How long are you supposed to wait to drive after delivering a baby?

Question

I want to inform my neighbor that she needs to wait to drive, but I can't remember how long you should wait and the reason why you aren't supposed to drive right away.

Answer 1

I had a vaginal birth with no episiotomy or tearing and could drive right away. I was told that a good rule of thumb is to wait to drive until you would feel comfortable slamming on the brakes without worrying about pain (from your c-section, episiotomy, or just generally). Most doctors say to wait two weeks if you delivered vaginally, and up to six weeks if you delivered by cesarean.

In your neighbor's case - whatever's safest for her and her precious cargo! If she has good reason to be driving right away, your words will do nothing but upset her - maybe you could offer to drive her to her destination if you and her are friends? Otherwise, I would mind my own business rather than upset my neighbor.

Answer 2

This all depends on how the woman is feeling and what the dr recommends. theoreticaly you could drive on the day of delivery if things went smoothly. If on the other hand there were complications you may not be able to do this i.e. a c-section is major surgery and may set you back a bit.

Personaly I would go with what my OB says and how I feel

Answer 3

My daughter had her baby on Oct 6 and they didn't tell her not to drive at all. I remember when my youngest was born (16 years ago!) they told me not to drive for 2 weeks but her dr nor the nurse ever mentioned it when she was discharged the day after the baby was born.

Answer 4

I had a sweet babygirl 10-21-06. She was delievered vaginally. I was out and about driving 3 days later... I believe the time limit for driving is just as soon as you feel well enough to walk around and do things on your own... your ready to drive!

Answer 5

The only time I know of a doctor stating you should not drive is if you have had a C-Section. Then I believe it was two weeks.

Answer 6

First toddlers many times take a at an analogous time as to reach as quickly as labor starts, in spite of the incontrovertible fact that there is often the social gathering whilst the toddler comes rapid. My daughter became born on her due date 2 &a million/2 hours after my water broke and a couple of hours after the 1st contractions began! It went rather rapid. I in basic terms lived 5 minutes far flung from the scientific institution on the time, and that i left the domicile after giving my OBGYN a decision approximately my water breaking. the probabilities of you no longer making it to the scientific institution on time are narrow. in basic terms confirm you depart your place as quickly as your water breaks or as quickly as your contractions get popular. in the event that they commence coming rapid then call an ambulance. purchase a cellular telephone in case you do not have already got one, and confirm you recognize precisely who you will call once you bypass into labor if your husband isn't there.

Answer 7

I agree this is always up[ to her caregiver...dr or midwife....because they know her medical history better than you do. I was never given a time to drive, it depends on so many things! If you have a tear you should wait longer to do anything...so it can heal, as well as a c-section. If it went well and she healed perfectly she might be fine. I think it is best to allow her doctor to tell her.

Answer 8

I had a perfectly normal and healthy vaginal delivery and was told not to drive for three weeks. I don't remember the reason.

Answer 9

I think it depends on your situation. I had two vaginal births and was able to drive myself home, not that I did, but I was allowed too. I only took Tylenol after the births for pain.

Answer 10

If she had a natural childbirth then whenever she feels ready. I would imagine she should only wait if she had a C section. I have had 3 babies and I dont see a problem with driving when your ready.