After caesarean section can be inserted. Life after caesarean section. Exercise after caesarean

This is how our world works, that a person must overcome many difficulties during his life, especially this applies to the weaker sex. Tests such as pregnancy and childbirth cannot be ruled out. Quite often, situations arise when a child needs to be “extracted” from a woman’s womb by means of a caesarean section.

Many representatives of the weaker sex consider this termination of pregnancy to be more preferable, since they either do not know or forget about the potential threat of complications after cesarean section.

Of course, a woman should also remember how difficult and long postoperative rehabilitation will be, how much patience, perseverance and strength will be required.

Negative moments of delivery by caesarean section

Undoubtedly, abdominal delivery is no longer an operation of desperation, when all possible techniques were resorted to to facilitate the appearance of a child. Accordingly, the risk of postoperative complications, complications during the operation itself and during rehabilitation has also decreased.

However, it is not only possible, but necessary, to prevent various hypothetical consequences after surgical delivery. The percentage of consequences after the operation is directly proportional to:

the method of performing the operation;

the time spent on the operation;

antibiotic therapy after surgery;

the quality of the suture material;

qualifications of the surgeon and other factors that may affect the operation in the postoperative period.

It is worth noting that any caesarean section (even if it is performed perfectly) cannot pass without a trace for the child and mother. Only quantitative indicators of consequences vary.

The consequences of caesarean section for the mother

Suture on the anterior abdominal wall.

The presence of an unaesthetic and rough scar on the anterior abdominal wall carries a lot of negative emotions. I would like such a negative moment to be the only one for a woman, because the main goal is not physical beauty, but a healthy mother and baby in the end.

You should not be upset about the “disfigured abdomen”, because today there are methods by which you can make an intradermal suture (suturing the skin) or make an incision in the suprapubic region (transverse incision), which will allow a woman to wear a swimsuit without fear.

The formation of a skin (wide, convex or inconspicuous) scar depends on the secretion of certain enzymes by the body. Unfortunately, some people produce more of them, while others have less, as a result of which a keloid scar is formed. But even in this case, there is no need to be upset, because modern medicine offers a lot of ways to get rid of the scar (for example, laser correction, “polishing” of the scar).

Adhesive disease.

After any surgical intervention in the abdominal cavity, adhesions form. A particularly high risk of developing an adhesive process in case of amniotic water and blood getting into the stomach, during a traumatic and long operation, as well as complications during the rehabilitation period (purulent-septic diseases, peritonitis, endometritis development).

Connective tissue adhesions and strands lead to tugging of the intestine, as a result of which its functionality is disturbed, and the ligaments that hold the uterus, ovaries, and tubes also suffer. All this can be the reason:

improper location of the uterus (back bend or bend), this affects the menstrual cycle;

tubal infertility;

the development of intestinal obstruction;

permanent constipation.

After performing 2, 3 caesarean sections, the consequences in the form of the adhesive disease itself and its complications are more likely.

Postoperative hernia.

The formation of a postoperative hernia in the area of ​​the surgical scar is also possible, which is associated with insufficient comparison of tissues during wound closure (aponeurosis) and during the early period after surgery. Sometimes there may be a divergence (diastasis) of the rectus abdominis muscles, a decrease in their tone and loss of functionality:

digestion is disturbed and pain appears in the spine;

an umbilical hernia is formed (the umbilical ring is the weakest point in the abdominal wall);

as a result of the redistribution of the load on the remaining muscles, the internal organs (vagina, uterus) can shift or fall.

The effects of anesthesia.

The decision on the need for anesthesia during caesarean section is made by the anesthetist. Anesthesia can be either intravenous using tracheal intubation or spinal anesthesia. Among the frequent complaints when using endotracheal anesthesia, cough and sore throat are noted, which are explained by the accumulation of mucus in the bronchopulmonary tract and microtrauma of the trachea.

Also, the exit from general anesthesia is often accompanied by drowsiness, confusion, vomiting (rarely), nausea. These symptoms disappear within a few hours. Spinal anesthesia can cause headaches, therefore, after such anesthesia, patients are recommended to be in a horizontal position for 12 hours.

With spinal and epidural anesthesia, damage to the roots of the spinal cord can occur, this manifests itself in the form of back pain, trembling and weakness in the limbs.

Scar on the uterus.

After delivery by caesarean section, a scar remains forever on the uterus. The main criterion for the uterine scar is its consistency, which largely depends on the course of the postoperative period and the quality of the operation.

A thinned (insolvent) scar on the uterus can cause a threat of premature termination of pregnancy, and in some cases even uterine rupture, not only during childbirth, but also during pregnancy. That is why doctors advise women who are planning a second birth by caesarean section to perform sterilization. At the third operation, tubal ligation is insisted.

Endometriosis.

Endometriosis is characterized by the fact that there is an accumulation of cells similar in structure to the endometrium in places that are not typical for them. Quite often, after a cesarean section, endometriosis appears on the uterine scar, because in the process of suturing the incision of the uterus, cells from its mucous membrane can get to the outer side, in the future they begin to grow into the muscle and serous layers, endometriosis of the scar appears.

Cases of development of endometriosis of the skin suture are known.

Endometriosis can cause future infertility, but the disease develops years later.

Women suffer from constant pain in the lower abdomen, the strength of which depends on the phase of the cycle (during menstruation, the pain usually increases).

Problems with lactation.

Many patients after surgery experience problems with the process of lactation. This is especially true for those who had a planned caesarean, before the onset of childbirth. The flow of milk to the glands after caesarean in women who had a natural birth and gave birth naturally occurs on the 3rd-4th day, otherwise it happens on the 5th-9th day.

This is due to the fact that during childbirth, the body synthesizes oxytocin, leading to uterine contractions. This component is also responsible for the production of prolactin, which, in turn, is responsible for the synthesis and release of milk.

It becomes clear that a woman after a planned operation cannot provide the child with milk on her own, she has to supplement the newborn with mixtures, and this is not very good. Often, women after caesarean section develop hypogalactia (lack of milk production) or even agalactia.

Consequences of caesarean section for a newborn

A caesarean section also affects the baby. “Caesarites” quite often have breathing problems.

Firstly, if the operation was performed under intravenous anesthesia, then a certain part of the narcotic drugs penetrates into the child's bloodstream with the bloodstream, the respiratory center is depressed, which can lead to asphyxia. In addition, in the first days and weeks, mothers note lethargy and passivity of the baby, the child does not take the breast well.

Secondly, in the lungs of children who were born by caesarean section, fluid and mucus remain, which are normally pushed out during the passage of the fetus through the birth canal. In the future, the remaining fluid is absorbed into the lung tissue, and this is the cause of the development of hyaline-membrane disease. Remaining fluid and mucus are an excellent substrate for the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms, which later leads to respiratory disorders or pneumonia.

During natural delivery, the baby is in a state of sleep. With hypernation, physiological processes slow down, which serves to protect the newborn from pressure drops at the time of birth.

With a caesarean section, the baby immediately enters the external environment from an incision in the uterus, he is not prepared for this pressure drop, as a result - microbleeds in the brain (experts believe that such a pressure drop in an adult would result in pain shock and death).

"Kesaryats" adapt much longer and worse to environmental conditions, because they do not experience stress during passage through the birth canal, they do not produce catecholamines - hormones responsible for adapting to completely new conditions of existence.

Long-term effects include:

frequent development of food allergies;

increased excitability and hyperactivity of cesarean children;

poor weight gain.

There are problems with breastfeeding the baby. A child who was fed artificial mixtures while the woman was recovering from anesthesia, underwent a course of antibiotic therapy, becomes unmotivated to breastfeed, he sluggishly takes the breast and does not want to make an effort to get mother's milk from the breast (sucking from a bottle is much easier).

Also, the specialist believes that after a cesarean section there is no psychological connection between the child and the mother, which is normally formed during the natural birth process and is fixed during early attachment to the breast (immediately after birth and dissection of the umbilical cord).

Recovery after caesarean section

Immediately after the operation, the woman is transferred to the intensive care unit, where she stays for a day under the close supervision of medical personnel. At this time, it is required to apply ice to the abdomen and inject painkillers. After a caesarean section, the recovery of the body should begin immediately:

Physical activity.

The sooner a newly-made mother restores physical activity after the operation, the sooner her usual rhythm of life will be restored.

The first day, especially if spinal anesthesia was used, the woman must observe bed rest, but it is less strict and you can move.

You need to roll over from one side to another right in bed, do leg exercises:

• alternately bend the legs at the knee joint, and then straighten it;

  press your knees to each other, and then relax them;

  perform rotational movements with the feet in different directions;

  pull your toes towards you.

Each exercise should be performed at least 10 times.

Immediately you need to start performing Kegel exercises (periodic contraction and relaxation of the muscles of the vagina), they help strengthen the muscular system of the pelvic floor and are the prevention of possible problems with urination.

You can get out of bed after a day. To perform the lift, you need to turn on your side, lower your legs off the bed, then, resting your arms, lift the upper body and sit down.

Get out of bed only under the supervision of a nurse. Early motor activity has a stimulating effect on intestinal motility, thereby preventing the formation of adhesions.

Skin sutures are treated daily with antiseptic solutions (potassium permanganate, brilliant green, 70% alcohol), the dressing is changed. Removal of sutures is performed on the 7-10th day after caesarean section (an exception is the intradermal suture, which dissolves on its own after 2-2.5 months).

In order for the scar to dissolve better and avoid keloid, doctors recommend treating the sutures with gels (Kontraktubeks, Curiosin). You can take a shower after removing the stitches and healing the skin scar, after about 7-8 days (it is forbidden to rub the seam with a washcloth), baths and baths should be postponed for 2 months (until the uterine scar heals).

Nutrition and intestinal gases.

The passage of gases is one of the important elements in the restoration of bowel functions. After a caesarean section, you should follow a certain diet. On the first day, only mineral water without gases or water with lemon juice is allowed. On the second day, you can take chicken or meat broth, kefir, rolled meat, low-fat cottage cheese.

After self-emptying of the intestines, usually this happens on the 4-5th day, the woman is transferred to a normal diet. You should not hold back gases, for their easier discharge, you need to perform stroking movements in a clockwise direction, then roll over on your side, take your leg and relieve yourself. If constipation occurs, you can resort to using Microlax or glycerin suppositories, they should be allowed for use during lactation and breastfeeding.

Bandage.

Wearing a bandage will greatly facilitate the life of a woman in the first days after a cesarean section. But it is not necessary to abuse this device, in order for the restoration of the muscle tone of the anterior abdominal wall to pass quickly and fully, the bandage must be periodically removed and the periods of being without this device gradually lengthened.

Cough.

After surgery, women often suffer from coughing, especially if endotracheal anesthesia was used. At the same time, the fear that the stitches will open during a cough makes many hold back. In order to strengthen the seams, you can press a pillow against them or perform a dressing with a towel, then take a deep breath and exhale completely, making a sound similar to “woof”.

Physical activity and restoration of elasticity of the anterior abdominal wall.

After delivery by caesarean section, the patient is limited to lifting weights to the limits of 3-4 kg for 3 months. Raising and caring for a child is not prohibited, but rather welcomed. At the same time, all household work that is associated with squats, bends, should be entrusted to another family member.

A month after the caesarean section, you can start physical exercises with light gymnastic exercises. After the operation to restore the abdomen, you can start pumping the press no earlier than six months later. By and large, a sagging belly will return to normal after 6-12 months (muscles and skin will become elastic, and their tone will be restored).

Sports in order to restore the figure after surgery (yoga, body flex, aerobics, fitness) should be carried out only after consulting a doctor and only under the supervision of an instructor, not earlier than after 6 months. Bodyflex exercises do an excellent job of restoring the figure and abdomen, 15 minutes a day is enough.

Sex life.

You can resume sexual intercourse 1.5-2 months after the operation (the period is the same as during natural childbirth). Such a period of abstinence is required for the healing of the site of attachment of the placenta to the uterus and the uterine suture.

It is important to think about contraception even before the start of an active sexual life. After the operation, the intrauterine device can be installed only after 6 months from the moment of the operation, while abortion is the strictest contraindication, since the scar is re-traumatized and its failure may develop.

Menstrual cycle.

There are no differences in the restoration of the cycle after caesarean section and childbirth in a natural way. If a newborn is breastfed, menstruation may begin 6 months after birth or even later. If there is no lactation, the menstrual cycle is restored after 2 months.

next pregnancy.

Obstetricians recommend refraining from a new pregnancy for at least two years, and preferably at least three. During this time period, a woman manages to fully recover both psychologically and physically. Complete healing of the scar on the uterus is also necessary.

Observation at the gynecologist.

All women after caesarean section are mandatory registered in the antenatal clinic, observation is carried out for 2 years. The first visit after a caesarean section must be performed no later than 10 days later. An ultrasound of the uterus is required. After the end of lochia (6-8 weeks), a second visit is performed. A visit at six months is necessary to assess the healing of the scar on the uterus, subsequent visits to the gynecologist should be carried out at least once every six months.

According to statistics, today every fifth woman preparing for motherhood gives birth by caesarean section. At the same time, there is a steady increase in operative delivery both in Russia and abroad. Cesarean section - abdominal operation under anesthesia. With this method of delivery, the baby completely bypasses the birth canal and is removed from the mother's body through an incision in the lower abdomen. Like any other surgical intervention, a caesarean section entails a long and painful rehabilitation.

Recovery of the body after caesarean section

The first day of a woman in labor passes under the constant supervision of medical staff in the intensive care unit (ICU). To prevent complications, a number of measures are taken:

• taking the main indicators of the mother's condition (measurement of temperature, blood pressure, pulse),
• correction of blood loss using medication and other methods (drugs that increase the tone of the uterus, blood transfusion, blood substitutes),
• administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics,
• pain relief with drugs combined with breastfeeding,
• urinary catheter control,
• restoration of peristalsis of the mother's intestines,
• care of the postoperative suture (treatment with antiseptic solutions, change of dressings),
• general monitoring of the condition, well-being of the mother and assistance to her.

On the second day, in the absence of problems and complications, the mother and child are transferred to the postpartum department. Now the activity of the newly-minted mother is increasing, all the care of the baby falls on her shoulders.

Consider the limitations and difficulties faced by women who gave birth by caesarean section.

When can I get up, start walking and sitting

You can try to get out of bed 6-8 hours after giving birth. The first ascent must be carried out under the supervision of medical staff or relatives. Getting up early is the prevention of bowel problems.

It is necessary to rise very carefully, without haste, so as not to provoke dizziness. At first, it is better to sit a little, dangling your legs from the bed. Then try to stand up for a while, leaning on the bed with one hand. It is better to hold the seams with the other hand, this will reduce pain.

With each subsequent rise, it is necessary to increase the time spent on your feet and try to take steps. In the absence of complications on the second day, women in labor should move independently to provide care for their children. A good helper for mom will be a postoperative bandage. It must be purchased in advance at the pharmacy and brought with you to the hospital. The main thing is not to abuse the wearing of a bandage, use it for no longer than three hours in a row and only in a standing position and when walking.

The best way to restore the strength of the mother after a caesarean section is a good sleep. Therefore, you need to rest as much as possible, lying in bed. The first two days are accompanied by severe pain in the incision area, so it is better to refuse prolonged sitting, for example, while eating. It is possible to fully sit after the operation only 3-4 days after childbirth.

What weight can be lifted

In this matter, a lot depends on how the birth went, how the mother feels. Doctors recommend that women lift no more than two kilograms in the first months after surgery. But the harsh realities are such that a young mother has to take care of a baby almost for days, so such restrictions are simply impossible. If the mother’s condition allows her to carry the child painlessly and without difficulty, then let the baby be the only burden for the mother for the next couple of months.

In this case, the allowable weight to lift after a caesarean section is 3–5 kg for 2–3 months.

Permissible severity after cesarean - baby's weight

When can you lie on your stomach and on your side

The opinions of doctors differ on this issue. Some believe that lying on the stomach helps the uterus contract faster, and this is true. That's just for women in labor with a painful seam on the abdomen, this can be extremely problematic. Therefore, it is advised to try to lie on your stomach no earlier than 2 days after childbirth. This should be done very carefully. In case of the slightest pain, it is better to stop these attempts for a while, but do not quit.

Almost immediately after the operation, you can and should lie on your side and turn from one to the other. This will help restore intestinal motility and reduce the risk of adhesions.

After childbirth, it will be advisable to perform simple workouts in the absence of general contraindications:

• perform head rotations
• gently bend and unbend the legs,
• make circular motions with your hands
• rotate the feet and hands,
• tense and relax the buttocks to strengthen them,
• use the Kegel method (from 3 days after birth).

Table: list of exercises allowed in the early postoperative period

When can I take a shower and a bath

If you perform such simple gymnastics from the first day, you can avoid many complications and health problems. Rather, the uterus will shrink and the intestines will begin to work, the former shapes and sizes will return faster.

It is absolutely impossible to wet the seam before healing. You can limit yourself to rubbing and washing. You can take a shower no earlier than a week after giving birth. You can not rub your stomach with a washcloth for two weeks.

You will have to forget about a hot bath for at least 6-10 weeks until lochia (bloody discharge from the uterus after childbirth) runs out.

Failure to comply with restrictions in water procedures is fraught with:

• dehydration of the tissues of the scar on the abdomen,
• slowing down the healing process of sutures,
• suppuration
• increased blood circulation and, as a result, intense bloody discharge,
• inflammation of the uterus due to the penetration of bacteria and germs from tap water.

• thoroughly wash the bath with safe proven products,
• observe the temperature regime (not higher than 40–42 degrees),
• use high quality natural soap,
• exclude aromatic oils, foam and salt,
• periodically take a bath with decoctions of herbs (chamomile),
• start with 5 minutes and each time increase the time spent in hot water.

How to breastfeed

For a child on the first day of life, it is extremely necessary to receive colostrum in order to start the digestive system and adapt to existence outside the mother. Nurses should suggest feeding positions for women that are comfortable for both them and their babies. In the early days, feeding is possible only in the supine position.

• lie on your side
• put a pillow under your knees to keep it from sliding down the bed,
• with a second pillow, protect your stomach from the push of the child,
• hold the baby's head
• make sure that the baby's head and body are in the same plane.

In the future, you can feed sitting. Use a pillow to lift your baby up to chest height and protect your inseam.

The position for feeding "In the cradle" is very convenient after a caesarean section.

It is imperative to avoid postures in which pressure is placed on the painful abdomen. It is very convenient to use the poses "In the cradle" and "From under the arm."

The “Underhand” position for feeding will help not strain the mother’s stomach

When can you get pregnant again

Any childbirth is a huge stress for a woman's body. Therefore, before again subjecting it to such tests, it is necessary to wait at least 2-3 years. Everything is individual. And only an experienced obstetrician-gynecologist, after a complete examination of the mother's health, can "give the go-ahead" for a second pregnancy and childbirth.

You can get pregnant after a caesarean section as quickly as after a natural birth, so you need to think about the method of contraception before resuming sexual activity.

Read more about pregnancy after cesarean in the article -.

Each woman will be able to choose the method of contraception that suits her.

• intrauterine device (IUD) - allowed from 7 weeks after surgery in the absence of contraindications,
• barrier contraceptives (condoms, caps, diaphragms) - acceptable after the cessation of lochia,
• spermicides (in the form of suppositories, tablets, creams) - chemicals that destroy spermatozoa,
• injectable contraceptives (combined and containing only progestogens) - recommended from the moment the menstrual cycle resumes,
• voluntary surgical sterilization.

Be responsible for contraception after a caesarean section. After all, a pregnancy that occurs before two years after the operation is very dangerous for the health and life of a woman.

Recovery after caesarean section with spinal anesthesia

A caesarean section is always performed under general or local anesthesia.

Recently, epidural or spinal anesthesia has been increasingly chosen for pain relief, in which the woman in labor is conscious. This allows the mother to see the birth of the child with her own eyes, hear his first cry and almost immediately try to attach him to the breast.

With a caesarean section under spinal anesthesia, a woman in labor can immediately see her baby and even hold him

The advantages of spinal anesthesia are:

• efficiency (100% pain relief),
• no risk to the child (with a correctly calculated and administered dose),
• non-toxic effect on the mother's body,
• ease of carrying out
• minimal complications after surgery.

But individual reactions to drugs are always possible. So, many women who have gone through childbirth with spinal anesthesia note the following symptoms:

• severe dizziness and headaches,
• drop in blood pressure,
• loss of feeling in the legs,
• yeast attacks,
• sore pain in the back, in the injection area,
• shortness of breath and difficulty breathing,
• vomit,
• numbness.

If a woman after spinal anesthesia observes such symptoms, doctors recommend bed rest on the first day, without getting out of bed.

Recovery will be faster and more successful if the young mother, even while lying in bed, does:

• turns from side to side,
• simple exercises for arms and legs,
• breathing exercises.

Restoration of the monthly cycle after caesarean section

For 6-10 weeks after the birth of a child, a young mother has lochia, they have nothing to do with menstruation.

In the matter of restoring the menstrual cycle, childbirth by caesarean section is no different from natural. The arrival of menstruation is influenced by completely different factors:

• age, health and lifestyle of women,
• the course of pregnancy, its features and problems,
• breast-feeding.

Lactation can be called the driving force for the restoration of menstruation. It depends on the duration of breastfeeding and its frequency, how soon the cycle will resume.

In women who are breastfeeding, menstruation comes 6-12 months after childbirth.

If the feeding is artificial, then the restoration of the cycle can be expected in 2-3 months.

The recovery of the menstrual cycle after childbirth in all women is different

It is imperative to contact a gynecologist if there is no menstruation for more than a year after the birth of a child, in order to exclude the inflammatory process and other problems.

Restoration of the figure after caesarean section

Every young woman dreams of gaining a beautiful figure as soon as possible after the birth of a child. It will be easier to return the former forms after childbirth if you follow a number of recommendations:

• getting up early after surgery
• physical activity during the day
• full sleep (possible only with the help of relatives),
• proper nutrition,
• playing sports (within the allowed time).

Nutrition Features

In the maternity hospital, the medical staff is responsible for the food of the woman in labor, so it will not be so difficult to follow a diet. It is very important to maintain proper nutrition at home. This will be useful not only for the figure of a young mother, but also for the health of her baby if the child is breastfed.

To bounce back after the operation and provide the baby with milk, the mother must:

• eat balanced,
• use only high-quality natural products,
• exclude carbonated drinks and fast food,
• drink enough water.

Any diet aimed at losing weight is contraindicated for lactating women.

Table: an approximate daily set of products for a nursing mother

Table: Dr. Horvath's diet

A woman who has chosen artificial feeding can be offered Dr. Horvath's diet for weight loss. The advantage of this diet is the gradual reduction of extra pounds, which means a lasting effect.

Physical activity in the first two months

In the first time after childbirth, the best physical activity, along with taking care of the baby, is walking. It doesn't matter where exactly to walk - at home around the apartment or in the park with a stroller. The main thing is to do it systematically and with pleasure. Do not be afraid that the seams will open. A postpartum bandage will help prevent this, which reduces the load on the painful suture.

Postpartum bandage will be a good helper for a woman after a caesarean section

It is better to shift some of the housework to relatives, for example, washing floors, hand washing something large. Avoid heavy lifting (except for a child) and stress on the scar.

Sports activities from the third month

After a caesarean section, you need to take care of your stomach. You can download the press no earlier than six weeks after giving birth and with the permission of the attending physician. He will examine your seam and recommend loads.

To restore the abdominal press, you should start with the simplest exercises.

Table: a set of exercises from the third month after cesarean section

For young mothers with a scar on the uterus, Pilates and aqua aerobics classes will be useful, where the load on the stomach and abdominal muscles is minimized.

Pilates classes will have a beneficial effect on the recovery of a woman after a caesarean section

Six months after giving birth, you can start more active training aimed at reducing the abdomen.

Video: a simple way to remove the stomach after a cesarean section

Care after caesarean section

As a result of the operation, a scar remains on the woman’s stomach for a long time, which must be carefully looked after in order to avoid suppuration of the tissues. Take a shower every day a week after the operation, but do not rub the incision with a washcloth. After that, treat it as your doctor indicated in the extract.

Ointments (Kontraktubeks, Solcoseryl) will help to remove an ugly scar.

Video: postoperative suture hygiene

It is quite possible to recover after a caesarean section in a short time if you take this issue seriously. First of all, you should listen to the advice of the attending physicians, observe the restrictions of the postoperative period, load the body gradually, without overworking it. Physical activity in combination with a healthy diet will quickly return the health and figure of a woman to its previous state.

No matter how the baby was born, naturally or by caesarean section, his arrival in our world is a real miracle, and caring for a tiny lump becomes the primary task of a newly minted mom. However, first days after caesarean section sometimes become a real test, because all the actions that were previously not difficult, for example, coughing, laughing, turning over on your side, taking a deep breath, will now seem incredibly difficult and painful. What to expect and how to alleviate your condition in the first days after caesarean section?

The first days after a caesarean section: what to expect?

On the first day after caesarean section the newly-made mother is closely monitored in the intensive care unit, measuring pressure, pulse, temperature. The doctor constantly monitors how the uterus contracts, whether there is a lot of discharge, whether urination occurs. If epidural anesthesia was used during caesarean section, then the woman in labor is advised to stay in bed from 3 to 12 hours. Getting up for the first time must be done with the help of a nurse or relatives very carefully, slowly, slowly, without making sudden movements. It is allowed to sit down not earlier than on the 2-3rd day after the operation.

How to make life easier for yourself after a caesarean section?

Unfortunately get up move and move after caesarean section you have to constantly and this can not be avoided. But you can make your life easier, feel more comfortable and not cause yourself additional discomfort, if you follow simple tips.

How to roll over to the side?

• We bend our knees and rest our feet on the surface of the bed.
• We rest on our feet and raise our hips so as to straighten the body from shoulders to knees.
• Now turn your hips to the side and lower them onto the bed. We also turn the upper body in the same direction.
• And now you are lying on your side.

This gentle way of turning over on your side will save you and your stitches from unwanted pain and damage, as well as save your elbows from rubbing against the sheet and unnecessary tension.

How to relieve a cough?

Unfortunately, even the slightest cough after a caesarean section can cause considerable suffering. Today, epidural anesthesia is increasingly used during caesarean section, however, it happens that general anesthesia is also used. In this case, you will have to cough up to rid the lungs of the mucus accumulated in them. Painlessly clear your throat will help a simple technique, called in a simple way "barking". Although the name is strange, the technique is really effective.

So, if you feel that a coughing fit "covers" you, you must follow these steps:

• Protect the seams with your hands, a small pillow, or a towel.
• Inhale slowly and deeply, filling your lungs completely with air.
• Exhale sharply, but gently, while drawing in the stomach, but not allowing it to inflate.
• Now make a "woof" sound.

If you feel sobbing in the chest and strong urge to cough, use this method of coughing several times an hour until the lungs are cleared.

How to get out of bed?

Getting out of bed for the first time after a caesarean section the medical staff of the maternity hospital will help you after the permission of the obstetrician-gynecologist. When we first get out of bed, we may feel dizzy and weak. For you now, this is normal and, unfortunately, inevitable.

To get out of bed, follow the instructions below:

1. Roll onto your side following the tips in the How to roll onto your side section. After that, let your legs hang over the edge of the bed and, pushing off the bed with your elbow, move yourself as gently and gently as possible into a sitting position.

2. Do not get up immediately, sit for a while, move your legs and feet.

3. When you feel ready, put your feet on the floor and get up with help. Try to straighten up, do not stand bent over in the "three deaths". Even though your stitches feel like they're being pulled, standing up straight won't hurt your stitches.

4. As you get a little used to the standing position, take a small step.

Remember that the hardest part is over and every time you get up it will be easier and easier. Praise yourself, do not be lazy to walk, try to gradually increase the number of steps and the duration of walks. This contributes to the restoration of your body and the speedy healing of stitches. Remember that every extra movement brings you closer to the cherished discharge and a quick return home with the baby.

Caesarean section - operative delivery. Nowadays, this method of childbirth is quite widespread. The increasing number of pregnancy complications, both on the part of the mother and the child, leads to this state of affairs.

How is a caesarean section performed?

The caesarean section is performed only under anesthesia. Nowadays, there is a gradual transition from general anesthesia to spinal anesthesia during these types of operations. The meaning of such anesthesia is to “turn off” the lower half of the body. The woman is conscious, she can take her baby in her arms immediately after removing him from the uterine cavity. In addition, during general anesthesia, the child receives a certain amount of drugs that are administered to the mother and is born slightly “stunned”, while there are no such features when choosing spinal anesthesia.
After anesthesia, an incision is made in the lower abdomen, opening of the uterine cavity and amniotic sac, followed by removal of the child. As in normal childbirth, the umbilical cord is tied and cut. Then, through the surgical incision, the fetal bladder and placenta are removed. The wound is sutured in layers, a sterile dressing is applied. With caesarean section under spinal anesthesia, the child is immediately applied to the mother's breast, with general anesthesia - after a while, the woman needs to get out of anesthesia.

Early postpartum period

The postoperative period after caesarean section does not differ significantly from that period after other abdominal operations. A common practice is early activation of the patient. After 6-8 hours (depending on the general condition), the woman is allowed to sit down in bed; after 10-12 hours - get up and walk. This tactic minimizes the risk of developing adhesive complications in the abdominal cavity, congestion in the lungs (especially likely after intubation anesthesia).
If the condition of the mother and newborn does not cause concern to the doctor, then on the second day they are transferred to the ward for joint stay (if such wards are available). A woman, most often, is prescribed antibiotic therapy to prevent infectious complications during the postpartum period, as well as painkillers. During this period, it is worthwhile to warn the young mother against taking care of the baby too actively, frequently lifting it in her arms (especially for large children), and sudden movements. To alleviate discomfort in the area of ​​the postoperative scar, it is recommended to wear a special bandage that supports the abdominal muscles.

The length of the postpartum period

The postpartum period in the case of physiological childbirth lasts 40 days. The postpartum period after caesarean section is up to 60 days. One of the main indicators of the course of the postpartum period is the so-called involution of the uterus: the process of its contraction and epithelialization of the inner surface. During this time, the woman has varying degrees of bleeding from the genital tract (lochia). It should be noted that, as a rule, the intensity of discharge in women delivered by caesarean section is less: after childbirth through the natural birth canal, discharge from the cervix, vagina, injured to one degree or another, is added to the discharge from the uterine cavity.
Since the integrity of the muscle fibers of the uterus, its vessels and nerves was violated during the operation, the rate of uterine involution slows down. If necessary, a woman is prescribed an appropriate drug therapy that stimulates the contractile activity of the muscles of the uterus, reducing bleeding from vessels damaged during incision. Most often, precisely because of the slow decrease in the uterus after childbirth, a mother with a baby after a cesarean section is discharged home a few days later than after a physiological birth.

Nutrition after caesarean section

On the first day after the caesarean section, it is allowed to drink only non-carbonated water, unsweetened tea. From the second day, the diet is gradually approaching the nutrition of the woman who has given birth: starting with the broth, pureed dishes, we gradually move on to a full-fledged diet rich in proteins, vitamins, microelements, which is recommended for a nursing mother.

Hygiene after caesarean section

The hygiene of a woman who has undergone a caesarean section in the first days after the operation must necessarily include a toilet of the external genital organs. Body washing is allowed, excluding the area of ​​the postoperative suture. You can take a shower immediately after discharge from the hospital. The scar area must be washed with clean water, very carefully, excluding friction, exposure to detergents. It is recommended to take a bath, swim no earlier than one and a half to two months after childbirth.

Postoperative scar

The postoperative scar will remind of itself for quite a long time: up to six months, in some women - up to a year. This is due to the fact that during the surgical incision, the integrity of the nerve endings was violated, and their recovery is a long process.
Two months after the operation, a woman who has undergone a caesarean section is advised to start exercises to strengthen the abdominal muscles. I would like to note that the better the muscles of this group were developed, the smaller the subcutaneous fat layer, the faster and better the postoperative wound heals. It is not forbidden to use ointments that promote the resorption of scars, although you should not expect a special effect from their use. The course of the healing process is also influenced by the lifestyle that a woman will lead after surgery. A big role in how the postpartum period after cesarean proceeds is the help of relatives and close people to the woman who has given birth. Ideally, one of them should be constantly at home at this time. Any woman after childbirth needs a proper rest to ensure the recovery of the body and high-quality breastfeeding. The recovery postpartum period after caesarean section requires a serious limitation of the weight of the lifted weights. Overstrain of the abdominal muscles can lead to deformities in the area of ​​the postoperative scar, up to the formation of hernias.

Family planning after caesarean section

The resumption of sexual activity after caesarean section is recommended one and a half to two months after the operation. Be sure to visit a gynecologist by this time, make sure that the recovery period runs smoothly, and discuss acceptable methods of contraception. It is better to postpone planning a subsequent pregnancy for two years - this time is enough to restore the strength of the mother's body, the formation of a strong scar on the uterus (ultrasound is performed to determine its quality).
Medical practice is currently moving away from the establishment that a history of caesarean section is a direct contraindication for natural childbirth in the future. Quite often, women who have undergone a caesarean section give birth to subsequent children through the natural birth canal.

Statistics show that with the help of this type of surgical intervention, more than 30% of newborns are born. Due to special contraindications or for health reasons, the mother cannot give birth to a child in a natural way. Sometimes a caesarean section comes already at the eighth month of pregnancy in order to protect the child and mother from any complications.

Indications for a caesarean section may include:

1. Narrow pelvic bones.
2. Tumors and pathologies of the genital organs.
3. Early detachment of the placenta.
4. Hypoxia or strangulation of the fetus.
5. Malposition of the fetus.
6. The size of the fetus is not suitable for the uterus.
7. Maternal infections (HIV).
8. Age category over 38 years old.

There are a lot of indications for caesarean section, some of them are considered absolute, others are relative. For an obstetrician, the first priority is always to save the life of the mother and child. If this operation is indicated for a pregnant woman, then you should check with the doctor in advance how it goes and how to quickly recover from a cesarean. Usually, a planned cesarean is prescribed, when a woman is hospitalized and observed for several days before the operation itself, carrying out the necessary procedures. In the case of emergency hospitalization, every fraction of a second can count, so they do general anesthesia and proceed with the operation. Such an operation lasts about an hour, with the subsequent transfer of the woman in labor to the intensive care unit. She spends the first day there, when the medical staff of the maternity hospital takes care of the baby. The discharge is carried out 5-7 days after birth. And then a new life and maternal chores begin. In parallel with caring for a baby, a woman begins the process of restoring her body after a caesarean section. Such a process is very laborious and requires quite a lot of time, effort and energy. Life after surgery has its limitations. The doctor necessarily tells about these restrictions and writes out recommendations that must be followed.

The day after the operation, the newly-made mother spends in the intensive care unit, while the child, if he was born without pathologies, is in the children's department, where he is closely monitored and all the necessary postpartum procedures are performed. It is forbidden to get out of bed and make sudden movements for another day. There are also restrictions on lifting weights. Most often, the load goes to the intestines, in the first days nausea and headaches may occur. The mother does not bring a newborn during this period. In total, the child and his mother spend about a week in the maternity hospital. Before discharge, the doctor will definitely advise how to recover after a cesarean and establish a new rhythm in the body. After a caesarean section, the body's rehabilitation takes almost 6 months. Not only the internal organs of the girl are being rebuilt, but also the hormonal background. A fairly long period is accompanied by proper nutrition and limited physical activity.

seam care

In the postoperative period after a caesarean section, a seam remains on the girl’s body, in the abdomen, and a bandage is necessarily applied over the seam. At a time when the patient is in the hospital, all the necessary manipulations with the wound are performed by the nurse. The suture is processed with the help of antiseptics and the replacement of the bandage. The sutures are removed on the 7th day, after which it is already allowed to wet the wound. In the period after the caesarean section, suppuration on the scar may occur. For quick healing, special quick-healing creams should be applied to the wound. In such cases, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Using a bandage

To maintain the tone of the muscles of the abdomen and abdominal cavity, it is always advised to wear a bandage. The postoperative period after caesarean section is almost halved with the help of bandages. The period of wearing it is at least one month, in extreme cases, the more, the faster the rehabilitation after caesarean section. The bandage not only protects the seam, but also facilitates the process of caring for the child. Many doctors advise you to start using the bandage after the sixth month of pregnancy. But such an object also has a number of contraindications:

1. Problems with the gastrointestinal tract.
2. Suppuration of the seam after caesarean.
3. Possible swelling of the kidneys.

Discomfort in the first case is based on the fact that the bandage compresses the organs of the digestive system, which can cause serious problems. Suppuration of the seam brings pain.

You should take breaks when wearing a bandage, you can not be in it around the clock. The abdominal muscles relax over time, so breaks should be taken every 3-4 hours. The doctor will help you choose a bandage individually.

Restoration of the menstrual cycle

In this case, there are no special differences after childbirth in a natural way and by caesarean section - the menstrual cycle is restored in the same way. Lochia is postpartum discharge of red color, similar to menstruation, with its own specific smell. They come out about 2-3 months, especially abundant in the first few days after childbirth. Gradually they lose color and disappear completely. How much the body recovers after a cesarean section and the menstrual cycle is a purely individual process. After childbirth, the uterus comes to the right tone and creates a new mucous membrane. Recovery takes about 3 months. When menstruation comes, the first few cycles are very heavy. With each cycle, the amount of discharge normalizes and completely ends after 5 months. It is from this time that menstruation, as before, comes at the right time and once a month.

Diet and proper nutrition

Rehabilitation after a caesarean section largely depends on what the new mother eats. In the first days of rehabilitation after a caesarean section, a woman is shown a cleansing enema to restore the intestines. Doctors recommend not to overload the gastrointestinal tract and limit food intake, which is why appropriate droppers with the right substances are prescribed (usually glucose is injected). You can enter the diet on the second or third day. The maternity hospital has everything to restore the body of women in labor. After three days, many products are already allowed to be taken into the diet, it is desirable that they be steamed and vegetable oil. Fried and spicy foods should definitely be excluded from the diet, especially when breastfeeding.

Features of nutrition after discharge:

1. Dairy and sour-milk products (milk, kefir, curdled milk, cottage cheese, natural yoghurts).
2. Vegetables raw and cooked. It is recommended to cook vegetables for a couple, so they retain more useful vitamins.
3. Meat. It should also be steamed or eaten boiled. Meat contains protein in large quantities, the body needs it for building material.
4. Fruits. Raw apples, pears, bananas, grapes and oranges. Especially citruses, with a high saturation of vitamin C.
5. Butter and vegetable oil. Contains a large amount of fat-soluble vitamins.
6. Water. The more water, the better, to tone the skin and look healthy.

Limit consumption:

1. Meat products (sausages, sausages).
2. Smoked products (fish, meat).
3. Tomato sauce, ketchup.
4. Sweets.
5. Garlic and onion.
6. Marinated products.
7. Fast food.
8. Carbonated drinks and alcohol.

If a girl decides to go on a diet, then this must be discussed with the doctor. Adhering to a certain diet is possible if there are no complications after the operation. And it is worth remembering first of all about the baby, because when breastfeeding, everything that the mother eats is reflected in him. The diet should be followed for a long time, approximately about 2 months.

• First day. Breakfast - oatmeal, tea and butter sandwich. Lunch - Vegetable stew, chicken broth, boiled breast, tea. Dinner juice with muesli. In between meals, you can eat fruit and nuts.
• Second day. Breakfast - boiled egg, cereal with milk, tea. Lunch - boiled pasta, without oil, steamed fish, vegetable salad seasoned with olive oil. Dinner - stewed cabbage, steamed cutlet, tea.
• The third day. Breakfast - buckwheat porridge, tea, natural yogurt. Lunch - vermicelli soup, a piece of steamed meat, compote without sugar. Dinner - cottage cheese with fruits and yogurt, tea, crackers with butter.
• Fourth day. Breakfast - oatmeal with butter, tea, an apple. Dinner - vegetable salad, chicken breast with buckwheat, light soup, tea. Dinner - a vegetable side dish with boiled fish, a drink without sugar.
• Fifth day. Breakfast - kefir and cereal, an egg. Lunch - fish soup, potatoes boiled without oil and a piece of steamed meat. Dinner - boiled vegetables with chicken cutlet.
• Weekends - drinking regimen, more than 2 liters of water, raw vegetables and fruits.

Such food can be combined every week and add something new, useful.

Having sex and sex life

How much the body recovers after a cesarean and when you can start a sexual life is difficult. These processes are individual. The gynecologist must prescribe contraception to the girl, even if menstruation has not yet begun. Permission to live sexually is possible after consultation with a doctor, only after examination and conclusion that the uterus has come into the desired shape. This usually happens after two months. What is contraception for? The process of caesarean section harms the body of life, the genitals and hormonal levels are restored anew. After cesarean, the next pregnancy is possible only after two to three years, when the body is completely back to normal.

Repeated births

Second and subsequent births after caesarean section are possible after two to three years. Until that time, the process of sexual life should be accompanied by the use of contraceptives. If the couple decides to have another child, you need to consult a doctor. There are cases when pregnancy after cesarean is impossible. For many girls, doctors give a favorable prognosis for the next pregnancy - you can give birth naturally and there are no barriers to this.

Sports and recovery

How long the body recovers after a cesarean and when you can start playing sports depends on the general condition of the woman. As soon as the mother decides to start playing sports, a consultation with a gynecologist is required. He evaluates the condition of the genital organs and the healing process of the suture. If everything is in good shape, he gives approval for physical activity. It is very common that after a girl starts playing sports, milk disappears. Is it possible? Yes, it's possible. In the sports process, you must know the measure and not overload the unprepared body. Increase the approaches and the number of exercises is required gradually. For example, Kegel exercises will help restore uterine tone.

If there are no doctor's contraindications, then you can start gymnastics already in the ward, with the help of breathing.

Exercises:

1. Deep inhale, quick exhale. 2 sets of 10 times.
2. Stroking the abdomen in a clockwise direction with a deep breath and a deep exhalation.
3. Massaging the abdomen from top to bottom.

Doctors advise doing yoga after a caesarean. You can sign up for individual classes or find a course of exercises for home workouts.

After 2 months, sports can be done more actively. The emphasis should be on the muscles of the abdomen and buttocks.

Exercises for the abs:

1. Alternate leg raises. 3 sets of 20 reps.
2. Body lifting. 5 sets of 15 reps.
3. Raising the head in the supine position. While tensing the abdominal muscles. 3 sets of 15 reps.

Exercises for the buttocks:

1. Squats. 3 sets of 30 reps.
2. Squats with weights (2-3 kg). 3 sets of 20 reps.
3. I.p - lying on your side. Raising the legs along the body. 3 sets of 20 reps. Same with the other leg.

Sleep and rest

After surgery, you should definitely have a good rest and establish a sleep and rest regimen. In a dream, the body is restored and comes into shape. With a small child, this is of course problematic, but you can always find a way out.

walks

With the advent of the baby, walks should be part of the daily routine. Fresh air and oxygen will help the baby get used to the lifestyle outside the womb, and the mother will saturate the body with oxygen. Without oxygen, the restoration of the body is impossible. It saturates tissues and organs and helps the healing of incisions and scars.

Hygiene

Showering and hot baths are only allowed after the stitches have been removed. Up to this point, you should wash yourself with warm water and soap and wipe the body with napkins in order to avoid the occurrence of infections.

Tone of the skin of the abdomen

Armed with oils, you can start the fight against stretch marks, if any, of course. Oils actively smooth the skin and nourish it. The main thing in this business is regularity. Daily - morning and evening, apply oil on the stomach and buttocks. For the best effect, massage will not hurt.

How to recover quickly after a caesarean section - video