- Postpartum Recovery
- 7 nov. 2024
Your C-section Recovery
Healing Starts Here
April is C-section Awareness Month
No matter how your baby enters the world, your birth matters. In April we celebrate C-section Awareness Month by providing you with the tools you need to take control of your birth experience and make the best decision for yourself. We´ve got you, mamas.
C-Section Insights: Your Guide to Recovery
C-Section Preparation & Recovery
Nutrition & Diet After a C-Section
Physical Healing & Postpartum Support
C-Section Overhang & Body Changes
By Aura Pyykönen, Gynecologist, obstetrician, and founder of Isla
In many countries, yes — the mode of delivery is chosen on maternal request.
In Finland, as in the other Nordic countries, maternal request C-sections aren’t technically an option without a medical indication. After counseling with an obstetrician, a diagnosis such as fear of childbirth may provide a clinical justification for surgery.
This type of planned procedure is referred to as an elective C-section.
By Aura Pyykönen, Gynecologist, obstetrician, and founder of Isla
Yes. Anxiety is usually associated or accompanied by fear of childbirth i.e. tokophobia — and then an elective C-section can be medically justified and even the safest option. Multidisciplinary support (e.g. mental health care + obstetric team) is essential.
By Aura Pyykönen, Gynecologist, obstetrician, and founder of Isla
Pre-op nutrition plays a crucial role in recovery. Your clinic may provide specific supplements — follow their advice.
Other tips:
- No food or drink 6–8 hours before surgery, unless otherwise instructed
- Shower to feel refreshed — it might be a while before your next one
- Remove nail polish and jewelry
- Do not shave the night before (risk of micro-injuries); if you want to, do it 3–4 days prior. Shaving is absolutely not needed!!
- Try to get some rest — even if anxious. Have your hospital bag and documents ready.
By Aura Pyykönen, Gynecologist, obstetrician, and founder of Isla
Typically 2–4 days, depending on your condition and local practices. Many clinics now use Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, aiming for discharge by day 2 after planned C-sections. The key factors: pain control, mobility, and absence of complications.
By Aura Pyykönen, Gynecologist, obstetrician, and founder of Isla
Showering is usually allowed 24–48 hours post-op, depending on the dressing. Full bath after c section and swimming should wait until the incision is fully healed — usually after 4 weeks.
By Aura Pyykönen, Gynecologist, obstetrician, and founder of Isla
You can begin gentle movements — like bending slightly to pick up light objects — within the first few days, depending on pain. Avoid heavy lifting or deep bending for 4–6 weeks to protect the healing incision and core muscles.
Rule of thumb: don’t lift anything heavier than your baby. When moving from lying to sitting, roll onto your side and push up with your arm. Always listen to your body.
By Aura Pyykönen, Gynecologist, obstetrician, and founder of Isla
The best position to sleep after c section is whichever feels good — no strict rules.
Back-sleeping with a pillow under the knees or side-sleeping with one between the legs is often most comfortable. Avoid stomach-sleeping until the incision is well-healed. Use extra pillows to support your body when turning in bed.
By Aura Pyykönen, Gynecologist, obstetrician, and founder of Isla
If you see redness, swelling, discharge, or have a fever — don’t self-treat. Contact your care provider.
In general:
- Keep the incision clean and dry
- Avoid tight clothes or friction
- Don’t apply creams or oils unless prescribed
During the healing process, it's common to experience various sensations and changes around the incision site. Throughout the c-section scar healing stages, you may notice:
- Itching in c section scar: As the incision heals, itching is a frequent sensation. This typically occurs during the early healing phase, around weeks 1-2, and can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers and anti-itch lotions.
- Numbness or heightened sensitivity: Some individuals report numbness or increased sensitivity near the scar, especially in the initial weeks following surgery. These sensations often improve over time as the nerves regenerate.
- Discomfort or pulling sensations: It's normal to feel some discomfort or a pulling sensation around the incision, particularly during movements that engage the abdominal muscles. This typically diminishes as healing progresses.
However, certain symptoms may indicate complications. If you observe redness, swelling, or experience a c section scar odor, it's essential to consult your healthcare provider promptly, as these signs could suggest an infection.
By Aura Pyykönen, Gynecologist, obstetrician, and founder of Isla
Most guidelines (e.g. ACOG) suggest waiting around 6 weeks before resuming intercourse — or until bleeding stops and the incision feels healed.
That said, there’s much more to maternity sex than intercourse. Skin-to-skin contact and intimacy with your partner are just as important as with your newborn. If you feel emotionally ready, it’s usually physically safe. Be patient with yourself — libido often returns gradually.
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Resources
Toolkit for labour
Preparing for labour? This e-guide is full of practical tips and tools to prepare you for the big day. Learn everything from creating a birth plan and packing your hospital bag to understanding the different types of births, pain relief options, and the role of partners.
C-Section Recovery
If you had, or about to have, a c-section, you may want to take extra good care of yourself for a speedy and healthy recovery. Here are what to expect before the procedure, how your body heals from the surgery, FAQs and more.