Many women feel uncomfortable at the thought of attending an OBGYN clinic. However, a lot of this discomfort arises because people are not properly informed about the services which an OBGYN doctor can provide or because they do not know what to expect when they attend their first appointment. The aim of this blog is to provide clear and concise info about OBGYN services. I am not a doctor or a nurse but I do have a clear passion for this subject which has inspired me to keep reading and researching it. Thank you for taking the time to check out my blog.
Whether your c-section is planned or forms part of an emergency, your body needs to recover. How your recovery unfolds can depend on your current health and the nature of the c-section. Here are some tips that should make the recovery period easier.
Rest
Birth is a beautiful experience, but that doesn't change the fact that a c-section is a surgical procedure. As with any other form of surgery, you'll need to spend time resting. Your obstetrician may recommend that you spend a few days in the hospital. During that time, accept the help that comes your way and give your body a chance to heal. This period is crucial for the initial wound-healing phase and you'll receive a lot of helpful advice from those who are leading your care. Once you're at home, it can take around six to eight weeks for you to fully heal. Wherever possible, ask others to help you with tasks around the house.
Monitor
Your obstetrician may give you a basic insight into the signs of infection. For example, experiencing a faster-than-normal heart rate and having a high temperature. They may ask you to look out for those signs every 24 hours and contact them if they're present. The aim of monitoring is to ensure your surgical wound isn't infected. Although most mothers recover without an infection, diligent monitoring is the best way to catch one in its earliest phases. If you have any concerns about a potential infection, contact a medical professional for advice.
Walking
Although resting is important, taking gentle walks is also useful for c-section recovery. When your obstetrician feels it's useful for you to do so, try small walks. You don't need to go outside, you can stroll around a set area in your home. Walking is essential for reducing your risk of blood clots. You'll also begin gently rebuilding the muscles that your surgical team cut through during the c-section. From a mental health perspective, walking is excellent for boosting your serotonin levels. If you're nervous about taking walks outside, ask someone to go with you.
Constipation
Constipation is a common experience following many surgical procedures. As you heal, you may spend less time moving around. This means your body experiences a reduction in the muscle movements that promote bowel motility. If you are going to the toilet less often than usual, ask your obstetrician about gentle laxatives. Straining to go to the toilet can overwork the muscles your surgeon cut through. As such, it's a good idea to achieve gentle bowel movements that allow your scar to heal.
For more information, contact a local obstetrician.