If You Had a Cesarean Section

Your course after leaving the hospital should be one of progressive activity and exercise. Your incision will not reach its maximum strength for approximately four to five weeks, so try not to overdo it.

Usual activities such as walking, climbing the stairs and light housework are permissible but no heavy lifting for approximately six weeks.

You may drive within 10 days after leaving the hospital. Do not drive if you are taking narcotic pain medication (Percocet, Vicodin).

Your incision should be kept clean and dry and should be left either uncovered or loosely covered. Tub baths or showers are permissible, but be sure to let the wound dry thoroughly in the air following completion of your bath. If there are small bandage strips on the wound, these may be gently removed five to seven days after you return home.

As with vaginal delivery, we recommend waiting 4-6 weeks before having intercourse. When intercourse is resumed remember your contraceptive needs.

With time, your incision will become less sensitive. It is common to feel a thick ridge beneath the incision, which will gradually disappear. Some numbness and/or itching around the incision are common and do not indicate a problem. Should you develop redness around the incision, increased pain and tenderness, or temperature elevation, please let us know right away.