Going Home After a Caesarean Birth

It's important to take care of your wound properly after a caesarean birth to help it heal well and prevent infection. 

Your wound dressing 

After your caesarean birth, your wound will be covered with a dressing. It should stay on for 7 days after birth. To protect your wound, wear underwear that sits high above your wound. 

Your dressing is waterproof and safe to wear in the shower. When you shower, face away from the water to stop it from spraying directly on the dressing. This helps keep the dressing in place and prevents it from getting too wet. 

If you think the dressing is too wet, looks like water has pooled inside, or seems dirty, please tell your healthcare provider ASAP.  The midwife will replace your dressing if it falls off while you're in the hospital. If it falls off at home before 7 days, please make an appointment with your GP, who will check your wound and decide if you need a new one. It’s important to keep the wound clean and dry, and that you wash your hands before and after touching the dressing or the wound.

Stitches 

Most stitches dissolve on their own. If you have stitches or staples that don’t dissolve, they will be taken out between days 5 and 10 after giving birth. 

Sometimes, a small part of the stitch might stick out of the wound. This is not a problem unless the wound opens up or looks infected. You might feel more soreness on one side of the wound or notice a small lump where the stitch is tied. This will get better over time. 

Protecting your wound 

• Keep your wound clean and dry
• To protect your wound:
  • Wear comfortable high-waisted underwear instead of bikini styles
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing so air can reach your wound
  • Put a sanitary pad or panty liner on your wound with the soft side against your skin. This may feel more comfortable. Change it every day. Your underwear will help hold it in place
• After the dressing comes off:
  • When you shower, wash your wound with water only and gently pat it dry with a clean towel
  • Don’t use powders or sprays on your wound
  • Always wash your hands with soap and water before and after you check your wound. You can take a photo to see how it changes or ask someone to check it for you
• For the first 6 weeks, try to not to lift anything heavier than your baby. Get help with any activities that involve lifting and bending when you can

Your wound will heal over the next few weeks and months. You might feel mild cramping, pain, and numbness in the skin around the cut. Most people feel better by 6 weeks, but some numbness and pain can last for several months.

Unexpected changes to your wound 

Wound infections can occur after a caesarean birth and affect about 15 out of 100 people (15%). Look out for these signs that your wound might be infected: 

• Increased pain and the area feels hot to touch
• More redness, swelling, or puffiness around the wound
• Smelly discharge or fresh bleeding from the wound
• The wound starts to open
• Fever (temperature above 38° Celsius), feeling very hot or cold, or extreme tiredness

Contact your GP or go to your closest Emergency Department if you notice any of these signs. Most infections can be treated with antibiotic medicine. In some cases, you might need to go back into the hospital for stronger antibiotics given through a drip (intravenous antibiotics).

After a caesarean, it’s normal to feel pain. You might feel uncomfortable or have pain for a few days or weeks. You may feel this pain when you move around, lie down, get up, or rest. 

You can manage this pain with simple pain medicines. It’s very important for your recovery to take your pain medicine regularly. You’ll get a prescription for pain relief to use at home. Please take your medicines as directed. 

Don’t wait until you’re in a lot of pain to take your medicine. It works best when you take it early to stop pain from getting worse.

Being active after giving birth can help you heal. Short walks or gentle exercises at home are good, but don’t push yourself too hard or cause yourself pain. 

For the first 6 weeks, follow these simple tips:

• Don’t lift anything heavier than your baby
• Avoid movements that hurt, like bending or stretching up or down
• Only drive once you have been given medical clearance to do so
• Do not drive if you’re taking strong (or prescription only) pain medicine
• Check with your insurance provider about how long you need to wait before driving. Some insurers only allow driving after 6 weeks
• We recommend that you avoid sex during the first 6 weeks. Only have sex when you feel ready, and make sure to use contraception when you do

Some people feel happy about having a caesarean. Others may feel disappointed or sad, especially if it wasn’t what they expected. It can be very helpful to talk about your feelings with your partner, family, healthcare professionals, or other support people. 

Looking after a new baby is hard for all new parents. Be kind to yourself. It may take a few weeks or longer to feel better, especially if you had any complications. 

Try to get as much rest as you can and remember: you are not alone. Ask your family or friends if you need help or support, or speak with your GP or another health professional for advice.