How to recover properly after a caesarean section. How to recover quickly after a caesarean section (practical experience). What is forbidden to do

Congratulations, you have become a mother! For some reason, you were unable to give birth on your own, and your baby was born by caesarean section. The recommendations that you will receive from doctors when you are discharged from the hospital will largely coincide with those that women who give birth through the natural birth canal will receive, but there will be some differences - you will learn about them from this article.
Operation progress
C-section is an abdominal operation and is performed either under anesthesia (general anesthesia) or under epidural anesthesia1. The anterior abdominal wall is opened in layers: first, the surgeon cuts the skin - across, along the pubic hairline, or along, from the pubis to the navel. What will be the incision depends on the choice of the operating doctor and on the current situation. Then the subcutaneous fatty tissue is dissected, the aponeurosis, muscles and peritoneum are opened; an incision is made on the uterus - the child is removed through it, and then the placenta. After that, the wound is sutured in layers in reverse order. A thread is applied to the skin - either absorbable or non-absorbable (the latter is removed on the 6-7th day after the operation) - or metal brackets. The choice of thread also depends on the preferences of the surgeon and on the availability of a particular suture material.
Possible Complications
Like any other operation, during which an incision is made in tissues, and, accordingly, in blood vessels, a caesarean section is associated with a certain amount of blood loss. Normal blood loss during spontaneous childbirth is approximately 200-250 ml; such a volume of blood is easily restored by a woman's body prepared for this. Cesarean section implies blood loss much more than physiological: its average volume is from 500 to 1000 ml.
Naturally, the patient's body alone can not cope with this problem. Therefore, during the operation and in the postoperative period, blood-substituting solutions are administered intravenously, and sometimes blood plasma, erythrocyte mass, or whole blood - this depends on the amount of blood lost during the operation and on the capabilities of the patient's body.
During the operation, the integrity of the peritoneum is violated - the cover that allows the intestines to freely peristalt - move, promoting food. After surgery, as a rule, adhesions occur - adhesions between intestinal loops and other internal organs. If the adhesive process is slightly expressed, the patient will not feel it in any way; if the characteristics of the body imply the development of an extensive adhesive process, there may be problems with the stool, pain in the abdomen, especially in the lower sections. Treatment in this case depends on the severity of the adhesive process. In mild cases, physiotherapy is sufficient, and in severe cases, the question of surgical treatment may be raised (for example, laparoscopic surgery with thermocoagulation ("cauterization") of adhesions).
Of the complications of cesarean section, endomyometritis, inflammation of the uterus, can be noted. Naturally, in this case, it occurs more often than after spontaneous childbirth. It is clear that during the operation there is a direct contact of the uterine cavity with air, the complete sterility of which cannot be achieved. To prevent endomyometritis after surgery, antibiotics are prescribed. It will be a short course or a long one - it depends on the concomitant diseases of the woman and the traumatism of this operation.
After a caesarean section, the uterus contracts worse than after a vaginal birth, since during the operation the uterine muscle is cut. In this regard, subinvolution (impaired contraction) of the uterus occurs more often, which requires the appointment of additional therapy aimed at improving the contractility of the uterus. This therapy is carried out in the maternity hospital for 2-5 days.
After operation
After operative delivery, the puerperal during the first day is in a special postpartum ward (or intensive care unit). She is constantly monitored by an anesthetist (intensive care unit nurse) and an anesthesiologist. During this time, the woman adapts to the postoperative existence: she is corrected for blood loss, begins antibiotic therapy to prevent postoperative infectious complications, and stimulates the bowels. On the first day after a caesarean section, it is only allowed to drink water with lemon juice. On the second day, you can treat yourself to chicken broth, boiled meat scrolled through a meat grinder, low-fat cottage cheese, yogurt without fruit fillers, fruit drinks without sugar.
You can completely return to a normal diet after the first independent stool (on the 4-5th day). But already on the 2nd day, the happy mother is transferred to the postpartum department, where she immediately begins to lead an active lifestyle - she gets up and walks, feeds her baby. Mom is allowed to sit down on the 2-3rd day after the operation. Within 7 days after the caesarean section (before removing the sutures), the procedural nurse daily treats the postoperative suture with antiseptic solutions (for example, "brilliant green") and changes the bandage. If the wound was sutured with absorbable suture material, then the wound is treated in the same mode, but the sutures are not removed (such threads dissolve on their own on the 65-80th day after the operation). The skin scar is formed approximately on the 7th day after the operation; therefore, already a week after a caesarean section, you can safely take a shower. Just do not rub the seam with a washcloth - this can be done in another week.
Discharged from the maternity hospital in the absence of any complications on the 7-10th day after operative delivery.
Lactation
If, after spontaneous childbirth, milk comes on the 3rd-4th day, then after a cesarean section - on the 4th-5th. This is due to the fact that when a woman goes into labor on her own, she releases certain hormones into the blood, which, among other things, stimulate the production of breast milk. If the caesarean section is performed in a planned manner, that is, before the development of labor, the hormone that stimulates lactation begins to enter the bloodstream delayed, after delivery. But this practically does not affect the weight and condition of the baby, since, if necessary, he is supplemented with special adapted mixtures.
Necessary restrictions
Often, patients and their relatives ask if it is possible to lift weights, go in for sports after the operation, and in general - what can and cannot be done during this period. The answer to the first question is not clear. Surgeons, for example, after abdominal operations do not allow their patients to lift more than 2 kg for 2 months. But how to say this to a woman who has to take care of a baby? Therefore, we do not recommend postpartum women after a cesarean section during the first time (2-3 months) to lift more than 3-4 kg, that is, more than the weight of the child.
Women after spontaneous childbirth can immediately work on all the muscles of their body (ideally, if the expectant mother did this during pregnancy). Patients who have undergone a caesarean section can work on the abdominals no earlier than a month after childbirth. As for the resumption of sexual relations after operative delivery, this period is the same for operated patients and for women who have given birth through the natural birth canal. After childbirth, the uterus is an extensive wound surface (at the site of attachment of the placenta and membranes). And as you know, an infection easily "sits down" on any wound. The healing process of the wound surface is accompanied by secretions, the so-called lochia. At first they are bloody, then bloody and mucous. Lochia is excreted within 6-8 weeks after childbirth. Complete restoration of the mucous membrane of the uterine cavity is characterized by the cessation of these secretions. After that, you can resume sexual relations, but do not forget about contraception so that an unplanned pregnancy does not occur.
With regard to postpartum bandages, we can say that you do not need to abuse their wearing: your abdominal muscles should work on their own. It should be remembered that after a caesarean section, a scar remains on the uterus, which can affect the course of subsequent pregnancies. It has been proven that the scar reaches the optimal state for carrying a pregnancy 2-3 years after the operation. By this time, the woman's body is also recovering from the previous pregnancy. Therefore, it is better to think about a brother or sister for your first child after this time. Obstetricians have not yet come to a consensus on the possibility of spontaneous childbirth in patients who have undergone a previous caesarean section and have a scar on the uterus. As a rule, a scar on the uterus is in itself an indication for a second caesarean section. But sometimes there are exceptions. In any case, if you would like to give birth on your own, this problem is solved individually, depending on your state of health, on the condition of the scar (it is assessed according to ultrasound), on the course of the postoperative period and many other circumstances.

This article was produced by our experienced team of editors and researchers who reviewed it for accuracy and completeness.

Number of sources used in this article: . You will find a list of them at the bottom of the page.

A caesarean section is a surgical operation used during childbirth. A caesarean section is a difficult operation, after which it takes more time to recover than after a normal natural birth. If you had a successful caesarean section and had no complications, you will need to stay in the hospital for about three more days after giving birth. Most likely, you will have to deal with bleeding, discharge, and various types of wounds that take four to six weeks to heal. Provide yourself with proper care, experienced doctors, as well as support from family and friends, then your body will recover in the shortest possible time!

Steps

Part 1

Treatment in the hospital

Move. You will most likely stay in the hospital for 2-3 days. During the first 24 hours, you will likely be advised to stand and walk more. Movement helps prevent side effects that can occur after a caesarean section (such as constipation, abdominal gas, blood clots, and other dangerous deposits). A nurse will look after you.

At first, walking will not be very comfortable, but gradually the pain and discomfort will go away.

Ask medical staff to help you feed. When you feel well enough, you can start breastfeeding or formula feeding your baby on your own. Ask a nurse or other medical staff to help you get into the correct position and hold the baby so that it does not press on your stomach. You may need a pillow.

Learn about vaccinations. Talk to your doctor about prevention and vaccinations for your child. If you were once vaccinated, but today it is no longer valid, repeat the procedure, just now is the most opportune moment.

Follow hygiene. During your stay in the hospital, shower and keep your hands clean. Feel free to ask a nurse or other healthcare professional to sanitize their hands before touching you or your child. Never touch the baby with unwashed hands! Remember that some hospital germs (such as MRSA - methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) can be eliminated simply by washing your hands with soap and water.

Make an appointment with a doctor. After you leave the hospital, you will need to make an appointment with your doctor for the first 4-6 weeks.

Part 2
home treatment
1. Rest. If possible, try to get 7-8 hours of sleep a night. Sleep and rest stimulate the development and growth of tissues, and this contributes to the healing of the incision site. Sleep reduces stress levels, which also leads to reduced inflammation, accelerated tissue regeneration and recovery of the body.
  
  Drink more fluids. Drink water and other fluids frequently to replenish the water in your body that you lost during childbirth. In addition, it is a good prevention of constipation. In the hospital, the diet is prescribed and supervised by a doctor, but at home you need to monitor this yourself. When you breastfeed, keep a glass of water nearby.
  
  Try to eat right. Proper nutrition and a sufficient amount of micronutrients are especially important for a quick recovery after surgery. The digestive system will regenerate along with the whole body, so you may need to adjust your regular diet. If you have an upset stomach, eat soft foods that are low in fat (eg, rice, baked or boiled chicken, yogurt, toast).
  
  Walk more every day. After you have been discharged from the hospital to go home, you need to keep moving. Try to increase your walking time every day. Of course, this does not mean that you need to start training hard. Physical activity (such as jogging, cycling, and any type of strength training) is contraindicated for 6 weeks after your caesarean section. The possibility of any load should be discussed with the doctor.
  
  If you feel pain, take pain medication prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may recommend acetaminophen, Tylenol, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Most pain relievers can be taken while breastfeeding. It is very important for nursing mothers to get rid of pain, because pain causes stress, which prevents the release of hormones that are necessary for normal milk production.

Around the world, there is a clear trend towards gentle delivery, which allows you to save the health of both mother and child. A tool to help achieve this is the caesarean section (CS). A significant achievement has been the widespread use of modern methods of anesthesia.

The main disadvantage of this intervention is the increase in the frequency of postpartum infectious complications by 5-20 times. However, adequate antibiotic therapy significantly reduces the likelihood of their occurrence. However, there is still debate about when a caesarean section is performed and when physiological delivery is acceptable.

When is operative delivery indicated?

A caesarean section is a major surgical procedure that increases the risk of complications compared to normal natural childbirth. It is carried out only under strict indications. At the request of the patient, CS can be performed in a private clinic, but not all obstetrician-gynecologists will undertake such an operation without the need.

The operation is performed in the following situations:

1. Complete placenta previa - a condition in which the placenta is located in the lower part of the uterus and closes the internal pharynx, preventing the baby from being born. Incomplete presentation is an indication for surgery when bleeding occurs. The placenta is abundantly supplied with blood vessels, and even a slight damage to it can cause blood loss, lack of oxygen and fetal death.

2. Occurred ahead of time from the uterine wall - a condition that threatens the life of a woman and a child. The placenta detached from the uterus is a source of blood loss for the mother. The fetus ceases to receive oxygen and may die.

3. Previous surgical interventions on the uterus, namely:

at least two caesarean sections;
a combination of one CS operation and at least one of the relative indications;
removal of intermuscular or on a solid basis;
correction of the defect in the structure of the uterus.

4. Transverse and oblique positions of the child in the uterine cavity, breech presentation (“booty down”) in combination with the expected weight of the fetus over 3.6 kg or with any relative indication for operative delivery: a situation where the child is located at the internal os with a non-parietal region , and forehead (frontal) or face (facial presentation), and other features of the location that contribute to birth trauma in a child.

Pregnancy can occur even during the first weeks of the postpartum period. The calendar method of contraception in conditions of an irregular cycle is not applicable. The most commonly used condoms are mini-pills (progestin contraceptives that do not affect the baby while breastfeeding) or conventional (in the absence of lactation). Use must be excluded.

One of the most popular methods is . The installation of a spiral after a cesarean section can be performed in the first two days after it, but this increases the risk of infection, and is also quite painful. Most often, the spiral is installed after about a month and a half, immediately after the onset of menstruation or on any day convenient for a woman.

If a woman is over 35 years old and has at least two children, if she wishes, the surgeon can perform surgical sterilization during the operation, in other words, tubal ligation. This is an irreversible method, after which conception almost never occurs.

Subsequent pregnancy

Natural childbirth after caesarean section is allowed if the formed connective tissue on the uterus is wealthy, that is, strong, even, able to withstand muscle tension during childbirth. This issue should be discussed with the supervising physician during the next pregnancy.

The likelihood of subsequent births in a normal way increases in the following cases:

a woman has given birth to at least one child through natural means;
if CS was performed due to malposition of the fetus.

On the other hand, if the patient is over 35 years old at the time of the next birth, she is overweight, comorbidities, mismatched fetal and pelvic sizes, it is likely that she will undergo surgery again.

How many times can a caesarean section be done?

The number of such interventions is theoretically unlimited, however, to maintain health, it is recommended to do them no more than twice.

Usually, the tactics for re-pregnancy are as follows: a woman is regularly observed by an obstetrician-gynecologist, and at the end of the gestation period, a choice is made - surgery or natural childbirth. In normal childbirth, doctors are ready to perform an emergency operation at any time.

Pregnancy after caesarean section is best planned with an interval of three years or more. In this case, the risk of insolvency of the suture on the uterus decreases, pregnancy and childbirth proceed without complications.

How soon can I give birth after surgery?

It depends on the consistency of the scar, the age of the woman, concomitant diseases. Abortions after CS adversely affect reproductive health. Therefore, if a woman nevertheless became pregnant almost immediately after a CS, then with a normal course of pregnancy and constant medical supervision, she can bear a child, but delivery will most likely be operative.

The main danger of early pregnancy after CS is suture failure. It is manifested by increasing intense pain in the abdomen, the appearance of bloody discharge from the vagina, then signs of internal bleeding may appear: dizziness, pallor, drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness. In this case, you must urgently call an ambulance.

What is important to know about the second caesarean section?

A planned operation is usually performed in the period of 37-39 weeks. The incision is made along the old scar, which somewhat lengthens the operation time and requires stronger anesthesia. Recovery from CS can also be slower because scar tissue and adhesions in the abdomen prevent good uterine contractions. However, with the positive attitude of the woman and her family, the help of relatives, these temporary difficulties are quite surmountable.

Recovery after caesarean - this is how motherhood begins in women who, for medical reasons, had to give up the prospect of natural childbirth. This difficult process requires patience and increased attention to one's own health - it is possible to return to full-fledged physical activity only after 2 months, during which it is necessary to put up with prohibitions and work on oneself in order to ensure the full healing of internal and external seams.

Technique for caesarean section

Indications for cesarean section (CS) are absolute, in which the exit of the fetus through the birth canal is impossible, and relative, when the natural course of childbirth is accompanied by risks. It should be noted that with the development of medicine, the list of indications is becoming wider: a number of diagnoses for which caesarean section was considered one of the alternatives are now transferred to the category of absolute ones.

There is also the possibility of conducting a CS at the will of a woman, without medical indications. How justified is this choice? Experts give arguments for and against based on theory, their own experience and statistical research, but their beliefs on this issue can lead to diametrically opposite conclusions: some campaign for natural childbirth, others talk about the benefits of surgery. At the same time, modern medical technologies are being improved in both directions.

Cesarean section is carried out in a planned or emergency order. In cases where the decision on surgical intervention is made before the onset of labor, the patient can receive detailed information from the doctor about the methods of anesthesia, tissue dissection and suturing. The technique is chosen depending on the state of health of the mother and fetus, the anatomical location of the internal organs, the characteristics of the tissues of the abdominal wall and uterus, as well as the professional skills of the surgeon.

The incision of the abdominal wall can be:

lower middle - from the connection of the pubic bones to the navel, is used to quickly extract the fetus;
transverse - in the pubic area, has several variations, with this technique, peritoneal tissues are more easily restored.

There are a number of techniques for dissecting the uterus, the use of which does not depend on the method of opening the abdominal wall, but in practice, each surgeon has his own well-developed technique. The choice of method of anesthesia (epidural, spinal anesthesia or general anesthesia) depends on the decision of the anesthesiologist. With partial anesthesia, if there is no need for resuscitation, the child is given to the mother's arms immediately after extraction. Synthetic absorbable materials are used for suturing.

Stages of a caesarean section:

Preparation: the necessary tests are given and the time of the operation is scheduled. The stomach is cleaned, the corresponding area of the skin is disinfected, a catheter is placed to drain urine.
Anesthesia: with partial anesthesia, a screen is placed to block the viewing area for the patient.
Surgical intervention: dissection of the peritoneum, opening of the uterus, removal of the child, cutting of the umbilical cord and removal of the placenta, sequential suturing.
Postoperative period: at least a day the patient needs to lie in the intensive care unit. Being under constant supervision, women move away from anesthesia, the risks of unforeseen complications and reactions are eliminated. Then, inpatient treatment with drugs is prescribed to normalize the contractile function of the uterus, restore urination and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. If necessary, analgesics and antibiotics are administered.

Risks during the operation and possible complications

Hospitalization before surgery (from 1 day to 2 weeks) depends on medical indications for monitoring the condition of the mother and child, supporting and diagnostic procedures, the decision on discharge is made according to the same parameters. Inpatient postoperative treatment in the maternity hospital lasts an average of 5-7 days.

The use of caesarean section is the main factor in reducing the statistics of neonatal mortality, but surgery also affects them:

a certain portion of drugs penetrates into the baby's circulatory system, which can lead to intoxication, inhibition of the respiratory reflex, painful lethargy and passivity in the first days of life;
fluid and mucus are not completely expelled from the lungs, which can lead to pneumonia;
pressure drops during the extraction of the child can provoke microoutflows into the brain;
the general adaptability of the body is reduced, because, at birth, without stress, hormones are not produced that are responsible for the adaptation of the newborn to the external environment.

A woman in labor may experience the following complications:

The formation of pathological adhesions in the intestines and ligaments that hold the organs of the genitourinary system. This may be the result of a protracted operation, blood and amniotic fluid entering the abdominal cavity, and inflammatory processes. Leads to intestinal obstruction, tubal infertility, bending of the uterus and menstrual irregularities.
Postoperative hernia and functional damage to the muscles of the abdominal cavity associated with defects in tissue suturing. They lead to indigestion, back pain, prolapse of the vagina, uterus, and the formation of an umbilical hernia.
Nerve root injury during spinal and epidural anesthesia (see also: How long does your back hurt after an epidural?). Leads to back pain, tremors and numbness of the limbs.
Postpartum endometritis - infection of the inner layer of the uterus with various pathogens, manifests itself a few days after cesarean and occurs due to a decrease in the protective functions of the body. Leads to pain in the abdomen, atypical discharge, fever.

Unfortunately, both the natural course of childbirth and surgical intervention are not immune from unforeseen circumstances. In the case of a caesarean section, we can talk about a common set of risks inherent in all abdominal operations that arise due to reactions to anesthesia, heavy blood loss, blood clots.

To prevent risks, the main role is played by:

adequate choice of methods for performing surgery and rehabilitation;
compliance with the standards for the duration of surgical intervention;
the quality of the medicines and suture materials used;
postoperative therapy;
qualifications of the surgeon and medical staff.

Recovery period

After a caesarean section, time is needed for the healing of injured tissues and postpartum hormonal changes. You have to stay for a week in the hospital, then endure constant aching pains that keep you in suspense and limit movement, establish a regimen and nutrition, and at the same time get used to maternal duties. Communication with the child and the support of loved ones greatly facilitate the situation, but even in this case, the desire to recover quickly often leads to overload, which only prolongs the painful period.

Wearing a bandage

A specially designed bandage fixes the abdominal organs, helps to prevent their prolapse and alleviates pain. Its wearing is possible only with a good condition of the seam and normal bowel function. In the first 4 weeks after the operation, the bandage is put on for 3-4 hours a day, especially when you need to get up, sit and walk. After it, you can switch to wearing tight underwear.

Postpartum bandage

Nutrition Features

The selection of the diet is aimed at replenishing iron deficiency, restoring digestion and water metabolism, and ensuring lactation. During the period when you still have to lie down for a long time, you need to consume more fiber to prevent constipation. General recommendations relate to the exclusion of fried, salty, smoked foods, the need for fractional nutrition. It is recommended to individually exclude products that cause gas formation. You can drink a special course of vitamins for nursing mothers.

Intimate life and sports

Regardless of physical fitness, a return to usual sports is possible only 6 months after the operation. Overload, as well as excessive restriction of movement, can complicate the healing process. Special sparing exercises aimed at preventing varicose veins and thrombophlebitis, working out the pelvic muscles should be performed daily with a gradual increase in multiplicity.

Hygiene and seam care

The suture in the maternity hospital is cared for by the medical staff, and by the day of discharge, the discharge from the wound stops, the sutures are removed or dissolve. At home, it is necessary to ensure sterility and protection of the affected area from mechanical damage. Disinfectants and healing agents are used. The cosmetic appearance of the scar depends on the characteristics of the organism. Corrective measures (laser resurfacing, photo-correction) should be postponed for at least a year.

Sleep and rest mode

The process of physiological and psychological recovery is individual, but in any case, the mother should spend as much time with the child as possible, and at the same time she needs to sleep as needed.

At first, loved ones should protect her from intermittent sleep at night and assist in any activity that requires physical exertion, for example, bathing the baby or rocking him in her arms. A gradual transition from bed to normal mode is carried out by performing exercises in walking and sitting several times a day.

Breastfeeding after surgery

Lactation may start late, and there is also a certain risk of lack or shortage of breast milk, so supplementation with mixtures is inevitable. Doctors advise not to leave attempts to accustom the child to breastfeeding after caesarean section, take him more often in his arms and apply to the chest not according to the schedule, but on demand. If the baby is already accustomed to the nipple, you need to express milk and try to maintain lactation even in small volumes.

Reception of analgesics is stopped even in the maternity hospital, and doctors do not advise stopping pain, using them as an indicator of physical activity. Painful sensations allow you to dose physical exercises, tell you how to get out of bed correctly, how much time to spend on your feet or in a sitting position.

The consequence of anesthesia may be a paroxysmal cough caused by the accumulation of mucus in the bronchi. To avoid divergence of the seams, you need to control this process by holding the place of the seam with your palms and coughing on a strong exhalation.

What absolutely cannot be done?

Life after a caesarean section gets better only with time, and the rehabilitation process is not only extended in time, but also cannot be clearly predicted. It is important to understand that prohibitions are measures to prevent complications that allow you to shorten the recovery period and spend it at home, next to the child.

The first item on the list of restrictions is a ban on lifting weights more than 3 kg until complete scarring of the uterine tissue occurs. During this period, you should also not make sudden movements, such as pulling up or bending over. In the first months after the operation, you should not take hot baths.

It is important to move away from the stereotype that restrictions can be lifted if the pain has stopped and the stitch on the abdomen has tightened. Complications from internal inflammatory processes and abnormal scarring of the uterus can be hidden, so it is important not to ignore the alarm signals and not violate the prohibitions that the doctor has imposed based on the individual characteristics of the patient.

In what cases should you immediately consult a doctor?

Depending on the intensity of the symptoms, you should call an ambulance or contact your doctor if:

increased body temperature;
there are atypical discharges;
the seam is inflamed;
weakness, dizziness, vomiting, acute pain appeared.

Lack of stool and problems with urination are also an alarm signal that requires specialist advice. Complications after CS can also appear after the recovery period, even years after the operation. Regardless of how you feel, you need to undergo examinations by a gynecologist every six months and seek medical help for pain in the abdominal cavity and menstrual irregularities.

Content:

A caesarean section is an abdominal operation performed under anesthesia or epidural anesthesia. It can be accompanied by a large blood loss, violates the integrity of the peritoneum, often provokes the formation of adhesions in it, among the consequences, endomyometritis or subinvolution of the uterus is diagnosed.

In order for a young mother to return to her usual, healthy, unrestricted lifestyle after surgery as soon as possible, she must first follow a number of rules. Only in this case is it possible to fully recover after a cesarean section of both the body, and the figure, and the moral state of the woman.

At first (about a week or a little more), recovery after the operation takes place under the supervision of doctors. The mother spends the first day in the intensive care unit. To help her body adapt, the following activities are carried out:

blood loss is corrected;
antibiotic therapy is prescribed to avoid infectious complications after surgery;
the work of the intestine is stimulated to restore its work;
nutrient solutions are introduced through a dropper;
the seams are treated with an antiseptic solution;
dressings are changed regularly.

If everything is fine, on the second day the young mother is transferred to the general postpartum department. There, her bed rest is already ending: she has to get up, walk herself, feed the baby. In short, lead an active lifestyle. If the caesarean section did not cause any complications, recovery after it after 7-10 days takes place already at home. It is during this time period that a woman in labor with a child is discharged. And here it will be necessary for you to decide for yourself what you can do and what you can’t.

Do not be afraid! Modern antibiotics to restore the body, used after cesarean, are quite compatible with breastfeeding, so your baby will not suffer from taking them. But this applies only to light drugs aimed at natural, without pathologies, recovery of the body after childbirth.

Restrictions

Before discharge, the doctor advises the young mother on how to recover from a caesarean section, following certain rules. If a woman takes them into account, the body will quickly return to normal, the figure will return to its former proportions, depression and fears will remain in the past. However, all this will require some effort from her. In particular, during this period there will be a large number of restrictions regarding nutrition, lifestyle and even sex.

It is forbidden:

eat solid food in the first 3 days: on the 1st day you can use lemon water, on the 2nd - chicken broth, on the 3rd - boiled meat, low-fat cottage cheese, yogurt without fillers, fruit drink without sugar;
sit down for 3 days;
take a shower, bath (i.e., wet the seam) for 7 days;
rub the seam with a washcloth for 2 weeks;
lift more than 3 kg within 2 months;
work on the press earlier than 1 month after childbirth;
have sex until they stop;
give birth within the next 2-3 years;
abuse wearing a bandage.

Compliance with these rules will allow a young mother to recover faster after a caesarean section, both physically and morally. If any specific problems arise (the stitches fester, the lochia does not stop for too long, the lower abdomen sags very much, etc.), they also need to be able to competently solve them. The main thing here is not to harm your own body and make sure that the measures taken do not affect the child in any way.

And further! During the recovery period after a cesarean, a young mother is strictly forbidden to be nervous, worry and not sleep at night. Rest, peace and good mood - that's what she needs most of all during this period.

Normalization of the menstrual cycle

The problem is relevant, because physical activity, like exercises, sports, fitness, dancing, is simply prohibited in the first 1-1.5 months. And while mothers who have given birth naturally are already with might and main normalizing the outlines of their bodies, those who have been cesarean only sigh, looking at the sagging “apron” (the so-called postpartum fold). And absolutely in vain. After all, the restoration of the abdomen after a cesarean section is available to them already from the first days of the baby's birth.

Proper nutrition

Eat foods rich in iron (boiled lean meats, leafy green vegetables, legumes) and calcium (cheese and yogurt).
Take vitamin supplements for nursing mothers from Complivit, Elevit, Vitrum, Alfavit, etc.
Eat often, but fractionally.
During the recovery period after a cesarean section, it is recommended to drink more juices, fruit drinks, milk, pure mineral water.
Eliminate caffeine, fast foods, everything fried, pickled, fatty, smoked, salty.

Physical activity

More walking.
Sit on a fitness ball.
Keep your posture.
Draw in the stomach.
Walk outdoors daily.
Do simple household chores.

Sports

From the first day to 5-6 weeks after the caesarean section, you need to perform breathing exercises, thanks to which the recovery of the body will be much faster.
As for the tummy tuck directly, they can be done only 1.5-2 months after the operation. And then only if everything went without complications and the doctor gave his permission.
There are lungs, thanks to which the recovery of the abdominal muscles after cesarean is possible already in the first week after the operation. However, they must be performed with extreme caution, smoothly, without making sudden movements.
After the stitches are completely healed, you can sign up for a pool, gym, fitness club, depending on your preferences. All these sports will allow you to quickly restore your former shape after childbirth.

Cosmetics

Starting from the 3rd week, the restoration of the figure may include the use of various tightening, anti-cellulite cosmetics.
Make wraps for the abdomen and sides at home from kelp, cabbage leaves, honey.
Scrubs made from sea and table salt or used coffee grounds will also allow you to remove folds that have sagged after childbirth.
Shop masks and creams with the same action (lifting) should be used very carefully so that their use does not cause suppuration of the seams.

If a young mother sets out to regain her former harmony and become beautiful and attractive again without any wrinkles and sagging on her stomach, restoring the shape is possible if all of the above measures are observed in combination. It's not that easy, but it's doable. In extreme cases, if there is not enough time (most of which is spent on a child) or strength (they are spent all at the same address), you can always turn to plastic surgery if you have finances. She will definitely return you a flat, retracted tummy and a slender waist, even after several cesareans.

Keep in mind. If you are not sure that you are already allowed to exercise, it is better not to start exercising. Restoring a figure is much easier than health.

If you are aiming for a quick recovery after a caesarean section, so that nothing limits you in communicating with your child, follow the above recommendations and take into account a few more useful tips.

If you decide to wear after a cesarean to restore your figure, you do not need to abuse it. It must be removed at night. Yes, and during the day, let the body rest from this design every three hours. This will force the abdominal and uterine muscles to repair themselves, which is much more beneficial for them.
For two years after a caesarean, you need to regularly visit a gynecologist and inform him of any abnormalities in your body.
To restore the work of the stomach after cesarean, it is not necessary to treat constipation with enemas. It is better to use glycerin suppositories and drink kefir.
For pain relief, apply ordinary ice to the lower abdomen in the first days after cesarean.
Even in the hospital, ask your doctor in advance what painkillers you can drink after a cesarean, and stock up on them. Believe me, they will still come in handy.
As a rule, recovery after the second cesarean section is slightly delayed, but not significantly. The uterus contracts more painfully, lochia can go on for quite a long time, the menstrual cycle does not normalize immediately. Nevertheless, if all the recommendations are followed, everything will pass with the least losses and complications.

If you have to give birth to a baby by caesarean section, you do not need to worry about the restoration of the body and figure after it. With competent actions and the implementation of certain rules outlined above, complications can be avoided, and the rehabilitation period can be reduced to a minimum.