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southern new mexico surgery center
 
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    Discharge Instructions for Cesarean Section (C-Section)

    You had a cesarean section, also called a C-section. During the C-section, your baby was delivered through an incision in your stomach and uterus. Full recovery after a C-section can take time. It’s important to take care of yourself — for your own sake and because your new baby needs you. Here are some guidelines to follow at home.

    Incision care

    Here's how to take care of your incision:

    • Shower as needed. Pat your incision dry.

    • Watch your incision for signs of infection, such as more redness or drainage.

    • Hold a pillow against the incision when you laugh or cough and when you get up from a lying or sitting position.

    • Remember, it can take as long as  6 weeks for your incision to heal.

    Activity

    Here are some suggestions:

    • Don’t try to take care of anyone other than your baby and yourself.

    • Remember, the more active you are, the more likely you are to have an increase in your bleeding.

    • Get lots of rest. Take naps in the afternoon.

    • Increase your activities bit by bit.

    • Plan your activities so that you don’t have to go up or down stairs more than needed.

    • Do postsurgical deep breathing and coughing exercises. Ask your healthcare provider for instructions.

    • Don’t lift anything heavier than your baby until your healthcare provider tells you it’s OK.

    • Don’t drive until your healthcare provider says it’s OK.

    • Don’t have sex until after you’ve had a checkup with your healthcare provider and you have decided on a birth control method.

    • Let others do things for you. Don't hesitate to ask for help.

    Follow-up

    Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.

    When to call your healthcare provider

    Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these:

    • Fever of  100.4° F ( 38°C) or higher

    • Redness, pain, or drainage at your incision site

    • Bleeding that needs a new sanitary pad every hour. Heavy vaginal bleeding may be a sign of postpartum hemorrhage. It needs medical care right away.

    • Severe belly pain

    • Pain or urgency with urination

    • Foul odor from vaginal discharge

    • Trouble urinating or emptying your bladder

    • No bowel movement within 1 week after the birth of your baby

    • Swollen, red, painful area in the leg

    • Appearance of rash or hives

    • Sore, red, painful area on the breasts that may come with flu-like symptoms

    • Feelings of anxiety, panic, or depression

    Online Medical Reviewer: Donna Freeborn PhD CNM FNP
    Online Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN
    Online Medical Reviewer: Tennille Dozier RN BSN RDMS
    Date Last Reviewed: 8/1/2024
    © 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center

    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

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