quetions about recovery from planned c-section

[Anonymous]

I have a few questions for those who have had planned c-sections. I was in really good shape my whole pregnancy and exercised every day until i was put on 6 weeks of bed rest. If i hadn't been put on bed rest i would have more confidence in my body's ability to heal. I'm curious about other womens' experience with recovery.

-how soon were you mobile?

-how long did you stay in the hospital?

-could you go up and down stairs?

-How soon could you drive?

[Anonymous]

I had a scheduled c-section last spring. I was up the next day and fully mobile within 3 days. I was in the hospital for four days and drove within 6 days (though I hear you're supposed to wait for 2 weeks for insurance reasons...I had no idea at the time). By the time I left the hospital, I felt completely back to normal so I basically carried on as normal (so much time is spent sitting and nursing that there wasn't much opportunity to be up and about). Sorry, I don't have stairs so I never had to use any and can't judge. Good luck with your delivery!

[Anonymous]

I had an emergency c-section so I was also recovering from labor and pushing, but I was up 24 hours after the surgery. I recommend getting up and moving as soon as they let you, it will probably hurt a lot at first but it will really help with the recovery. I spent 4 nights at the hospital and was able to do the stairs just fine (albeit slowly) as soon as I got home. I didn't really need to drive for a while, but I think it's recommended you wait 2 weeks.

Good luck! I hear that recovering from a planned c/s is much better/faster than when it's an emergency.

[Anonymous]

I also had a planned c-section a year ago. I was in the hospital 5 days and started driving about a month later. The doctor said that I could probably drive but the risk was there if I had to suddenly slam on the brakes. Also, my baby was about 10 pounds. I couldn't pick the baby up in the carrier because the carseat alone was heavy. So, there wasn't any point in driving if I couldn't take the baby. I stayed clear of steps for about a month (I think) but I remember that I could go up and down. I just couldn't do it quickly and I had to think it through so I wouldn't hurt myself. There is a band/belt you can buy though that supports you belly and helps you not hurt yourself. Anyway, with a c-section you lose some independence. Best of luck. By the way, I'm very wimpy with pain.

[Anonymous]

For my second pregnancy I had a planned c-section after prolonged bed rest also - about 8 weeks. I was alos on 'partial' bed rest for my first pregnancy - though was able to have vaginal delivery. There are different aches / pains with each but for me - I actually recovered better after the c-section - though I had some additiona issues after vaginaal delivery (stitches, bad eaction to antibiotics, terrible hemorriods)...
AFter c-section I left hospital at 4 days and was able to do stairs - gingerly at first once / day - but after a week felt much better. The hardest thing was carrying the baby around. Sincec I had a toddler and newborn twins - driving anywhere...or going anywhere for a long time by myself was not an option.

But perhaps most importantly, the bed rest does take a lot of time to recover from - I was told that for every day on bed rest - you need at least two days to recover that strength/energy ( so 6 weeks bed rest - you will need at minimum 12 to get back your energy). Becasue of all the sitting with nursing and sleeping minimally/ at odd times...if at all, it may take longer to feel like you have recovered. After you have the baby make sure you get help with as many extra things as you can. You, like I, probably had to rely on a number of people while on bed rest - but keep that going for a little while longer after delivery.

Good luck!