C-section recovery: Timeline, aftercare tips, and expectations

After a C-section, you'll probably feel both delighted and overwhelmed by the new baby in your arms. You'll also be recovering from major abdominal surgery while dealing with typical postpartum issues such as engorged breasts, mood swings, and postpartum bleeding.

C-section patients typically stay in the hospital for two to four days before going home. But your full recovery will be measured in weeks, not days. Be patient and gentle with yourself as you transition into motherhood and recover from surgery. You'll be able to do some things quickly, like breastfeeding and walking. Other activities, like moderate exercise, may not be possible for six to eight weeks after the surgery.

Week-by-week C-section recovery timeline

Day of a C-section

• Whether you had a scheduled or unscheduled C-section, you should be able hold your baby right away. Some moms even feel up to having skin-to-skin contact in the operating room as the doctor is finishing the surgery.
• Breastfeeding (if you're planning to) is encouraged shortly after delivery. Most C-section moms start breastfeeding in the recovery room.
• It's normal to feel groggy immediately after delivery and in the first few hours after your surgery, especially if you had a long labor leading up to your cesarean section.
• You'll receive IV fluids until you can eat and drink. You'll probably have a light meal and drink within six to eight hours. By the next morning, you'll likely be back to your normal diet.
• Most women have either an epidural or spinal medication given for their anesthesia. In addition to the anesthetic that makes you comfortable for the surgery, your anesthesiologist will probably give you a long-acting medication that will keep you comfortable for 18 to 24 hours following the C-section. (Women who have general anesthesia don't receive this medication, and so will require more IV narcotics for pain management.)
• With the assistance of your nurse, it's a good idea to get out of bed and walk around a bit within 12 hours. This will help you recover more quickly and decrease the risk of blood clots. It also helps with postpartum constipation, which is common.

One day after a C-section

• Your incision will be sore, and your pain may increase as your anesthesia wears off. You'll receive pain medication as needed. Toradol is a non-narcotic medication that's given 24 to 48 hours after surgery through your IV. It's an anti-inflammatory medication that will help with both pain and healing.
• When your IV is removed, your provider will recommend oral pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol), as needed. These medications are safe to take while breastfeeding. If these options don't provide enough pain control, talk to your care team about adding a stronger, opioid medication.
• If you have a bandage over your incision, it may be removed today or tomorrow. Steri-Strips (small, sticky bandages) will be used in its place. Some surgeons use surgical glue to close the incision, so there are no bandages.
• Your Foley catheter (in your bladder) will be removed 18 to 24 hours after your surgery. (Your sensation of the need to pee usually returns within six hours. In some instances, your bladder needs more time to recover and the catheter needs to be replaced for another day.)
• You'll probably have some postpartum cramping, called afterpains (especially during breastfeeding), as your uterus returns to its normal size. This occurs for all women after delivery (vaginal birth or cesarean), and is unfortunately worse the more deliveries you've had.
• You may also have constipation and gas pains, and they may be severe – sometimes even worse than your surgical pains. Ask your provider about anti-gas medication and a stool softener, to get things moving and make it easier when you do have a first postpartum poop. Research also shows that a little coffee, starting the day after a C-section, can help.
• Your vaginal blood flow (called lochia) should be slowing, but you'll have some bleeding and/or discharge for four to six weeks. Women who deliver via C-section tend to have much less vaginal bleeding (that lasts for less time) compared to women who deliver vaginally.
• It's okay to take a shower today! The soapy water will be good for cleansing your incision, but don't scrub it. Rinse and fully dry the incision, especially if you have flesh that falls over it, as this can trap moisture, water, and sweat. Pat the incision completely dry with a clean towel and/or use a hair dryer on a low heat setting.

Two days after a C-section

• Your pain should be decreasing, but your incision will still be tender for weeks. It's normal for it to feel tingly and numb, too.
• You're eating more solid foods now (or maybe you worked your way up to them yesterday) and getting back to your normal diet. It's okay to not have had a bowel movement, but hopefully you've at least passed gas by now. Continue with your stool softeners, at least until your bowel movements are soft and regular.
• If you have staples over your incision, your healthcare provider will remove them before you go home. (Stitches will dissolve on their own.)
• You should be able to lift your baby now.

One week after a C-section

• Your stitches will start to dissolve about one to two weeks after the surgery. They're under your skin, so you won't see them, and they don't need to be removed. If you have Steri-Strips covering the incision, keep them on for about 10 to 14 days, and then you can peel them off.
• Any gas pains should be over by now, as your bowels are back to functioning normally. You may need to continue stool softeners for up to four to six weeks, so keep a bottle on hand.
• You probably don't need to take pain medication anymore. (Some women don't need any after the first few days.)

Two weeks after a C-section

• You're probably feeling much better! You might enjoy some light exercise such as yoga or walking. But don't push your body too hard, as you're still recovering.
• You may be able to drive a car now, as long as you're not taking narcotic pain medication or still feeling weak. Make sure to wear your seat belt.
• You can peel off any remaining Steri-Strips. If you have surgical glue, you can use a warm wash cloth to scrub the remaining glue off your skin.
• Doctors have different recommendations to address scarring, so ask your doctor what they suggest. Read our article on C-section scars for a good overview.

Four weeks after a C-section

Your abdomen should be healed by now, and your bleeding has tapered off. Any tenderness may be gone. You're probably moving more comfortably and are able to be more active.

Six weeks to eight weeks after a C-section

• Your uterus is contracted to its normal size. (Your abdominal muscles are still weak, though, so your postpartum belly will likely still look bigger.)
• You can probably resume most of your regular activities: sex (talk with your provider about contraception); all types of exercise; baths; and even returning to work, if that's in your plan.

Two-plus months after a C-section

After two months, your body should be fully healed and recovered from your delivery, so if you're still having any concerning symptoms, reach out to your doctor.

"This does not mean, by any means, that you're back to the same person you were prior to your pregnancy," says Shannon SmithOpens a new window, an ob-gyn at Brigham Faulkner Ob/Gyn Associates in Boston. "Our bodies will unavoidably change from both carrying a pregnancy and from whatever type of delivery we have that brings our little ones into the world."

You may still have some tingling and numbness around your incision. This can take months to years to go away, as the little nerves in the skin take a long time to heal. There's nothing to do to expedite the process, but it's perfectly normal.

Many postpartum women experience abdominal diastasis (a vertical bulge in the abdomen) and pelvic floor dysfunction. This is the time to reach out to a pelvic floor physical therapist to help aid your recovery. (Your healthcare provider may be able to refer you to one, or you can use The Academy of the American Physical Therapy Association's PT LocatorOpens a new window tool to help find a therapist in your area.)

Finally, with all the changes that occur in your body after delivery, don't forget the effects on your mental health. If you have any concerns at any point during your recovery, reach out to your provider.

Read more about the baby blues and postpartum depression.

C-section recovery tips

Here's what to do once you get home to help speed your healing and C-section recovery time:

• Ask for help. You'll need help once you get home. Ask for support from your partner, parents, in-laws, and friends – or hire paid help if you can. Give people concrete jobs so they can best support you. It's important that you get rest while you're healing and caring for your newborn. Limit visitors, and prioritize those who will provide practical help, such as making meals, doing dishes, and doing laundry.
• Manage your pain. You'll likely be given prescriptions for more painkillers and a stool softener before you leave the hospital. And for incision pain, your doctor may prescribe a lidocaine patch. To reduce your need for prescription painkillers, take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen around the clock. Some women need prescription painkillers for up to a week after surgery, gradually transitioning to only over-the-counter pain relievers. Most pain-relief medications are safe for breastfeeding moms, but ask your doctor if you have questions. You may also find that a heating pad or an ice pack helps relieve pain.
• Choose a breastfeeding position that doesn't put pressure on your incision. The football hold and side-lying position are two good options. A firm breastfeeding pillow can also help avoid incision pain.
• Avoid constipation: There are many reasons for constipation after a C-section, including the effects of pain medication and being less active. Make sure to take your stool softener and drink plenty of fluids. If you're breastfeeding or pumping, get in the habit of drinking a full glass of water each time you sit down to breastfeed or pump.
• Walk. Walking promotes healing and helps prevent complications such as blood clots. Start slowly and increase your activity gradually. In six weeks, you'll be able to start exercising moderately – but wait until your caregiver gives you the go-ahead.
• Consider an abdominal binder: Some experts recommend wearing a belly wrap, called an abdominal binder, to help reduce pain immediately following a C-section. These binders are available at drugstores and online and are often provided by hospitals. They stabilize the area around your incision to reduce pain with movement. Talk with your provider or hospital staff if you have questions about how to use one.
• Don't overdo it: Avoid strenuous tasks or lifting anything heavier than your baby in their carrier for up to six weeks. Stairs are safe and pose no danger to your incision, but if they bother you, try to keep going up and down to a minimum. Keep in mind that some things that are usually easy for you might now be difficult. Listen to your body and stop if something feels uncomfortable.
• Eat well: Good, nutritious food – including plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains – will help you heal and avoid constipation. Continue to take your prenatal vitamin, as well as iron supplements if your caregiver recommends them.
• Hold off on sex and tampons: To prevent infection, don't put anything in your vagina until you get the go-ahead from your provider. Once you get the okay on sex, you'll need to have a plan for contraception.
• Avoid baths and swimming at first: Also to prevent infection, don't submerge yourself in water (in the bathtub, a hot tub, or a swimming pool, for example) until you have the okay from your caregiver, usually in about six weeks.
• Go slow on driving: Don't drive if you're taking prescription pain medication. You'll be ready to drive when you're done taking prescription painkillers and when you don't experience pain from the motions of driving (turning to check your blind spot, stepping on the brake pedal, and steering, for example). Ask your doctor for guidelines, but most C-section moms are ready to drive by week two or three post-surgery.
• Wait on going back to work: Typically, it takes six to eight weeks or more for moms to be ready to return to work after a C-section. If you have maternity leave, take full advantage of it. Give yourself time to physically and emotionally heal. Talk to your doctor about specific concerns and familiarize yourself with state laws regarding maternity leave and breastfeeding at work.

When to call the doctor after a C-section

You may see your doctor for an incision check one to two weeks after leaving the hospital, and you'll have a complete postpartum checkup around six weeks after delivery. In the meantime, call your caregiver if you have signs of an infection, including:

• Warmth, redness, swelling, draining, or oozing at the incision site
• Worsening pain or sudden onset of abdominal pain
• Any fever (even if your incision looks fine) or chills
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Pain or burning when urinating, the urge to pee frequently when not a lot comes out, or urine that is dark and scanty or bloody

Also call your provider immediately if you have:

• Heavy bleeding (if you soak two pads an hour for two hours straight, for example)
• Pain that's not controlled with your pain medication
• Severe or persistent pain or tenderness and warmth in one area of your leg, or one leg that's more swollen than the other
• Pain in one or both breasts, especially if accompanied by a fever or flu-like symptoms
• Trouble breathing or chest pain
• Severe headache that doesn't respond to pain medication or comes back immediately after the medication wears off
• Swelling in your hands, face, or eyes, or sudden weight gain (more than two pounds in a week)
• Vision changes (blurriness, seeing flashing lights or spots, sensitivity to light)
• Flu-like body aches and pains
• Thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby, or if you feel incapable of caring for your newborn

For more information on possible medical problems in the weeks after delivery, see our article on postpartum warning signs.

Learn more:

• Your most common postpartum recovery questions, answered
• Postpartum fatigue
• When will I get my first period after birth?
• The healthy way to lose weight after pregnancy