A C-section is a major abdominal surgery, and recovery takes time. While every woman’s healing process is different, knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared for the weeks ahead. Here’s a timeline of what you can expect in terms of wound healing, mobility, and pain management during your postpartum recovery.
First 24–48 Hours
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Most women stay in the hospital for around 3–5 days after a C-section. During the first 24–48 hours, you’ll be closely monitored by the midwives who will be checking your blood pressure and observations, pain, wound site and postpartum bleeding.
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After your caesarean it is recommended to try to get up for a shower within the first 12 hours after birth. Moving around helps reduce the risk of blood clots and promotes healing, but it will likely be slow and uncomfortable at first.
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It is absolutely essential to stay on top of your pain relief medications. Most of the time you will be given long acting pain relief and then have the option for break through pain relief when required. It is important to stay on top of your pain so that it doesn’t snowball and become out of control.
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Your wound site will be covered with a dressing that is usually either clear or white, and your midwife will check this regularly in the first 24-48 hours to make sure that it isn’t bleeding or that there aren’t any concerns. Most of the time, your caesarean wound stitches are completely dissolvable but in some cases, you will have one external removable stitch or staples which need removing.
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After a caesarean you will still have vaginal bleeding (lochia). Your midwife will check your blood loss regularly in the first 12 hours after birth until you are able to get up and go to the bathroom. It is important to let your midwife know if you are soaking more than one maternity pad per hour or if you are having clots bigger than a 50 cent coin.
Week 1
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Once you have been discharged from the hospital, you’ll need help with basic tasks, especially lifting and household chores. If your partner has gone back to work, ask some friends or family members to come assist you during the day.
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Movement is really important in your healing process. Try to continue walking short distances around the house, but avoid strenuous activities or lifting anything heavier than your baby.
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You may still need pain relief, but you can likely transition to over-the-counter pain medications as prescribed by your doctor.
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The incision may feel sore, itchy, or tender. Keep it clean and dry, and watch for signs of infection (such as redness, swelling, discharge or an increase in pain). Icing can help relieve any discomfort or swelling that you may have at the incision site.
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Constipation is common due to pain medications and reduced mobility. Staying hydrated and eating fibre-rich foods can help.
Week 2
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By the second week after your caesarean, walking will now be a little easier, but avoid lifting anything heavy or engaging in high-impact activities.
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You may still feel discomfort, but the need for pain relief should gradually decrease.
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Your incision should be healing well and should now have the bandage removed. If you have staples or a non-dissolvable stitch, they may be removed around this time. It is important to keep your wound site clean and dry until it has fully healed around 6 weeks.
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Light household tasks may feel more manageable, but rest is still important.
Weeks 3–4
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You might be feeling a lot more comfortable in moving around now, however there may be a slight pulling sensation or sensitivity around the wound site. Sometimes the wound may have areas of numbness which is normal as some of the nerves are cut through during the operation. Sometimes the sensation will return, other times it will not.
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The scar will begin to fade from red/purple to white over time.
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You can start gentle pelvic floor exercises but avoid any intense workouts or abdominal exercises until your doctor gives the all-clear.
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You may start to feel more like yourself, though fatigue is still common due to the demands of looking after your baby.
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For most people they’re able to return to driving around this time. It is important to be off strong pain relief, have the ability to slam your foot on the brake in an emergency and check if your car insurance company has any specific rules around driving after a caesarean.
Weeks 5–6 and Beyond
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At around 6 weeks, your midwife or obstetrician will assess your recovery and let you know if you can return to normal activities, including exercise and lifting heavier objects.
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The incision will continue to heal, but the area may remain tender or numb for several months.
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You can now start using the Bare Mum Silicone Scar strips and start scar massage to help encourage scar healing.
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If cleared by your midwife or obstetrician, you can start easing into light exercise.
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The postpartum period can be overwhelming, so don’t hesitate to seek support if you’re feeling emotionally drained or struggling with your recovery.
It is important to remember that recovery after a C-section is a gradual process, and everyone heals at their own pace. Your body doesn’t completely heal and return to its new normal until 12 months after birth, so it is important not to put too much pressure on yourself to “bounce back”. The key is to listen to your body, get plenty of rest, and seek medical advice if anything feels off.
Written by Lauren Brenton
Endorsed Midwife
Founder, One Mama Midwife