Caesarean Birth Awareness - a few things we think you ought to know!
April is International Caesarean Awareness month and it aims to raise awareness and educate people about caesareans.
Whether caesarean birth was planned or unexpected there is always a few things that catch us off guard in the post-partum recovery that we thought you’d ought to know. New and expecting mothers don’t forget to save this info and always reach out if you need help in your recovery.
In 2019, 36% of women in Australia gave birth via caesarean and this number is on the rise each year.
Caesarean section involves an incision through 7 layers of tissue including skin, fat, fascia, muscle and uterine wall to deliver baby. It is major abdominal surgery and we need time and care to recover safely and effectively.
With a planned C-section, there is no preceding labour, and as a result there is no hormonal trigger for the breasts to start the milk production prior to birth. These patients typically have the hardest time getting their breast milk to come in, and it can take up to 5 days.
Once discharged, patients need to self-administer clexane injections at home for 5-7 days to help prevent blood clotting.
You may have reduced bladder sensations post-operatively – where your bladder may not give you the sensation that it is filling or full. This can lead to reduced sensation to go to the toilet, and sometimes abdominal discomfort from the bladder filling too much. This can be common but not normal and you should speak to your GP or Physio if this is happening after you are discharged home.
The abdominal fascia has regained approximately only 50% of its tensile strength by 6 weeks post caesarean, by 7 months this can increase to 73-93%. Highlighting how important it is to be selecting safe strengthening exercise for the abdominal wall and Physiotherapists are best suited to guide you here.
Your scar may feel sore and bruised for many weeks after birth, however most scar pain resolves by three months postpartum. Occasionally some women have aversion to looking or touching their scar. There are a number of reasons this may be the case - fear, shame, guilt, you don't like wounds, it makes you uncomfortable. This is particularly common following emergency c-sections and physiotherapy can help.
Sexual pain after childbirth is reported by approximately 64% of women in the first year following childbirth, and this should NOT be your new normal. The pelvic floor can compensate for weakness of the abdominals as highlighted above. Pelvic floor needs assessment regardless of what type of delivery you have to ensure its functioning appropriately.
Our Women’s Health Physiotherapists Nicole and Amy are available at our Bowral Clinic for all of your pre and post-natal care. Bookings are available online (website) or phone (02) 4861 1223.
Click for more information on C-section recovery advice.