Your Caesarean

...Your Guide & Resource To Caesareans

Your Caesarean: Recovering In The Hospital

For expectant mothers, a Caesarean Section can be an unexpected and alarming event. Unless the Caesarean was planned, or unless a Caesarean was performed during a previous pregnancy, most women are unsure of what to expect not only during the Caesarean but after as well. The most surprising fact about a Caesarean is the operation itself is usually quick and often the easiest part. The recovery however is what many women find to be the toughest part.

The first four to five days after a Caesarean are spent in the hospital under the care of the physicians and hospital staff. The hospital staff will be on hand to offer assistance twenty four hours a day. The first twenty four to forty eight hours after a Caesarean are the most important for recovery.

Twenty four hours after a Caesarean the hospital staff will begin to encourage walking, deep breathing and as much movement as possible. While this may sound simple enough, taking these first steps is very important for a quick and easy recovery. Nurses will assist in getting in and out of bed and with walking. Most often, the nurses will suggest a dose of pain medication before getting up and moving.

The epidural or spinal will stay in place for the first forty eight hours and a machine will be attached to administer pain medication in 15 minute intervals. It can help, prior to walking, to administer a dose of medication. Deep breathing, coughing, sneezing and laughing can be quite painful. Many patients find it much easier to use a soft pillow as a splint.

The nurses will also be on hand to help with sponge bathing, if assistance is needed. Once the epidural/spinal, catheter and IV are removed, a shower can be taken.

The hospital staff will keep a constant check on the incision, checking for infection, inflammation or extreme tenderness. The incision area will also need a fresh dressing, usually after the first twenty four hours. If an infection is found, antibiotics will need to be administered.

The first twenty four hours after a Caesarean, no liquids, other than ice chips, will be allowed. After the twenty four hours have passed, a liquid meal consisting of items such as Jello, tea, soup, coffee, water or popsicles will be given. It is common to get nauseated during or after eating this first meal. The nurses will be on hand to offer nausea medication if nausea should occur.

If eating the liquid meal was successful, a solid meal will be offered, usually for lunch or dinner. Patients can choose from a list of entrees prior to dining. Again, it is common to get nauseated during or after eating.

Most hospitals will remove the IV and catheter twenty four hours after the Caesarean, as long as there are no complications. If a complication such as an infection is present, the IV will be needed to administer antibiotics and other medications. Removal of both is painless and only takes a matter of seconds.

Forty eight hours after the Caesarean, the anesthesiologist will remove the epidural or spinal. While this may sound painful, it isn't. The most painful part is the tape being pulled off of the skin. The procedure is very quick, with the longest part being the removal of the tape. Once the epidural or spinal is removed, oral pain medications will be offered. It is important to take these pain medications as soon as the pain begins. Waiting too long will prohibit the medication from easing the pain in its entirety.

While recovery isn't easy, it doesn't have to be the toughest part of having a Caesarean. With the help of the hospital staff, physicians and family, recovery can be quick and relatively simple. Once it is time to go home, it is important to listen carefully to the list of instructions that will be given. Doing so will ensure a safe and quick recovery.

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