So the long-awaited moment has come – finally, after 9 months of waiting, your baby was born. And, it would seem that everything is behind us, the birth has passed, the baby is healthy, and can only enjoy his new life.
However, childbirth does not pass without a trace, especially if they were performed using surgery – the body is weakened, and its full recovery after cesarean section will occur no later than six months later.
If a young mother will listen to the doctor and follow all his recommendations, then her path to full recovery will be much shorter.
The rehabilitation period: features
Due to the fact that the ability of the uterus to contract after surgery deteriorates, the formation of the abdomen in place takes longer. Therefore, the entire rehabilitation period, doctors recommend wearing a special tightening bandage, which can not only tighten the stomach, but also prevent the divergence of the postoperative suture.
Breastfeeding, in the absence of any contraindications (for example, taking antibiotics), is not prohibited. However, feeding the baby should occur only in a prone position, especially the first 3 days.
During the rehabilitation period, special attention should be paid to the suture – several times a day to treat it with antiseptics and apply a special dressing, to exclude any loads, even the smallest. A diet is also required, in this case it is necessary in order to avoid strong attempts during bowel movements. Tension of the abdominal muscles can cause seam divergence.
Engage in physical exercises that are aimed at strengthening the abdominal muscles, women in labor are strictly prohibited. Only yoga classes and moderate walking over long distances are allowed.
First days after surgery
The first three days after childbirth are the hardest for a woman in labor.
As a rule, during this period she is worried:
- soreness of the suture, which is the norm (at first, the mother gives injections of painkillers, then, if necessary);
- pain in the lower abdomen associated with uterine contraction;
- fever and chills;
- nausea;
- weakness and general malaise;
- headaches and cough are possible (a consequence of general anesthesia).
A woman spends 24 hours after surgery in the intensive care unit under the strict supervision of a doctor. On the second day, she is transferred to a regular ward, where she can fully care for her child. At this time, she is allowed to get out of bed and walk, sitting only on 3-4 days after the doctor’s permission.
During the entire stay of the woman in the hospital, she is treated with a suture. Further procedures are prescribed by the doctor individually for each woman in labor.
Nutrition after cesarean
A woman in labor after an operation must adhere to a specific diet:
- the first day – still water in small quantities;
- second day – chicken broth, kefir, yogurt, unsweetened tea are allowed;
- the third day, the diet expands slightly – you can eat boiled meat, cottage cheese, milk porridge, and drinks – tea, compote, kissel, cocoa.
Such a diet should be followed for the first 7 to 10 days. After discharge from the hospital, a woman can eat as well as before childbirth, but she should minimize the use of heavy and fried foods to avoid constipation.
Abdomen and figure after surgery
Restoring a figure after a cesarean section is a long and very laborious process. The thing is that physical exercises are allowed only six months after the operation.
However, this does not mean at all that a woman should just sit and wait. Athletics is allowed after 8 – 10 weeks after childbirth. Which, undoubtedly, will give its results – the skin will tighten a little and become elastic. But you can start the fight with extra pounds much earlier. To do this, you need to eat foods that are high in fiber, and exclude high-calorie foods from the diet.
Resume loop
In the presence of hepatitis B, menstruation can occur after 6 to 12 months, it all depends on hereditary factors and characteristics of the body. In the absence of hepatitis B – after 2 – 3 months, no later.
Uterus Recovery
The process of restoring the uterus after cesarean section can reach 24 months. It is very important to be regularly observed by a gynecologist, who will monitor the healing of both the external suture on the abdominal cavity and the scar on the uterus (because the uterus is also dissected during the operation).
However, this does not mean at all that sexual life during the recovery period of the uterus is completely excluded. Having sex is allowed after lochia (postpartum discharge), it is better to consult with your doctor first.