Recovery after caesarean section will take a woman quite a long time. But the period during which rehabilitation will take place can be divided into two segments.

Caesarean section: the first days

While the first period lasts, a woman who gave birth by cesarean section will have to lie in bed, because her task is to recover from the operation. And even the most simple steps will be difficult for her, for example, it will not be easy for her to clear her throat, but taking a deep breath will be difficult for her. At this time, the mother is usually forced to stay in the department intensive care, where she is cared for by nurses who monitor her recovery from surgery.

The woman’s condition is monitored by a doctor who makes sure that all indicators (pressure, pulse, temperature) are normal. The doctor also monitors how quickly the recovery progresses, how the uterus contracts after a cesarean section, how intense the vaginal discharge. Special attention deserves a woman's stitch. IN postoperative period it is necessary to change the bandages on it regularly

What to do after the procedure?

During the caesarean section procedure, anesthesia is required. In this regard, a woman should never sit on a bed long time after surgery – up to 12 hours. And you can get out of bed in the postoperative period only 3 days after a cesarean section. This will have to be done very carefully. In this case, sudden movements and haste are contraindicated; it is advisable for the mother to be helped up by relatives or medical staff.

But you can rise only after your doctor has given permission to do so. Don't be surprised if you feel dizzy after getting up - this is normal, although recovery is in full swing. And the feeling of weakness and slight malaise is associated with the fact that the woman underwent abdominal surgery under anesthesia. Even though it seems to many to be a fairly simple surgical intervention, this does not negate all the “charms” that accompany the procedure. Do not forget that in the process all layers of the abdominal wall are cut.

Learning to get up

It is important to remember that the doctor’s advice primarily determines how the recovery period after a cesarean section will go. And the doctor will give you the following recommendations regarding the first attempt to stand up:

• before sitting on the edge of the bed, you need to turn over to your side, after which you can hang your legs and sit down slowly
• Now you need to “work” with your legs - for this it is enough to do any light exercises. Avoid sudden movements; after all, you had a caesarean section a few days ago.
• then place your feet on the floor and ask someone to help you stand up. Important nuance– you need to get up with a straight back, it is advisable to stand as well. Only in this case your postoperative suture will be safe even if you feel a slight tension
• Don’t try to take a step right away - first, wait
• Once you feel ready to take a step, take a small step

These instructions must be followed during the postoperative period. After just a couple of days, you will notice that it is becoming increasingly easier for you to get out of bed. As soon as you stop experiencing discomfort during the climbs, know that you will soon have a full recovery. After this, it is advisable to gradually increase the time of “pacing”, but not sharply, so that the seam does not begin to separate - after this, the second period of rehabilitation of the woman begins after the cesarean section procedure.

Cough correctly

It is important for mothers who have undergone a cesarean section to learn how to cough correctly in order to recover faster. The fact is that the postoperative period in this case differs in that during use general anesthesia(if it was used) mucus has accumulated in the lungs, which will gradually disappear, so that the cough will appear in any case. At first he will call painful sensations– the area where the postoperative suture is located will ache.

To begin with, it is advisable to place your palms on your stomach, as if holding the stitch that appeared after the cesarean section procedure (you can tie it with a towel). Then draw air into your chest - now exhale sharply, trying to keep your stomach pulled in. Correct cough Ideally, it should resemble a dog barking. You will need to exercise several times within an hour if you postpartum period you complain of an accumulation of mucus in your chest. If not, then the procedure can be done rarely. Important point– if you know in advance that you are going to have a cesarean section, it is better to learn the technique before the procedure.

Dealing with sensitive issues

You should be prepared for the fact that after a cesarean section you will have several sensitive issues– in particular, intestinal gases will make themselves felt. For operations on abdominal cavity This typical consequence, since peristalsis slows down due to surgery and anesthesia. The problem can be dealt with using a number of methods. For example, learn to breathe deeply, try rocking while sitting in a chair, and avoid foods that can cause increased gas.

Another problem that you may encounter after a cesarean section is problems with urination. They can be triggered by the catheter used during surgery, as well as the anesthesia itself. If you are faced with this “trouble”, don’t worry. First of all, drink more to make you want to urinate. If you can't do this, try again in the shower with the sound of running water.

The main thing is to relax and not start to panic. However, remember that in cases where after a caesarean section you were unable to go to the toilet “in a small way”, you must definitely notify the doctor about this, because it is vital for you to release bladder from urine accumulated in it. Most likely, you will have to use the catheter again, and then undergo an additional examination by a nephrologist. This will somewhat complicate the woman’s recovery in the postoperative period.

Diet

In the first two days after a caesarean section, the woman is given all nutrients intravenously The reason is that food is prohibited due to abdominal surgery - the organs must have time to rest. This way they will be able to recover faster. These days you can only drink still water; if you wish, you can add lemon to it. On the third day, the woman already has the opportunity to eat on her own. To begin with, you are allowed to drink chicken broth– it is this that usually becomes the first dish that is allowed to be consumed during the period when the mother’s recovery begins.

Gradually, those who have had a caesarean section are introduced to the diet of meat minced in a meat grinder, soufflé, porridge, and liquid curds. You need to eat little by little (100 ml at a time), and it is also advisable to drink a little. During this period, the abdominal organs should work so that they have to strain to a minimum in order to speed up recovery. It is advisable that the food is not too dense and heavy, because the first stool should “happen” on the 5th day after cesarean section. Then the diet should become less strict. Ideally, the diet that characterizes the postoperative period should gradually “degenerate” into a diet for nursing mothers.

Breastfeeding

But what about feeding if a woman had to go through a caesarean section? If recovery is progressing quickly, ask that the baby be brought to you as soon as possible. It is very important for you to establish breastfeeding now, but this will be very problematic if the baby is given to you three days after the caesarean section procedure. The fact is that the baby must constantly stimulate the mammary glands - only in this case the breasts will be filled with milk. If recovery after a cesarean section is delayed or the baby needs additional medical care, you will have to learn to express yourself.

Despite the fact that the caesarean section procedure is performed under anesthesia, if it is local, ask to put the baby to the breast immediately after his birth. Usually in hospitals for women in labor they use medications that are allowed during breastfeeding, so there is no need to be afraid that you will harm the baby. Even if the baby falls asleep, invite him to do the first test - reflexes can work even in this case. Remember that breast milk will also help the baby recover if he was born on early. But if you still fail to feed the baby, just press him to your chest - he should feel that his mother is still nearby. And he recognizes you by the beating of your heart, which he listened to constantly while in the womb.

However, remember that in the first days after the cesarean section procedure, it is not advisable to pick up the baby very often while you are standing. In this way, you protect your seam, which may partially come apart under heavy load. You will have to limit yourself in this sense for quite a long time - up to six months, although it all depends on how the recovery goes. At home, you will have to ask your family for help more often, especially when you decide to go for a walk for the first time. Also, ideally, it is better not to do household chores for at least the first month - after a caesarean section, it is important for you to recover fully, as well as for your baby. Therefore, you need to devote this time to yourself and the baby.

Seam care

If you had a caesarean section, then the postoperative period is simply unthinkable without taking care of the stitches. It is clear that they require special care - during the first week after a cesarean section they are treated daily, changing the dressings each time. After the stitches are removed, you can safely take a shower, but it’s better not to use a washcloth for now, even though by this time the scar has already formed.

Obviously, the suture will hurt after the operation and during the recovery period - at first, painkillers help the young mother cope with the pain. Gradually decreasing discomfort They stop giving them to the woman, and from now on she is recommended to wear special bandages. Remember that doctors do not allow new mothers to lift more than 2 kg for at least 60 days.

If a natural birth is impossible for a woman for a number of reasons, the doctor prescribes a caesarean section. After this operation it is necessary proper recovery. Every woman preparing to become a mother should know how recovery period.

Rehabilitation after caesarean section: features of the first days

A new mother immediately has a lot of responsibilities, which complicates recovery after surgery. The woman will have to spend a day in the intensive care unit. Due to anesthesia, a woman in labor cannot get out of bed for 12 hours. To make recovery after a cesarean section easier, remember the following recommendations:

1. You will lie on your back, but you will need to turn over on your side frequently to help release blood clots and prevent blood clots from forming. adhesive process. Place your feet on the bed, lift your hips higher, turn them out and lower them. Take it slow. Smoothly unfold and chest.
2. Upon recovery general anesthesia you will have a cough because mucus accumulates in your lungs. When coughing, press down the seam with a towel or diaper to prevent it from coming apart.
3. To get out of bed, roll over onto your side and dangle your legs. First, get up and sit for a while. Move your legs, stretch them. When you stand up, try to take as even a vertical position as possible.
4. Taking deep breaths will help you get rid of gases in your intestines during the recovery period. You can also rock in your chair.

How to quickly recover after a caesarean section - recommendations

Will return to good shape any woman will want it as soon as possible. Fast recovery perhaps if you remember certain recommendations. Your entire lifestyle matters: nutrition, daily routine, intimate hygiene. Try to strictly follow all the doctor’s instructions to avoid health problems in the future. To understand how to recover from a cesarean section, remember a few basic rules. This way you will protect yourself from a lot of troubles.

Proper nutrition after cesarean section

It is best to eat hospital food prepared taking into account the peculiarities of the recovery of the body of women in labor. Supplement your diet with what you can eat after a cesarean section. Diet according to recovery days for a young mother:

1. After a caesarean section, you are only allowed to drink water for the first 24 hours.
2. On the second day of recovery, lean meat broth with vegetables is suitable. Introduce dairy products into your diet: yogurt, cottage cheese. Eat a small piece of lean meat minced through a meat grinder.
3. On the third day of recovery you can eat steam cutlets, meatballs, water porridge, cheese, cottage cheese, vegetable puree, chicken, beef. Food should not be hot. If you have problems with stool, drink kefir.
4. In the subsequent days of recovery, include dairy products, meat, vegetables and fruits, eggs, butter and vegetable oil in your diet.

After a cesarean section, avoid eating the following foods:

• natural honey;
• garlic;
• citrus and exotic fruits;
• strawberries;
• mayonnaise, mustard and other sauces;
• marinades;
• carrots;
• smoked meats;
• canned food;
• seafood;
• sausages;
• chocolate.

Motor activity

The sooner you start moving after a cesarean section, the less likely it is that adhesions will develop. While you are recovering from anesthesia, roll over from one side to the other, try to move your legs and rotate your feet. When you feel better, pull your knees towards your chest. Be sure to start doing Kegel exercises right away, this will help avoid difficulty urinating. After surgery, you will have to get out of bed on the second day.

Suture care after cesarean section

All procedures will be carried out for 5 days in a row nurse. She should treat the wound with antiseptics and change the bandage. If the threads do not dissolve on their own, they will be removed after about a week, from which time it is allowed to wet the incision and not wear a bandage. Treatment with antiseptics should be continued independently. The seam should be washed with liquid soap and wiped with a disposable towel. After some time, you can use ointments to heal scars.

Wearing a bandage

Many doubt the need for this accessory and consider it too inconvenient. Modern experts say that it is necessary to wear a bandage for at least a month during the recovery period. It should not be universal, but special - postoperative. Wearing a bandage promotes proper and speedy recovery abdomen after caesarean section. The accessory will protect your seam from damage, making it much easier for you to walk and take care of your child.

Physical activity

Remember that intensive restoration of your figure after a caesarean section is possible for you only after six months. In the first couple of months, you need to take care of yourself and not lift any weights other than the baby. One of the most dangerous consequences overload – divergence of the uterine suture. Before you start physical exercise, consult your doctor. Until six months have passed, walk a lot, do simple exercises for your arms and legs, without straining your abdominal muscles. Don't forget about Kegel exercises.

Menstrual cycle

His recovery after a cesarean section proceeds in the same way as after a normal birth. For one and a half to two months, lochia will appear - a discharge similar to menstruation. The first two menstruation should be very heavy. The cycle should normalize in 3-5 months. If it does not stabilize, you need to undergo examination and make sure that there are no complications, for example, endometriosis. The process of restoring normal menstrual cycle after a cesarean section depends on:

1. Age. How younger woman, the sooner she will begin menstruation and the full resumption of childbearing function.
2. Lifestyle. It affects how a woman eats and whether she exercises.
3. Lactation. If a mother feeds a child breast milk, then menstruation will begin in approximately 6-8 months. In the absence of lactation, they appear after 8-12 weeks.

Sexual activity

Doctors recommend that patients after a cesarean section begin intimate relationships in one and a half to two months. If there were or are any complications, then the issue of resuming sexual activity after pregnancy should be discussed with a doctor. Don't forget about contraception, because you shouldn't get pregnant until two, or preferably three, years after your cesarean section.

Observation by a gynecologist

Visit a specialist for the first time 10 days after a caesarean section. He will definitely do an ultrasound of the uterus, register you and observe you for at least two years. Then consult a doctor when the lochia stops coming out, that is, after one and a half to two months of recovery. The next visit is six months after the day of abdominal birth. Then you need to visit your doctor every 6 months.

How to remove belly fat after cesarean section at home

Be sure to wear a bandage and use creams to restore skin elasticity, and do body wraps. If you don’t know how to restore your stomach after a caesarean section, then try to pull it in more often, this helps a lot and can be done in any conditions. Abdominal exercises will help, breathing exercises, yoga. Training with a hoop will be effective. If possible, sleep on your stomach to help your muscles contract properly.

Video: effective exercises after cesarean section

In modern obstetric care, caesarean section has become such a common practice that it is no longer considered difficult. surgery, permissible only in extreme cases. Expectant mothers themselves sometimes consider this operation as an alternative to natural and painful childbirth, without thinking about possible complications and a long recovery period. Meanwhile, childbirth by cesarean section is a vicious circle: the second birth after surgery, as a rule, also takes place through the incision, and giving birth to a third child is no longer recommended. How does a woman really feel after a caesarean section, what difficulties does she face and how to overcome them?

Complications after surgery

Like any surgical procedure, cesarean section is fraught with complications. One of the most common problems is blood loss. If during natural childbirth it is about 200-250 ml, then during surgical birth it can reach 0.5-1 liter.

Many women experience intestinal adhesions after a cesarean section. Small adhesions usually do not cause trouble, but severe ones provoke problems with stool and digestion, as well as abdominal pain. To get rid of them, you will need physical procedures, and in severe cases, surgery.

One more thing possible complication Caesarean section - risk of infection and inflammation of the uterus. To avoid it, women are usually prescribed antibiotics, which make breastfeeding difficult.

Finally, in order for the uterus to fully contract, a woman after a cesarean section may need to undergo restorative therapy, since cutting the muscles of the uterus impairs its contractility. While during natural childbirth the uterus contracts without stimulation under the influence of the oxytocin reflex.

Life after caesarean section

The operation can be performed under general anesthesia or under epidural anesthesia. In both cases, in the first hours after childbirth, the new mother will experience unpleasant sensations. In the case of general anesthesia, these are vomiting, nausea, pressure surges, and hallucinations. In the case of epidural anesthesia - numbness of the body from the abdomen to the legs, and the first 12 hours after anesthesia will have to be spent motionless on your back.

Immediately after the operation it seems that normal life after a caesarean section it will never happen. A woman cannot get out of bed without assistance. IN best case scenario You will be able to get up within a few hours after the operation, or at worst, within a few days. In any case, the first attempts to rise are accompanied by dizziness and weakness.

The stitch is, perhaps, the main thing that darkens life after a caesarean section. As soon as the anesthesia stops working, it makes itself felt with unbearable pain, in this case the doctor prescribes an injection of painkiller directly into the suture area. In the first week after a cesarean section, the incision site is treated with antiseptic drugs. During this period, the seams should not be washed, touched or injured in any way. If the scar heals well, the sutures are removed 8-10 days after surgery. If the sutures become inflamed, they are removed earlier so that exudate does not accumulate in the wound area. Since a woman can only get into the shower after the stitch has completely healed, the only way personal hygiene remains wiping with a damp cloth.

Many women experience difficulty urinating and having bowel movements after childbirth. In the case of a caesarean section, these problems become aggravated: in the first days, the woman is given a catheter, laxatives or enemas are prescribed.

Life after a cesarean section requires a special diet. If during a natural birth a woman in labor can eat immediately after she has rested and slept, then after a caesarean section on the first day she can only drink water with lemon juice, then if you feel normal, try chicken broth with chopped meat, cottage cheese or low fat yogurt, fruit drink without sugar. At about 4-5 days, provided that normal peristalsis is restored, you can switch to a normal diet, taking into account breastfeeding. By the way, milk after a cesarean section appears, as a rule, on days 4-5, since the hormone responsible for lactation is produced later than during natural childbirth.

The main limitation in everyday life after a caesarean section is lifting weights. Ideally, it is recommended to lift no more than 2 kg, but a newborn usually weighs 3-4 kg, and this is the weight you should limit yourself to. Moderate physical activity after a cesarean section it is welcome, but before performing basic abdominal exercises, you need to wait at least two months, otherwise this can lead to the sutures coming apart.

Caesarean section and sexual activity

Are caesarean sections and sex life? The fact is that after surgery the uterus is sensitive to infections. When the placenta separates from the uterus, a wound is formed that bleeds and gradually heals over 6-8 weeks. These spotting called lochia. During bleeding, any factors can lead to inflammation - sexual activity, use of tampons, poor hygiene, low immunity. To avoid infection, which is doubly dangerous during a caesarean section, doctors recommend postponing the resumption of sexual relations at least for two or three months. The main signal for the start of sexual activity after a cesarean section will be the cessation of lochia.

Return to sexual activity after cesarean section is complicated and psychological reasons. Many women feel constrained, embarrassed because of stitches, stretch marks, excess weight, and often deny intimacy to their husband due to banal fatigue. At the first contact after a caesarean section, the woman feels pain. This happens for two reasons - discomfort from physical stress muscles and connective tissue tension. If you can relax the muscles through an effort of will, then to stretch the connective tissues and ligaments, on the contrary, you need to be sexually active.

Caesarean section requires complex and long period recovery, not to mention the need to care for a newborn. Therefore, the main thing a new mother needs is the care and support of loved ones. And then she will be able to successfully overcome all the hardships of life after a caesarean section.

Caesarean section is a surgical delivery. These days, this method of childbirth is quite widespread. This state of affairs is due to the increasing number of pregnancy complications, both on the part of the mother and on the part of the child.

How is a caesarean section performed?

A cesarean section is performed only under anesthesia. Nowadays, there is a gradual transition from general anesthesia to spinal anesthesia when performing such operations. The meaning of such anesthesia is to “turn off” the lower half of the body. The woman is conscious, she can take her baby in her arms immediately after removing him from the uterine cavity. In addition, during general anesthesia, the child receives a certain amount medicines, which are administered to the mother and is born slightly “stunned”, but when choosing spinal anesthesia there are no such features.
After anesthesia, an incision is made in lower parts abdomen, opening the uterine cavity and amniotic sac with subsequent removal of the child. As with normal birth The umbilical cord is tied and cut. Then, through the surgical incision, the amniotic sac and placenta. The wound is sutured layer by layer and a sterile bandage is applied. During caesarean section under spinal anesthesia, the child is immediately applied to the mother’s breast, with general anesthesia - after some time, necessary for a woman to recover from anesthesia.

Early postpartum period

The postoperative period after a cesarean section does not differ significantly from the period after other abdominal operations. A common practice is to mobilize the patient early. After 6-8 hours (depending on general condition) a woman is allowed to sit up in bed; after 10-12 hours – get up and walk. This tactic allows you to minimize the risk of developing adhesive complications in the abdominal cavity and congestion in the lungs (especially likely after intubation anesthesia).
If the condition of the mother and newborn does not cause concern to the doctor, then on the second day they are transferred to a shared ward (if such wards are available). Women are most often prescribed antibacterial therapy for prevention infectious complications course of the postpartum period, as well as painkillers. During this period, it is worth warning the young mother against being too active in caring for the baby, frequently lifting him in her arms (especially for large children), and sudden movements. To relieve discomfort in the area postoperative scar It is recommended to wear a special bandage that supports the abdominal muscles.

Duration of the postpartum period

The postpartum period in the case of physiological childbirth lasts 40 days. The postpartum period after cesarean section is up to 60 days. One of the main indicators of the course of the postpartum period is the so-called involution of the uterus: the process of its contraction and epithelization inner surface. During this time, the woman has varying degrees severity of bloody discharge from the genital tract (lochia). It should be noted that, as a rule, the intensity of discharge in women delivered by cesarean section is less: after vaginal delivery birth canal discharge from the uterine cavity is joined by discharge from the cervix and vagina, which are injured to one degree or another.
Since when carrying out surgical intervention integrity was violated muscle fibers of the uterus, its vessels and nerves, then the rate of uterine involution slows down. If necessary, the woman is prescribed appropriate drug therapy, stimulating contractile activity muscles of the uterus, reducing bleeding from vessels damaged during incision. Most often, precisely because of the slow shrinkage of the uterus after childbirth, a mother and baby after a cesarean section are discharged home several days later than after a physiological birth.

Nutrition after caesarean section

On the first day after a cesarean section, you are allowed to drink only still water and unsweetened tea. From the second day, the diet gradually approaches the diet of a woman who has given birth: starting with broth and pureed dishes, we gradually move on to a complete diet, rich in proteins, vitamins, and microelements, which is recommended for a nursing mother.

Hygiene after caesarean section

The hygiene of a woman who has undergone a cesarean section in the first days after the operation must necessarily include the toilet of the external genitalia. Washing the body is allowed, excluding the area of ​​the postoperative suture. You can shower immediately after leaving the hospital. The scar area must be washed clean water, very carefully, excluding friction, impact detergents. It is recommended to take a bath and swim no earlier than one and a half to two months after giving birth.

Postoperative scar

The postoperative scar will remain visible for quite a long time: up to six months, in some women – up to a year. This is due to the fact that during the surgical incision the integrity of the nerve endings was damaged, and their restoration is a long process.
Two months after surgery, a woman who has had a cesarean section is advised to begin exercises to strengthen her abdominal muscles. I would like to note that the better the muscles of this group were developed, the smaller the subcutaneous fat layer, the faster and better the healing. postoperative wound. It is not forbidden to use ointments that promote the resorption of scars, although you should not expect any special effect from their use. The course of the healing process is also influenced by the lifestyle that the woman will lead after the operation. A big role in how the postpartum period proceeds after a cesarean section lies in the help of relatives and close people to the woman who gave birth. It is ideal that one of them is constantly at home at this time. To ensure the recovery of the body and quality breastfeeding, any woman after childbirth needs good rest. The postpartum recovery period after a cesarean section requires serious restrictions on the weight of lifting objects. Overstrain of the abdominal muscles can lead to deformities in the area of ​​the postoperative scar, including the formation of hernias.

Family planning after cesarean section

Resumption of sexual activity after cesarean section is recommended one and a half to two months after the operation. Be sure to visit a gynecologist by this time, make sure that the recovery period is proceeding smoothly, and discuss acceptable methods of contraception. It is better to postpone planning a subsequent pregnancy for two years - this time is enough to restore the strength of the mother’s body and form a durable scar on the uterus (an ultrasound is performed to determine its quality).
Medical practice is currently moving away from the assumption that a history of caesarean section is direct contraindication for natural childbirth in the future. Quite often, women who have had a caesarean section give birth to subsequent children through the vaginal birth canal.

After a caesarean section, as after any operation, you need to move. Better to wear postpartum bandage- it is easier to walk with it, it will help quickly restore the previous tone to the abdominal muscles, correctly fix the postoperative suture, and relieve the load on the spine. However, his long-term wearing undesirable, since the muscles still have to work themselves.

The first hours after cesarean mother carried out in the intensive care unit or intensive care unit under the close supervision of doctors. After six hours, with the doctor’s permission, she can already get up, walk and feed the baby on the second day.

To prevent the postoperative suture from becoming inflamed, you can lubricate it 1-2 times a day with lavender oil or tea tree, having previously dissolved them vegetable oil in a ratio of 1:10. Suitable pharmacy ointment from calendula.

Exercises you can do the day after surgery

Starting position: sitting with support on the back. Perform slowly and repeat up to 10 times.

• Pull the socks toward you, then away from you at an average pace.
• Rotate your feet inward, then outward.
• Press your knees together, then release.
• Tighten your gluteal muscles, then relax.
• Bend one leg and extend it forward, lower it, then the other.

Repeat all exercises up to 10 times, then rest.

Also useful exercise for the muscles of the perineum and pelvic floor.

Kegel exercises: Squeeze your perineal muscles as if you were trying to hold back a stream of urine. Hold in tension for a few seconds, then relax. Do 10–20 repetitions at a fast pace 3–4 times a day. Increase the tension time by 1 second each time, gradually reaching 20 seconds or more.

Regular practice of this exercise helps to avoid problems with urinary incontinence.

After you are allowed to walk, you need to use this to improve your condition. Spend as little time in bed as possible; walking helps you recover after surgery and prevent constipation.

Important! Until the stitches have healed completely, try to get out of bed correctly! You should not raise your head or sit up while lying on your back; this strains the abdominal muscles and can cause the stitches to come apart.

To get out of bed, you need to turn on your side, lower your legs and slowly sit down, pushing off with your hands, without straining your abdominal muscles.

After the stitches are removed With your doctor’s permission, you can begin light exercises for the abdominal muscles:

• Abdominal retraction. Sitting position with a slightly bent back. Inhale, then exhale, and as you exhale, draw in your stomach. Stay in this position for 1 second, then relax your stomach and inhale. Perform 10 – 15 repetitions several times a day.
• Lifting the pelvis. Lying on your back on a hard surface, legs bent at the knees. Raise your pelvis up, without lifting your lower back, and lower it. Perform 15–20 repetitions several times a day.

Intensive physical activity and swimming should begin no earlier than in a month and a half. The same is with sexual life, but here doctors’ recommendations differ: from 2 weeks to 2 months, depending on individual characteristics.

This is one of the few advantages of a cesarean section over natural childbirth: the vagina does not stretch, there are no tears or seams in the perineum, so there are no problems with sexual life.

Sometimes after giving birth, some women experience depression. In the case of a cesarean section, this may be exacerbated by the disappointment of a failed birth. It is necessary to understand that all these sensations are normal and characteristic of many women, and in case of severe emotional state seek help from a psychologist.