When you have a c-section (cesarean)...how long is the usual recovery time?

I understand that it takes longer than a vaginal birth to heal. I want to hear from women who have had c-sections and how long it took you to recover and get back to your regular routines? Did you have an epidural? Also, how long were you off of work? Any advice is appreciated

When you have a c-section (cesarean)...how long is the usual recovery time?
Hi,





i had a c-section 2 years ago and now have to have another one.





I had an epi and had a c-section emergency. I had it at 10.30pm and i was out of it. My labour was 35 hours. Has a beautiful baby boy!





The next day i got out of bed, it was a little painful but ok. This was the best thing i did, getting out of bed.





From that day i was prob sore for 3 days in total. Then when i came home i didnt need any pain killers or anything but was hunching over a little while walking.





I did light duties, looked after baby, cooked. no cleaning or vac, no washing, no ironing.





I couldnt drive for 6 weeks, my doc said this is what you have to follow.





The only disadvantage for me was having a little fat hanging over the scar.





Im going to have another c-section, cause i have been told once you have one, there is a 1 in 200 chance my baby could die at birth if the uterus ruptures. Im not taking that chance too high.





All the best. If you dont have to have one, dont.
Reply:4 c-sections, my experience only: You will be out of work for 8 weeks if you have no post surgery complications. First c-section was a long recovery, several weeks. Couldn't stand up straight for 2 weeks after delivery. Later c-sections, recovered quicker, walked sooner, felt better earlier. Probably because my body had been thru it before. In the hospital: took pain meds every few hrs, walked around as much as I could because once I sat down, I got stiff and very sore. Each time I got home, I was walking around ok, although sore, never pain. Once you get your staples out, you feel so much better because there is nothing on your belly aggravating your incision. Just take things slowly, don't lift anything except your baby and watch for signs of infection:





fever of 100 or higher


discharge/foul smell from incision


redness/tenderness/heat coming from incision





Good Luck to you.