A C-section delivery, also known as cesarean birth, is when the doctor makes an incision in your stomach to retrieve the baby instead of having a natural vaginal delivery. Generally speaking, natural birth is probably the best way to go.

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This is because there is shorter recovery time, and in most cases, it’s safe. However, C-section deliveries are less painful for you. Just as safe as a natural birth for the baby, a C-section delivery also a better option if you have certain health complications that don’t allow you to have a natural birth. Your doctor has the final say on whether you can, or even find it necessary to have a C-section delivery. 

A planned C-section delivery is when you and your doctor decide it is the best option for you. Here are reasons why you may have an unplanned C-section delivery.

  • You have had a C-section delivery in the past
  • You have high or low blood pressure
  • You have a health complication that doesn’t allow the stress of a natural birth
  • Your babies body is positioned in a way it cannot turn (feet first, head last)
  • You are having twins or triplets

An unplanned C-section delivery means your doctor highly advises this method and maybe the only way to deliver your child safely. Here are reasons why you may have an unplanned C-section delivery.

  • Your babies head cannot fit through your pelvis during labour
  • Your baby shows signs of distress or compromised health
  • You develop high blood pressure meaning you ‘won’t be able to go through a natural birth
  • The umbilical cord has prolapsed through the crevices and into the vagina after your water has broken

Recovering from a C-section Delivery

C-section Delivery

1. Get some Rest

Women who have had a C-section delivery will need more rest time as opposed to those who had a natural birth. This means going through the typical lifestyle routines of mothering a newborn, as well as resting your body so it can get back to full health.

The wound on your stomach will need time to recover, and it’s important not to let it get infected. Making sure you rest and get plenty of sleep is important to not only recover faster but also giving you the energy to keep up with your child’s needs.

2. Get regular physical activity

In the first few weeks after giving birth, ‘there’s no chance that you can do any intense exercises. But you can still do low-intensity exercises and build on that as the weeks go by. Your objective here isn’t to lose weight or become stronger.

You’re exercising to get your body back to good health and reducing the discomfort of post-pregnancy symptoms. Going for a simple and short walk with your baby in a stroller is one of the best activities. Not only is it good for your mental health, but walking also reduces the risk of blood clots and other heart health complications. 

3. Get help around the house

Make sure you have someone who can share your burden of raising a newborn baby. Whether it’s your parents, your partner or a close friend, having an extra hand to help you around the house gives you time to rest and focus on your health. And the more support you get, the easier this becomes for you. 

4. Get in touch with your doctor

There’s no doubt that giving birth is one of the scariest and exciting times in your life. The change in pace and overall lifestyle is almost a guarantee to shock most women. This is why you need to get your check-ups with the doctor.

Sometimes your body may feel pains, discomforts or symptoms that you have never experienced before. Your doctor is the only one who can advise you on the necessary medication. 

5. Watch for signs of infection

Whether ‘you’ve had a natural birth or a C-section, in most cases, doctors will ask you to take your temperature once a day. This is because we need to ensure we spot out signs of infections early on before they get worse.

Signs of infection include swelling, pain, bruising, red streaks coming from the incision or low body temperature. All these symptoms are enough reason for you to see your doctor.

Keep in Mind

C-section Delivery

If you are recovering from a C-section delivery, patience is all you need as you have plenty of time on your side. Everyone understands the challenges of raising a newborn baby as well as the extra toll of C-section delivery.

If you are considering having a C-section delivery, make sure you ask your doctor all the questions you have in mind, and you carefully consider a natural birth as well. C-section deliveries are also much more expensive, so carefully consider your total expenses before you make a decision.

Head over to the Okadoc app to immediately book an appointment with your health practitioner.