The consequences of childbirth after a cesarean section differ from the consequences of vaginal delivery. Pain, post-cesarean scar, possible complications… Focus on the post-cesarean section.

The first 48 hours after a cesarean section are often painful. Analgesic treatment is set up for a minimum of 3 days. Analgesics are administered to you intravenously or orally: low-dose morphine, paracetamol.,

Note: these pain relievers being taken for short periods, there is no effect for your baby if you are breast-feeding. No reason to suffer!

In the maternity ward, the nurses and midwives will take care of changing the bandage on your scar every day. Advice for better healing once you get home:

Do not take a bath before the 3rd week after giving birth.

Avoid wearing pants or skirts with a zipper at the scar, just like low-rise panties. This is to avoid friction at the level of the caesarean scar, which could lead to the creation of bulges.

You can massage the scar once it is tightly closed with moisturizer and dryer every day. This softens it and prevents adhesions. It is possible to have scar massages done by a physiotherapist.

To avoid any risk of phlebitis or embolism, you will get up after 24 hours. It’s painful but necessary! Anticoagulants are prescribed in case of varicose veins, a history of phlebitis… Anticoagulant injections are made at home for 3 weeks by a nurse.

You may possibly experience nausea right after the cesarean section. They are very painful. In this case, the medical team will give you medicines that prevent vomiting.

The discomfort of abdominal sutures makes it difficult to breastfeed your baby. While in the maternity ward, ask for help to install your baby. The lying position, baby tell you, does not weigh on your tummy. When you can sit up, put a pillow on your stomach and put your baby on it.

After the cesarean section, it is common to have a slowed transit (due to the surgical procedure, to anesthesia, to drugs). To fight against constipation, walk because it stimulates transit. Choose a diet rich in fiber. It is possible to use a laxative for a short time. Your doctor or midwife are listening to you on this subject too.

Blood loss (lochia) after a cesarean is more abundant than after a vaginal birth. They last 3 weeks, sometimes longer, up to 2 months.

After a cesarean section, you are entitled to abdominal and perineal rehabilitation sessions. Abdominal rehabilitation should not be started before completing perineum rehabilitation.