Once you are admitted to the postnatal ward or discharged home from hospital to the care of the community midwife, you can expect that your body will need some time to recover from the birth. Midwives, maternity support workers or nurses may be involved in your care and will carry out routine checks to ensure that you are well. This will include a regular top to toe physical check, including inspection of sutures (stitches).If you have had a vaginal birth you will be offered pain relief. Read “Commonly used medicines” to find out what painkillers are routinely offered. Read “After pains” and “Perineal after-care” which explains how you can help yourself if you are experiencing after pains or if you have had an episiotomy (cut) or a perineal tear. If you have had an assisted delivery you may need to have a urinary catheter for a few hours. Read “Passing urine” for more information.It is important to eat well and drink plenty of fluids to promote health and wellbeing after any type of birth.
Following a caesarean you may feel sore and swollen for a few days. To help with pain, regular pain relief is recommended in combination with early and gentle movement.Always wash your hands before caring for your caesarean wound.Your scar will take up to six weeks to heal, and to assist with healing you should:
look out for any signs of infection such as severe pain, parting of the wound, redness, oozing of pus and bleeding
bath or shower daily and clean your incision site gently with warm water and pat dry
keep the scar dry and exposed to the air when possible
wear loose, comfortable clothing and cotton underwear
avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby.
Gentle activity such as a daily walk is recommended to prevent the formation of blood clots. Advice on resuming exercise can be found elsewhere in this section.
Once you are admitted to the postnatal ward or discharged home from hospital to the care of the community midwife, you can expect that your body will need some time to recover from the birth. Midwives, maternity support workers or nurses may be involved in your care and will carry out routine checks to ensure that you are well. This will include a regular top to toe physical check, including inspection of sutures (stitches).
If you have had a vaginal birth you will be offered pain relief. Read “Commonly used medicines” to find out what painkillers are routinely offered. Read “After pains” and “Perineal after-care” which explains how you can help yourself if you are experiencing after pains or if you have had an episiotomy (cut) or a perineal tear. If you have had an assisted delivery you may need to have a urinary catheter for a few hours. Read “Passing urine” for more information.
It is important to eat well and drink plenty of fluids to promote health and wellbeing after any type of birth.
