Going through a cesarean section requires preparation. Here’s everything you need to know about cesarean section.
Giving birth via C-section is becoming more and more common. There are some controversies swirling around it too, as some people claim that C-section moms are not “real moms” just because they choose the “easy way out.” We all know this isn’t true—there’s basically a fair share of pain and difficulties that you are going to go through when you deliver your baby via C-section. Things that no one might have told you about.
Here are some of the after-effects of a Cesarean section that you can expect:
#1 Shakes and spasms are normal in Cesarean Section
Light shivers and spasms are typical when you had spinal block. More commonly known as the “epidural shakes”, C-section moms experience this more than the vaginal birth moms, and it is said to be caused by the additional painkillers (morphine) that’s added to your spine before surgery. You might experience uncontrollable shaking from head to toe, but these spasms should go away as the anesthesia wears off.
#2 You won’t be completely numb in a C-Section
You might be thinking that you won’t feel anything during the procedure. After all, you’ll be under anaesthesia the entire time. While it is true that it can make you not feel pain, sharpness, and pinching, anaesthesia cannot keep you from feeling touch. Therefore, you’d still feel the pushing and the tugging sensation as your doctor tries to collect your baby from your belly, most especially if it is curling up right near your rib cage.
#3 You will still bleed.
Most C-section moms do not expect to bleed down there like it should during vaginal birth. Although it is not as much as when you had vaginal birth, there will still be bleeding. The vaginal cavity will be wiped clean during your surgery, but this bleeding is caused by the natural things that happen inside your body. The uterus cleans itself out after surgery. Your uterine wall heals itself as the placenta has detached. Your blood vessels are reacting to your fluctuating hormones. There is shedding going on with the thick lining that supported your baby during pregnancy. So yes, the bleeding happens. Not to worry about it though, as it should subside after six weeks.
#4 Post-surgery vaginal wash is necessary.
Even if it wasn’t the exit point of your baby, vaginal wash is necessary to clean up any blood leaking after the surgery. This is especially important of your C-section procedure was unplanned, meaning your labor started out vaginally but had to switch to c-section partway. This causes more bleeding and therefore you need more cleansing.
#5 It can get frustrating post-surgery.
The practices that you used to do routinely will be a requirement—a ticket for your departure from the hospital. You need to fart a certain number of times and you are not allowed to eat solid foods until you do so. You need to keep an IV attached to you until you pee a certain, tremendous amount. You are not allowed to go home until you poop. Plus, you have a painful incision that makes it hard to get off the bed and move around
#6 You need all the extra help you can get.
The healing of your incision is something that you need to deal with alongside taking care of your new born. Thus, you will need all the extra help you can get in taking care of your baby and attending to your other needs once you get home.
#7 Stool softeners might be your thing after.
C-section moms have the usual pooping problem. When your abdomen is tender and sore, it’s a challenge to push especially when you feel like your stitches and everything else will pry open. Hence the stool softeners. It is easier to poop when the stool is too soft. Drinking lots of water and walking around as soon as you can after surgery can greatly help too.
#8 You will feel pain here and there, and maybe everywhere.
Farting can cause pain, as it can press on the diaphragm, trigger a nerve and extend the pain to the shoulders. It will hurt when you cough. There is pain when you sneeze. It will also be painful to laugh (but by all means, laugh). To prepare yourself for this, keep a small pillow handy, or other compression garments that can help support your abdomen during muscle contractions.
#9 You may endure long-term effects
For some women, the pain never goes away for years. There’s a pulling sensation or restriction on the scar itself and the surrounding parts. Scar tissue can stick to the muscles and causes pain presented as hip or lower back pain, shoulder pain, headaches, and even painful periods.
#10 Scars look different and uneven sometimes.
Depending on how your baby lies and how the scar closed at the time of surgery, your scar might look uneven. There’s not much to worry about it though, as it will fade and will look much better within 2 weeks, and full healing can take up to 3 months.
Whoever says C-section is the “easy way” of delivering a baby clearly does not know what they are talking about. C-section is as complicated as vaginal birth—it can even cause other risks that you might not have to worry about during vaginal birth. Both deliveries allow you to enter another important milestone called motherhood, and everyone should be empowered regardless of the parenting choices they make, as long as they care about their children.
I’ve gone through Cesarean section myself and I’m glad that all the above were temporary. I’ve also found lots of helpful info about Cesarean section online. Have you gone through a Cesarean section yourself? What would be the tip you’d recommend?