What is C-section recovery like? In this video, we walk you through the “Enhanced Recovery After Surgery” (ERAS) program used at the Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital at Michigan Medicine to aid women when recovering from cesarean surgery. The ERAS program is designed to help you heal more quickly, manage your pain more effectively and get you up and active post C-section as soon as possible. By focusing on three main areas; pain management, eating and drinking, and getting you moving while you are still healing, Michigan Medicine is here for you every step of the way with information, education and support as you go through your childbirth journey.
How long do you have to wait to drink fluids, eat food, or drive a car? When can you start working out again? Is post C-section pain normal? When can you actually lift your baby? If you’ve just had a C-section, or have one planned, it’s likely that questions like these are among those racing through your head. While common, cesarean sections are serious operations, and there is a lot to consider, particularly when it comes to healing. Michigan Medicine has you covered on everything you need to know to navigate your pregnancy, delivery and postpartum healing.
Check out Michigan Medicine’s childbirth resources:
https://www.umwomenshealth.org/resources/womens-health-education-library/childbirth-obstetric-care-resources
Learn more about prenatal and childbirth care from Michigan Medicine’s nationally ranked Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital team:
https://www.umwomenshealth.org/conditions-treatments/pregnancy-childbirth
View a list of locations where our childbirth providers see patients:
https://www.umwomenshealth.org/conditions-treatments/ob-gyn-pregnancy-care/locations
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What is a C-section?
A C-section or cesarean section is a surgical procedure done in the operating room. A small incision is made in the lower abdomen and uterus to deliver a baby.
Why do I need a c-section?
C-sections are preformed for a couple of reasons. There are planned and unplanned C-sections. Planned C-sections are done if a patient who has had a previous C-section decides to skip labor and have another C-section. They are also done if the baby is in the wrong position — breech or bottom down, transverse or sideways, or if the placenta or blood supply to the baby is covering the cervix.
Unplanned C-sections occur during labor. If at anytime during labor there is concern about the baby’s heartbeat or how well the baby is tolerating labor, we will elect to do a C-section. If mom’s cervix isn’t dilating or she continues to push but isn’t able to deliver the baby vaginally, then we will proceed with a C-section.
What should I expect with a c-section??
You will be awake for the entire procedure. We will make sure you are comfortable and numb from the uterus down. You will feel some tugging, pulling, and light pressure during the procedure, but you will not feel any pain. An incision is made in the lower abdomen. The doctor will actually separate the abdominal muscles-they are not cut. An incision is made in the uterus to deliver the baby. Once the baby is delivered, the incision will be closed with dissolvable stitches. You will go to a recovery room for a short period of time and then up to a postpartum room. The entire time we will make sure you are comfortable with any pain medication you might need. You will be back to your normal activity in a couple of weeks.
What are the risks of a c-section??
There are risks with any surgery. There’s a small risk of complications from anesthesia. There’s a small risk the bowel or bladder may be damaged during the procedure. Any time an incision is made, there’s also a small risk of bleeding issues. These risks are minimal.
