Postpartum Healing After a C-Section: What is (and is Not) Normal

July 19, 2024

The postpartum period can be tough on both your body and your mind. Dealing with all the changes in your body and your life can be overwhelming enough, but if you’ve had a C-section, you’re also recovering from a major surgery! 

Similar to our recent blog post on what is (and is not) normal after giving birth vaginally, we wanted to help you address those “what ifs” and worries about recovering from a c-section. Here are some things to look out for in your body as you heal. 

 

What Is “Normal”: The First Few Weeks After A C-Section

As your body heals and adapts, you’ll likely undergo a range of different sensations and symptoms. We are here to support you and cheer you on through it all! Everybody (and every body!) is different, but here is some guidance on what you can expect: 

Pain or discomfort in the abdomen and/or pelvis: In the early days after a C-section, it’s normal to experience pain at the incision site and to feel like your abdomen is swollen. Folks who have had an extensive labour followed by a C-section might also feel some discomfort in the pelvis. Overall stiffness and aches and pains are a normal part of recovering from surgery and dealing with the rapid changes in your body from pregnancy to postpartum, as well as a decrease in mobility. These symptoms should start to improve as you return to movement.

Feeling a disconnection or a lack of sensation in the abdomen and/or pelvis: If you feel disconnected from these areas after a C-section, you’re not alone. Many folks avoid touching or looking at their incision or entire abdomen, and may feel that this part of their body feels foreign to them. Your pelvic health physiotherapist can suggest some strategies for reconnecting to this area.

Constipation: Surgery, pain medication, and lack of physical activity can all contribute to constipation after a C-section. It’s super important to prioritize bowel health during this time, so eat lots of fibre, drink lots of water, and return to movement once you can. Your medical provider can suggest stool softeners and laxatives to help as well.

Fatigue: It’s very common to feel fatigued in the early postpartum period: after all, you’re healing AND caring for a newborn baby! Make sure to prioritize rest and self-care during this time.

Anxiety around sex: It’s recommended to avoid engaging in penetrative sex for at least six weeks after giving birth, though many folks can feel apprehensive about sexual activity even beyond that timeframe. It’s also normal to feel uncomfortable with touch around the incision and lower abdomen. This usually improves over time, but if this doesn’t go away as you heal, we’re here to help.

Bladder leaking: Although this symptom is less common after a C-section, it can still occur, especially if you went through labour before your surgery. It should improve over the first 6 weeks postpartum.

 

If any of these symptoms don’t seem to be resolving OR they are causing you distress, a pelvic health physiotherapist can help!

 

6 Signs You May Need To See A Pelvic Health Physio (Even Before the 6-Week Mark)

While many of the above symptoms are normal after a C-section and should improve after about 6 to 8 weeks, here are some signs that may point to a need for immediate care.

  • Significant loss of bowel or bladder control
  • Significant abdominal or pelvic pain
  • Difficulty emptying your bladder (e.g. only a small amount comes out at a time)
  • Constipation
  • Aches and pains anywhere in your body associated with general movement or caring for your baby

 

6 Signs You May Need Support From A Primary Care Provider

Go and see your doctor or midwife if you experience any of the following: 

  • Complete loss of bowel or bladder control
  • Inability to empty your bladder or bowels
  • Severe pain
  • Foul-smelling discharge
  • Painful, red, swollen scar
  • Any symptoms that cause you to physically struggle with your day-to-day, “must-do” activities

 

What To Focus (And Avoid) After A C-Section

As you enter your fourth trimester and recover from your surgery, be gentle on yourself and focus on healing. This can be a difficult time, but know that you’ll get through it and things do get easier. 

Typically, your surgeon will give you some advice to guide your recovery over the first 6 weeks postpartum. In addition to their recommendations, here are some things to keep in mind: 

0-3 weeks 

  • Rest, recover, hydrate and nourish your body.
  • Prioritize healthy bowel movements.
  • Get up and moving only as you are able to; don’t push it.
  • Start to incorporate pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFME) by gently contracting and relaxing your pelvic floor muscles.
  • Minimize lifting, and keep the load no heavier than the weight of your baby.

3-6 weeks

  • Gradually increase your activity as it feels right. You can start to take longer walks and incorporate more mobility exercises, such as gentle yoga.
  • Check in with your pelvic health physiotherapist!

6-8 weeks

  • Many folks start to recover around this point, but the exact timeline is different for everyone.
  • Progress with physical activities, increasing the intensity as it feels right and adding some resistance exercises if you feel ready.
  • Work with your pelvic health physiotherapist if you’re looking to get back into sports, heavy resistance, or impact activities, like running or jumping.

 

The most important thing to remember throughout? Listen to your body, especially when something doesn’t feel right. The postpartum period can be an overwhelming time, but we don’t want you to suffer in silence feeling like you have to deprioritize self-care. The earlier you reach out, the sooner we can help you feel better. We are always here to advocate for you if you aren’t sure where to start. 

 

Need some support?

There are so many ways we can support you in navigating your pre and postnatal journey – from 1:1 physio to group pilates.

We’re always just a call or an email away: hello@thecheerfulpelvis.com | 604-879-6046