Discharge Instructions for Cesarean Section (C-Section)

You had a cesarean section, also called a C-section. During the C-section, your baby was delivered through an incision in your stomach and uterus. Full recovery after a C-section can take time. It's important to take care of yourself—for your own sake and because your new baby needs you. Here are some guidelines to follow at home.

Here's how to take care of your incision:

• Shower as needed. Pat your incision dry.
• Watch your incision for signs of infection, such as more redness or drainage.
• Hold a pillow against the incision when you laugh or cough and when you get up from a lying or sitting position.
• Remember, it can take as long as 6 weeks for your incision to heal.

Here are some suggestions:

• Don't try to take care of anyone other than your baby and yourself.
• Remember, the more active you are, the more likely you are to have an increase in your bleeding.
• Get lots of rest. Take naps in the afternoon.
• Increase your activities bit by bit.
• Plan your activities so that you don't have to go up or down stairs more than needed.
• Do postsurgical deep breathing and coughing exercises. Ask your doctor for instructions.
• Don't lift anything heavier than your baby until your doctor tells you it's okay.
• Don't drive until your doctor says it's okay.
• Ask your doctor when it is okay to have sex. If you don't want to get pregnant, talk to them about birth control choices.
• To prevent infection, do not place anything in your vagina (such as tampons) until your doctor says it's okay.
• Let others do things for you. Don't hesitate to ask for help.

Make a follow-up appointment as directed by your doctor.

Contact your doctor right away if you have any of these:

• Fever of 100.4° F (38° C) or higher
• Redness, pain, or drainage at your incision site
• Bleeding that needs a new sanitary pad every hour. Heavy vaginal bleeding may be a sign of postpartum hemorrhage. It needs medical care right away.
• Severe belly pain
• Pain or urgency with urination
• Foul odor from vaginal discharge
• Trouble urinating or emptying your bladder
• No bowel movement within 1 week after the birth of your baby
• Swollen, red, painful area in the leg
• Appearance of rash or hives
• Sore, red, painful area on the breasts that may come with flu-like symptoms
• Feelings of anxiety, panic, or depression
• A severe headache
• Sudden swelling of your face, hands, or feet
• New vision problems (such as dimness, blurring, or seeing spots)

The Postpartum Support International HelpLine (800-944-4773) may also be helpful.

Call 911 if any of the following occur:

• You feel you cannot stop from hurting yourself, your baby, or someone else
• You have chest pain, are short of breath, or cough up blood
• You have a seizure