Bowels: It can take some time for your bowels to get back into a normal pattern, but this usually happens by about 1 week after birth. Some women will experience painful trapped wind and constipation, which you can take medication for. Vaginal bleeding: • Vaginal bleeding after caesarean is normal; use period pads (not tampons) to avoid infection. • You can expect bleeding as heavy as a period which will slowly tail off until it stops at two weeks. If you are soaking through pads please see your midwife. • If your bleeding slows down and then becomes heavier again speak to your midwife or doctor. It may be a sign of an infection. Managing pain: Pain management both whilst in hospital and at home: You have had a big operation. It is important to take painkillers regularly to keep the pain under control. You will usually be offered paracetamol, dihydrocodeine and an anti-inflammatory (ibuprofen/naproxen/diclofenac). In the hospital you may also be offered other drugs if needed, for example, morphine. Caesarean scar pain in the short and long term: The scar (usually horizontal below the bikini line) will fade with time. Discomfort may last several days to weeks; but can continue for several months.

Pain: You will experience pain after your caesarean. This will improve over time. Each woman is different but pain should begin to get better by 2 weeks, although your cut is likely to remain tender for longer than this. Feeding your baby: Both breastfeeding and formula feeding can be supported around the time of birth. In theatre you or your birth partner may wish to have skin to skin. Food and Drink: You will be able to eat and drink soon after birth once you feel up to it. Moving to the ward: You will be moved from the recovery room to the ward within a couple of hours of your baby being born depending on how you are. Walking: You will not be able to walk, shower, or have your catheter removed until you can feel and move your legs properly. Catheter removal: Typically, bladder function returns in a few hours. Your catheter will usually be removed after 12 hours, once you are able to walk around. There may be some pain/discomfort when weeing (or when bladder is full) as you recover from the caesarean. Sometimes the bladder needs to rest more and you may need another catheter. You may need to go home with this for a few days. Wound Dressing: You will be advised to leave your dressing on for at least 24 hours. Length of time in hospital: Many women will go home approximately 24 hours after a planned caesarean however some will stay longer. Prepare for your total hospital stay to be about 4 days. Exercise and heavy lifting: We would advise no heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks. Your body needs time to heal. You should be guided by your body in terms of exercise. It may be best to wait 6 weeks to resume high-impact exercise. Sexual Activity: You should be guided by your body in terms of when you are ready to resume sexual activity. Driving: You will be advised not to drive until you can do an emergency stop. This is often 4-6 weeks, but may be sooner. You are advised to contact your insurance company. Blood thinning medication to reduce the risk of blood clots in legs and lungs: You will have an assessment of your risk of clots in your legs and lungs (deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism) at the time of your caesarean. Many women will be offered blood thinners as injections to reduce this risk. These can be taken at home for 10 days – 6 weeks.