General Article Recovery – Caesarean section

Topic Selected: Pregnancy Book Volume: 394
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You’ll probably be in hospital for 3 or 4 days after a caesarean section, and may need to take things easy for several weeks.

Recovering in hospital

The average stay in hospital after a caesarean is around 3 or 4 days.

You may be able to go home sooner than this if both you and your baby are well.

While in hospital:

  • you’ll be given painkillers to reduce any discomfort
  • you’ll have regular close contact with your baby and can start breastfeeding
  • you’ll be encouraged to get out of bed and move around as soon as possible
  • you can eat and drink as soon as you feel hungry or thirsty
  • a thin, flexible tube called a catheter will remain in your bladder for at least 12 hours
  • your wound will be covered with a dressing for at least 24 hours

When you’re well enough to go home, you’ll need to arrange for someone to give you a lift as you will not be able to drive for a few weeks.

Looking after your wound

Your midwife should also advise you on how to look after your wound.

You’ll usually be advis...

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