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post partum restrictions for C-section vs. vaginal delivery?
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Anonymous
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Assuming you have an uncomplicated C-section, or an uncomplicated vaginal delivery, can someone give me a comparison on the post-partum restrictions? Specifically, what is the standard guidance on:
1) How long before having sex 2) How long before "light" exercise (like walking) 3) How long before regular/intense exercise 4) How long before getting in a pool |
Anonymous
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i had two vaginal births and the general guidance for me was as follows. i don't know for a cesarean but i imagine others will.
1) approx 6 weeks until sex... 2) she recommended 3-4 days of not doing anything too strenuous including walks and just focusing n the baby and my physical recovery and healing, and then once i did start walking more, keeping an eye on my bleeding...if the bleeding increased, do less exercise. 3) not sure, didn't ask about this. 4) my baby was born in a pool so for me that one happened right away  but my midwives recommended a daily warm bath to help with perineal healing and comfort. however i'm not sure with a chlorinated pool when would be a good time...
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Anonymous
For uncomplicated vaginal birth, its generally 6 weeks before 1 and 3. I was out walking on day 3, but did not clear it with my doctor so not sure if there a guidelines. I am stumped on 4 (not much of a pool person), but I would think since you can't use tampons would would need to wait until after the 6 week check-up as well. |
Anonymous
| Had a c-section and was told to wait at least 6 weeks before sex. Wait a week or so before light exercise, wait 2 weeks before driving (not sure why this was), wait 6 weeks before intense exercise and didn't ask about the pool. I spent 4 days in the hospital, was off the prescription pain meds by the time I went home. Walking during that first week out of the hospital was tough -- I was just wiped out and the incision hurt a bit, but it got better quickly and my recovery was pretty fast. |
Anonymous
| 2 weeks before driving because of the pain meds they give you when you have a csection---assuming you need to take them longer than your hospital stay (which i did) |
Anonymous
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I was told that the prohibition on driving is due to the danger of rupture in case of an accident. My friend's dad had prostate surgery and had a similar prohibition on driving.
I was told not to exercise until 6 weeks with a C, not to carry anything heavier than the baby for 6 weeks, not to go up and down the stairs more than once or twice per day. Not sure if you realize, but however the baby gets out, you are bleeding vaginally for about 6 weeks, so no pool regardless. |
Anonymous
| My OB at Gtown told me no driving for 6 weeks, total PITA. |
Anonymous
I had an uncomplicated C/S and, to be honest, no one ever told me I couldn't drive or go up and down stairs--although I actually knew about these restrictions from friends who had c-sections. The other answers are posted above. The first day after was the worst, really hurt to walk, stand, etc. By day 4, I was off the pain meds (other than Motrin) and at home was taking short walks around the neighborhood. FWIW, my bleeding was pretty much done after one week. Not sure if that was something to do with how the surgery was done or just me or what. |
Anonymous
| Even after a normal vaginal birth, doctors will tell you not to drive. Mine said 3 days or 1 week of not driving; I can't remember. |