How Long Does It Take To Heal After A C-Section?

Becoming a mother is a life changing event. In other words, it's a very big deal. You know what else is a big deal? Cesarian births. Yup, C-sections are major surgery, so if you had one or are planning a cesarian birth, you may be wondering how long does it take to heal after a c-section?

Parents noted that moms will be under observation immediately after their C-section to monitor bleeding from the incision as well as vaginal bleeding. You may also experience after-effects of the anesthesia, which might include itchiness, explained the same article in Parents. Because of the aftermath of the delivery procedure, Baby Center noted that new moms can expect to spend approximately four days in the hospital after a C-section.

As for the incision itself, OB-GYN Dr. Sarah Wagner told The Bump that it should take about a week to heal, however, there are always exceptions. During this time, keep your incision clean with regular mild soap and water, and do not pick it for any reason, as this might cause infection. The aforementioned article in Parents noted that six weeks postpartum (when you go into your OB-GYN for your first check up) is when you should be fully healed from your C-section.

In order to heal in that timeframe, Mayo Clinic explained that it's vital that you monitor your incision after a C-section. Signs for concern include a fever, increasing pain around your incision, or any pus or discharge leaking from the incision. You should also be concerned if your incision is red and swollen. These are all signs that you should see your doctor, STAT.

But for some women, the recovery takes even longer. In an essay for Romper triter Christie Drozdowski detailed her experience with a C-section recovery that took 10 months to heal. In her essay, Drozdowski noted that doctors, including wound care specialists, had no explanation as to why her incision was so stubbornly infected.

Although your body is going to feel like it's been through an ordeal (it has), Baby Center explained in the aforementioned article that most physicians encourage you to get up and move around. To help you heal from your C-section within the one to six-week timeframe, OB-GYN Dr. Sarah Wagner told The Bump that you should try to be active — within reason. "Being active allows normal body functions to get back to their routine, as well as decreasing the chance of a postoperative complication," she said. And it goes without say that during those six weeks, be sure to get rest, ask for help, and treat your body with TLC.