar tissue developing, without restitiching.