C-Section Recovery Time & Scar Healing Tips - NYC

Cesarean delivery, commonly known as a C-section, is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through incisions in the abdomen and uterus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 31.7% of all births in 2019 were by cesarean. A C-section could be performed for various reasons, including breech positioning of the baby, distress of the baby or mother, issues with the placenta or umbilical cord, or labor not progressing.

C-Section Recovery Time

The recovery time after a C-section typically lasts around six weeks. During this period, it's crucial to rest and limit household chores. Lifting anything heavier than your baby is not recommended. However, everyone heals differently, and some mothers may take longer to recover based on their body's healing process.

C-Section Recovery Exercises

To recover faster or better after a C-section, it's important to consult a pelvic floor physical therapist. They can guide you on the proper exercise routine to return to and evaluate your pelvic floor and C-section scar. A C-section scar may inhibit the healing of a diastasis recti due to scar tissue and will need to be mobilized properly.

Returning to Work After a C-Section

Your OB-GYN or midwife will assess your scar at your six-week check-up following the birth. They will ensure that the scar has healed appropriately and give you clearance to return to work and/or exercise. At this time, you can ask your OBGYN to recommend a women’s health physical therapist who specializes in pelvic floor physical therapy.

Managing Pain During C-Section Recovery

Experiencing pain following a C-section is common as it is a major surgery. The pain should improve between three and six weeks. However, there's a possibility of developing an infection. If you experience symptoms like a fever over 100.4° F, severe headache, sudden onset of pain and/or discharge at the incision site, or other symptoms of infection, reach out to your OB or midwife immediately.

Postpartum Underwear for C-Section Recovery

Postpartum underwear can provide comfort and support during C-section recovery. We recommend the “C-Panty C-Section Underwear with Silicone for Recovery, High Waist Panty”. C-Panty provides compression directly over the incision area to help increase comfort and protection, as well as improve mobility.

Tips for Healing C-Section Scar

• Have a support team such as family or a doula there to help with the baby especially the first 3 weeks postpartum.

• Remember that you just had major surgery and that you need to take it easy and rest as much as possible.

• See a pelvic floor physical therapist at the 6 weeks mark to improve healing of the incision and soft tissue.

• Avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby.

• Drink plenty of fluids or consume warm soups or broths for healing.

• Avoid household chores if possible 

• Avoid exercise and sexual intercourse until after your 6 weeks appointment with your OB/midwife. 

• Limit going up and down stairs and position changes when possible. 

• Short and easy strolls are ok after 3 weeks but if something doesn’t feel right, be sure to return home to rest.

• Be kind to yourself!