How much pain can I expect to be in after a c-section?

Question

I am 31 weeks and am having a c-section due to problems with my first child that I delivered vaginally two years ago. I am scared about the pain afterwards. I really don't want to have the c-section but have no choice really. Can anyone tell me specifically what it feels like? Will I be able to play with my daughters? Pick either of my children up? Or will it hurt too badly? I don't think I could go a whole 6-8 weeks without picking up my toddler and that's what all the websites say.

Answer 1

I had an emergency c-section with my first, and VBAC with my second. Of the two, vaginal has an advantage during the first few days, but it can leave your insides messed up. C-section is pretty much painless, thanks to drugs, but you are very restricted as to picking things up -- including toddlers!

The most "painful" part for me was the sensation that I was coming apart at the seams -- but after they took the stitches out, it was just fine -- seems like it was just the stitches pulling at the skin. That wasn't painful, just annoying.

Having done both, each method has advantages and disadvantages, but given the choice, I'd go for vaginal. BUT, the MOST important thing is having a healthy baby. And since your doctors strongly recommend a C-section, that's the way to go.

Practice with your toddler about different ways of "skinship" -- try snuggling instead of picking up. And take the opportunity to do it. There are plenty of sitting-down games to do in bed or on the floor, too. Patty cake, "drumming" to nursery rhymes, reading books. You can play "fetch the ball" where you throw something for the kid, and she brings it back, or you can have her do some hopping, skipping and jumping for your entertainment. When you take a walk, play "big steps, little steps, sumo wrestler steps, ballerina steps, bear steps" -- do you get the idea? Just pretend to take different steps.

You will be able to pick the baby up -- I breastfed, and was able to do it pretty quickly. You just have to be careful of yourself. You may want a bellyband or some kind of truss to help hold yourself in place the first week or so. Just listen to your body while you are picking things up, and you'll find your limits.

Please don't worry. A c-section is not the end of the world, and in some ways, it's even better than a v-delivery. Concentrate on the positive, and you'll be fine.

Answer 2

Hi, don't worry the drugs are good! I had a elective c section for my first child as she was breeched and I have worse memories from the mastitis and nipples cracking than I do from the operation (mind you my breast pain was extreme). You will be fine picking up your new bub as much as you want however you should try really hard not to pick up your toddler. Maybe you could start getting your daughter used to it now by saying mummy can't pick you up so much cause my belly is sore. I don't know but my husband recently broke his collarbone and my daughter who is 26months understood he was in pain and stayed away from him most of the time. Another thing about c-sections that people don't really mention is that although you have the six week recovery period, the pain (although slight) stays much much longer. I could feel pressure on my scar (like if my partner grabbed me from behind) for about 6-7 months after procedure. I am now 4 months pregnant and am hoping to attempt a natural birth this time but even the thought of that scares the crap out of me as I didn't experience that kind of pain last time, Good luck, you'll be fine!

Answer 3

I gave birth to three children via C-section. The pain is tolerable as long as you take it easy for the first couple of days. You will be very sore the next day. However, the doctors will push you to be out of bed and walking. It will be challenging at first but with each time it will get easier. Although the doctors recommend that you don't do any lifting or driving, I had no choice and did anyway. In giving birth to my third child, I had two other small children who I need to care for. After being discharged from the hospital 4 days later, I went on with normal activity. I healed just fine. Just don't push yourself or do anything too vigorous.

Answer 4

I've had 2 vaginal and 2 c-section births. There are benefits and drawbacks to each. I won't lie to you. Cesarean is quite a bit more painful afterward than vaginal. The worst is over in the first 4 days or so. Most importantly, do not overdo it in the first few days. They will give you pain meds that will make you think you can do more than you really can. Getting out of bed or rolling over is quite difficult at first. The good thing is that most hospitals want you to stay at least 3 days, preferably 4, after a cesarean. Don't hesitate to let the hospital staff help you.

Answer 5

The pain from a C-section is pretty intense, but only for the first week or two. The doctor will give you pain meds to manage the pain, but it will be hard to get around (shower, go up stairs, etc) at first. You need to take it easy while your incision heals to avoing ripping and tearing of the stiches. You will be very sore and tender, but the meds will take the edge of...just dont over-do it! Dont worry too much because its not something that you cant handle. Good Luck and Congrats on the little one.

Answer 6

I have had 2 csections... going on my third in 7 weeks. My first one, the doctor didn't make me get up until the next day. My second one, the doctor made me get up the same day. It made a HUGE difference. I healed alot faster the second time around. The pain is intense but after about 2 weeks, things start to get a lot easier. After my first, it was months before I felt normal again. Even though I wasn't in pain, it was sore when there was pressure to that area. I don't know if it was because it was my first surgery ever, or if it was because I didn't get up and walk the first day. You will have to teach your children that they need to crawl up into your lap. Keep a pillow around to cover your belly so that cuddling with them is safe. Good luck to you.

Answer 7

I had an emergency c-section when my daughter was born at 28 weeks. I had a spinal block but I could still feel the whole thing. You will be able to feel the Drs pulling and streatching at your uterus it still hurts even though you can't feel them cutting you. It is quite painfull after the proceedure they say it takes 6 weeks to recover but it took me at least 6 months to have no pain from my c-section. I also needed a morphiene drip for days after the proceedure.
Sorry to scare you but you need to be prepared.
Best of luck.

Answer 8

I have to have one also and an not looking forward to it. I had this type of surgery before for female problems and its no picnic. I remember being really sore and kind of bent over for a couple of weeks. The incision area is pretty sore and it takes a good several months for it not to bother you anymore. It itches and at times the area feels numb. Your not suppose to left heavy things while recovering. It pretty much sucks, sorry.

Answer 9

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