Recovering from a caeseran birth

Emotional Recovery and Adjustment

The first six weeks of recovery after a caesarean birth can feel very different compared to recovering from a vaginal birth. You are healing from major surgery while caring for a newborn and adjusting to significant physical and emotional changes.

Accept that your caesarean birth is a personal journey. It can bring up unexpected feelings and may feel triggering or emotional at times. Be gentle with yourself and stay open with your support people and your LMC about how you are feeling. Some women feel completely comfortable with their caesarean birth, while others may feel disappointed or sad that they were unable to give birth vaginally. If your caesarean was unplanned or an emergency, the sudden change in plans can sometimes come as a shock.

Birth is a huge time of transition for all women, so keeping communication open with those close to you can make a real difference.

Sensations Around Your Scar

It is very common to experience itchiness, tingling, or numbness around your caesarean scar and lower abdomen. Some women notice numbness from their belly button down to just below the scar, which is usually caused by small nerves being affected during surgery.

For some, sensation begins to improve after about 4 to 8 weeks, while for others the area may remain numb long term. This happens because the tiny nerves in the skin can take a long time to heal.

Getting Moving Again

You will usually be encouraged to get out of bed around 8 to 12 hours after your operation, with hospital staff helping you the first few times. Gentle movement is important to reduce the risk of post-operative complications such as blood clots and lung infections.

Take things slowly but try to move regularly. Start with short walks around your room on the first day, then gradually increase the distance. Once you are home, if you feel up to it, aim for a slow five-minute walk most days and build up gradually as your body allows.

Bowel Changes and Constipation

It is common to notice changes in your bowel movements after a caesarean, particularly constipation. This can be due to the effects of surgery, pain relief medication, and reduced activity levels.

Staying well hydrated, eating fibre-rich foods, and gentle movement can help. You will likely be offered laxatives in hospital - it is safe to continue taking them for as long as you need to keep your bowels regular and comfortable to pass.