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Post caesarean section care
If you had a planned caesarean section then you will need to stay in hospital for at least 24 hours after your baby is born.
If you had an emergency caesarean then you will more likely stay in hospital for 48 hours.
When you come out of theatre you will have a urinary catheter, this is a small flexible plastic tube which sits in your bladder and collects urine in a bag. This will usually be removed about 12 hours after the surgery, once you are able to mobilise to the toilet. Your midwife will ask to measure your first urine output. This is to give an idea as to whether you are able to empty your bladder sufficiently.
You will be able to eat and drink as soon as you feel able to after the surgery and your midwife will encourage you to be mobile as soon as you feel able to. This is because keeping mobile helps to prevent pain from trapped wind and prevents blood clots.
You will receive regular pain relief, including paracetamol and ibuprofen. Every 12 hours you will be offered Zomorph, which is a long acting morphine tablet. If you are struggling between drug rounds please ask your midwife for additional pain relief. It is a good idea to stock up on paracetamol and ibuprofen for when you return from hospital as this isn’t provided on discharge. Your baby will be kept close, we have ‘next to me’ cribs. However, if you need help picking up your baby, especially immediately post surgery please ask a staff member for support. Your caesarean wound will be covered with a dressing that will either be removed on day 2 or day 5 postnatal. Once your dressing has been removed it is essential to keep the area clean and dry. Make sure to gently wash the area a couple of times a day and dab dry. If you notice the area is becoming more sore, has an offensive smell or is oozing, contact triage or speak to your community midwife.
You will need someone to pick you up from hospital as you are advised not drive for up to 6 weeks post surgery. Once you are home, you will need to take it easy for a while. Avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby for up to 6 weeks. However, it is essential to gently mobilise to help prevent blood clots of which you will be more at risk of due to undergoing surgery.