What's Recovery Like After a C-section?
What is the recovery period like? Will I be in pain? What will my scar be like? These are some of the many questions you probably have about c-section recovery.

Recovery is only uncomfortable when you use your abdominal muscles too strenuously. You need to position yourself carefully when nursing and not do any lifting — including baby — for the first week. You'll be given pain medications to take if you're feeling very uncomfortable. If your physician knows that you're planning on nursing, she'll only give you pain medication that's completely safe for your nursing baby.

The area around your scar will be tender for a few weeks. If it becomes very red or inflamed, call your physician as the incision may be infected. Sometimes wearing a big bandage over the area will protect it from getting irritated and facilitate healing. Typically, the area around the scar is numb from the cutting of the nerves. Over the next several months the numbness should diminish.

The appearance of your scar will continue to improve throughout your first year after delivery. Try to stay calm through the purple and pink stages of healing, and know that the scar will indeed continue to fade. C-section incisions are usually made very low, below the navel, so it's easy to hide.

Will a C-section Affect Sex?
If you had a c-section, your vagina didn't experience the stretching and trauma of a vaginal birth. When you resume sexual activity you'll probably find sexual intercourse more comfortable than you would if you had delivered vaginally. However, you do need to wait until your incision is healing well and until your cervix returns to normal. This is usually about four weeks after delivery, but ask your doctor when it's safe to resume sexual activity — each case is different. Other than having to wait until you're healed, having a c-section should not impact your sex drive, enjoyment of sex, or ability to have sex.

Can I Lower My Risk of Having a C-section?
There is really nothing a woman can do to decrease her chances of having a c-section once she's developed a complication affecting the delivery of the baby. But in certain cases, there is a trial period of labor to see if it might be avoidable. This would only be allowed if it's safe for both the mother and the baby.

The best thing is to try to emotionally prepare yourself for this possibility. Speak with your physician, take a childbirth class, and make sure your partner is prepared to support you in any eventuality during childbirth. Remember that a good physician will not consider doing a cesarean unless absolutely necessary for you and/or your baby.

If you have to have a c-section, remember that you haven't done anything to cause it, so don't feel guilty. You might experience feelings of being cheated out of the experience of childbirth, and that's natural. But do your best to focus on the positive and keep your eye on the end result — a beautiful, healthy baby along with a healthy mother to care for him!

The information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's condition.

Content courtesy of American Baby.