Pregnant? C-Section Readiness and Recovery Start Now

Your body goes through a lot to bring a baby into the world. That’s especially true if you undergo a cesarean section, also known as a C-section. 

“This common procedure is often an unplanned part of the birthing experience,” says Dr. Tiffany Bersani, an OBGYN with Beaufort Memorial Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialists in Beaufort and Okatie. “Therefore, I encourage all mothers-to-be to know what to expect from a C-section and the recovery process.” 

Here’s how to prepare for a C-section and what to expect during and after the procedure.

Read More: Special Delivery

Planning and Preparing for a Potential C-Section 

A C-section is a significant abdominal surgery. To improve the likelihood of a safe and successful procedure, follow these steps:

• Manage your health. Before heading to the hospital on your due date, work with your care team to manage anemia, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and other medical conditions.
• Plan on fasting. With a planned C-section, you may need to fast from eating and drinking for six or more hours before your scheduled C-section. This helps reduce the risk of breathing difficulties known as aspiration pneumonitis.
• Request medication. The likelihood of infection is higher with cesarean delivery than vaginal birth. Antibiotics lower the likelihood of infection during the recovery process. Therefore, you may benefit from antibiotics along with pain medication.

The First Few Days After C-Section

While most of your recovery takes place at home, it doesn’t start there.

“C-section recovery begins at the hospital,” Dr. Bersani says. “You stay with us a few days, so we can monitor you for complications and prepare you to continue your recovery at home.”

While in the hospital, it’s important to take control of your health journey. This includes doing the following:

• Asking questions. Talk with your OBGYN and other providers to know what to expect when you go home. Pay close attention to their answers. Have a spouse, birthing partner or other family member take notes so you can follow your care team’s recommendations.
• Getting active. Take short walks down the hall or around the unit. Just check with your maternity providers first to make sure it’s safe to get up and about.
• Speaking up. Tell your maternity team about any discomfort you experience. From surgical scar pain to pain during urination, proper treatment can bring relief, so you don’t have to suffer in silence.

Normal Changes During Recovery

Once you leave the operating room, you’ll likely notice your body behaving differently than usual. As your body heals, you may experience the following:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding. This is known as lochia, and it can occur for up to six weeks after a C-section. At first, the blood may be bright red. Over time, it should fade in color. Wearing menstrual pads intended for heavy bleeding can help you deal with lochia.
• Hemorrhoids. These are the result of swollen veins in the rectum. Over-the-counter ointments can help reduce swelling. You can also sit in warm, shallow water as long as the water doesn’t cover your C-section scar.
• Pain while breastfeeding. If this affects you, lie on your side when breastfeeding. That reduces pressure on your abdomen and reduces discomfort.
• Surgical scar tenderness. As your scar heals, it may be tender for several weeks or appear pink and puffy. Over time, the scar will flatten, and its color will fade. You should change your bandage at least daily, gently washing the incision without submerging it in water.

Read More: Postpartum Depression: Self-Care Is Critical for the Mom and Her Baby

Signs of Concern After C-Section

To help make your early parenting days special, pay attention to your body. Contact your primary care provider or OBGYN if you experience any of the following while recovering from a C-section:

• Calf pain, which may indicate a blood clot in your leg
• Extreme sadness or thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby, which could be signs of postpartum depression
• Fever higher than 100˚ F
• Heavy vaginal bleeding lasting more than four days in a row
• Increased abdominal pain
• Persistent headache
• Rapid weight gain
• Signs of surgical site infection, such as redness or swelling
• Swelling of the hands, legs, face or eyes
• Vaginal discharge with a foul odor
• Vision changes
• Warmth, redness or tenderness in the breasts, which could be signs of infection

Self-Care and Speedier Healing

Full recovery from a C-section takes six weeks, according to the Office on Women’s Health. As you settle into the postpartum period, be patient. Avoid overdoing it to keep your recovery on track.

Practice these self-care tips to promote healing.

• Delegate everyday tasks. Lean on your spouse, partner, family and friends to handle chores and errands. Don’t lift anything heavier than your baby. Spend your days enjoying skin-to-skin time with your new little one.
• Eat light and healthy. Throughout the day, eat several small meals and snacks. Load up on fruits and vegetables to get plenty of fiber, which can help prevent constipation.
• Move a little bit. Light activity, such as short walks, strengthens your body as it heals and reduces the risk of blood clots. Wait a while to resume moderate or intense exercise, as it can slow down recovery.
• Postpone sex. Your primary care provider or OBGYN will tell you when it’s safe to have sex. You’ll likely need to wait six weeks after surgery.
• Seek support. A lactation consultant can provide breastfeeding support. You can also swap recovery and parenting tips with other new mothers to gain reassurance and build a network of support for you and baby.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids to help avoid constipation.
• Take showers, not baths. It’s important to keep your incision above water. So, don’t take baths or go in pools or hot tubs during recovery.

“Your recovery after a C-section may take more or less time than other new moms, and that’s perfectly fine,” Dr. Bersani says. “It’s important to care for yourself and respect your limitations to give your body time to heal.”

Are you expecting a new little one or hoping to get pregnant? Request an appointment with an OB-GYN at Beaufort Memorial.

Updated: June 2025