Rates of Cesarean deliveries have been increasing in the United States since the 1960s, and in 2006, nearly one-third of births were C-sections. Mothers who have a Cesarean childbirth are slower to heal, take longer for physical recovery and are more likely to die during and after childbirth compared to women who deliver vaginally. Mothers may reduce health risks from Cesarean deliveries by engaging in light activity after delivery, eating a balanced diet and being aware of warning symptoms of complications from delivery.
Significance
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, in 2006 more than 31 percent of births in the United States were Cesarean deliveries. Cesarean delivery of a baby is a major surgery that requires a significant recovery and healing time. Pain from surgical incisions may cause difficulty in moving around and in positioning a baby for breast-feeding and may slow down the return to normal life activity.
Types
The postpartum recovery from a Cesarean may take longer than recovery from a vaginal birth. Health issues related to the delivery include possible urinary tract and bladder infections, infections and pain from the incisions, and allergic reactions to anesthetic medications.
If the Cesarean delivery was performed due to maternal complications, health risks such as excessive bleeding, blood clots or hemorrhage after delivery may be a concern.
Diet and nutrition after a Cesarean delivery should be handled the same way as in a vaginal delivery, with a balanced diet of nutritious food, including plenty of water and fiber. Women may be encouraged to eat soon after delivery, although pain medications may cause nausea.
Time Frame
The in-hospital stay after a Cesarean delivery is about 3 days. According to the Mayo Clinic, women who have a Cesarean delivery should begin their recovery by walking within 24 hours of delivery. Because Cesarean sections are a surgical procedure, full recovery and healing from the incision may take 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the general health of the mother and any complications associated with the delivery.
Features
A healthy diet after a Cesarean delivery should include plenty of water for hydration as well as to promote breast-feeding. Frequent, small meals consisting of a protein along with carbohydrates may lessen the risk of nausea from pain medication. According to the Mayo Clinic, constipation may result from the lack of physical activity following a Cesarean delivery and may be worsened by pain medications. A diet high in fiber and use of a stool softener may relieve symptoms of constipation. Walking soon after delivery may decrease the risk of blood clots and ease constipation. Breast-feeding after a Cesarean delivery may reduce the amount of bleeding and the risk of hemorrhage.
Considerations
Due to the extended length of recovery time after a Cesarean delivery, assistance with household chores and other activities may be needed. According to the Mayo Clinic, women who have Cesarean deliveries may be more likely to suffer from postpartum depression and should be vigilant for symptoms. Women should not be on restrictive diets after childbirth and should not engage in vigorous exercise until approved by a doctor.
Benefits
If a woman knows beforehand that she will need to have a Cesarean delivery, she can begin to prepare by maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding strenuous activity. Finding help with household tasks such as cleaning and childcare and preparing meals to freeze ahead of time may reduce anxiety and stress about the postpartum period. Planning for an extended maternity leave can improve health after a Cesarean delivery by allowing sufficient time for the body to heal.
Warning
To avoid infections, women who have a Cesarean delivery should not have sex or insert anything into their vagina, such as tampons, until cleared by a physician at their postpartum checkup. Fever, blood clots larger than a fist and worsening pain could be signs of a severe infection and require prompt attention from a doctor.
