Recovery after caesarean section first days. Cesarean section: possible consequences and recovery after surgery
C-section- this is an operation for the birth of the fetus by extracting through the incision of the abdominal wall and uterus. The postpartum uterus returns to its original state within 6-8 weeks. Traumatization of the uterus during surgery, edema,
the presence of hemorrhages in the suture area, a large amount of suture material slow down the involution of the uterus and predispose to the occurrence of postoperative purulent-septic complications in the pelvic area with involvement of the uterus and appendages in the process. These complications after caesarean section are 8-10 times more common than after vaginal delivery. Complications such as endometritis (inflammation of the inner layer of the uterus), adnexitis (inflammation of the appendages), parametritis (inflammation of the periuterine tissue), further affect the reproductive function of a woman, because. can lead to menstrual irregularities, pelvic pain syndrome, miscarriage, and infertility.
The initial state of women's health, the choice of a rational method and technique for performing the operation, the quality of the suture material and antibiotic therapy, as well as the rational management of the postoperative period, the prevention and treatment of complications associated with operative delivery, determine the favorable outcome of the operation.
A transverse incision in the lower segment of the uterus is made parallel to the circular muscle fibers, in a place where there are almost no blood vessels. Therefore, it least of all injures the anatomical structures of the uterus, and therefore, to a lesser extent disrupts the course of healing processes in the operating area. The use of modern synthetic absorbable sutures contributes to long-term retention of the wound edges on the uterus, which leads to an optimal healing process and the formation of a prosperous scar on the uterus, which is extremely important for subsequent pregnancies and childbirth.
Prevention of complications after caesarean section
Currently, in order to prevent maternal morbidity after cesarean section, modern highly effective broad-spectrum antibiotics are used, since microbial associations, viruses, mycoplasmas, chlamydia, etc. play a large role in the development of infection. reduce their negative impact on the child. In the postoperative period, preference is given to short courses of antibiotic therapy in order to reduce the flow of drugs to the child through mother's milk; with a favorable course of caesarean section after surgery, antibiotics are not administered at all.
On the first day after the caesarean section, the puerperal is in the intensive care unit under the close supervision of medical personnel, while monitoring the activity of her entire body. Algorithms for the management of puerperas after caesarean section have been developed: adequate replacement of blood loss, anesthesia, maintenance of the cardiovascular, respiratory and other body systems. It is very important in the first hours after the operation to monitor the discharge from the genital tract, because. there is a high risk of uterine bleeding due to impaired uterine contractility caused by surgical trauma and action drugs. In the first 2 hours after the operation, a constant intravenous drip of drugs that reduce the uterus is carried out: OXYTOCIN, METHYLERGOMETRIN, an ice pack is placed on the lower abdomen.
After general anesthesia, there may be pain and sore throat, nausea and vomiting.
Removing pain after surgery is of great importance. After 2-3 hours, non-narcotic analgesics are prescribed, after 2-3 days after the operation, anesthesia is carried out according to indications.
Surgical trauma, entry into the abdominal cavity during the operation of the contents of the uterus (amniotic fluid, blood) cause a decrease in intestinal motility, paresis develops - bloating, gas retention, which can lead to infection of the peritoneum, sutures on the uterus, adhesions. An increase in blood viscosity during and after surgery contributes to the formation of blood clots and their possible blockage of various vessels.
In order to prevent intestinal paresis, thromboembolic complications, improve peripheral circulation, eliminate congestion in the lungs after artificial ventilation, early activation of the puerperal in bed is important.
After the operation, it is desirable to turn in bed from side to side, by the end of the first day, early rising is recommended: first you need to sit in bed, lower your legs, and then start getting up and walking a little. You need to get up only with the help or under the supervision of medical staff: after a sufficiently long lying down, dizziness and a fall are possible.
Not later than the first day after the operation, it is necessary to start medical stimulation of the stomach and intestines. For this, PROZERIN, CERUKAL or UBRETID is used, in addition, an enema is made. With an uncomplicated course of the postoperative period, intestinal motility is activated on the second day after the operation, the gases leave on their own, and on the third day, as a rule, there is an independent stool.
On the 1st day, the puerperal is given to drink mineral water without gases, tea without sugar with lemon in small portions. On the 2nd day, a low-calorie diet is prescribed: liquid cereals, meat broth, soft-boiled eggs. From 3-4 days after an independent stool, the puerperal is transferred to a general diet. It is not recommended to take too hot and too cold food, solid foods should be introduced into your diet gradually.
On the 5-6th day, ultrasound examinations of the uterus are carried out in order to clarify its timely contraction.
In the postoperative period, the dressing is changed daily, examination and treatment of postoperative sutures with one of the antiseptics (70% ethyl alcohol, 2% iodine tincture, 5% potassium permanganate solution). The sutures from the anterior abdominal wall are removed on the 5-7th day, after which the issue of discharge home is decided. It happens that a wound on the anterior abdominal wall is sutured with an intradermal "cosmetic" suture with absorbable suture material; in such cases, there are no external removable seams. Extraction is usually carried out on the 7-8th day.
Establishing breastfeeding after cesarean
Breastfeeding is often difficult after a caesarean section. They are due to a number of reasons, including pain and weakness after surgery, drowsiness of the child against the background of the use of painkillers or impaired adaptation of the newborn during operative delivery, the use of mixtures to give the mother "rest". These factors make it difficult to breastfeeding. Due to the need low calorie diet within 4 days, the formation of lactation occurs against the background of a deficiency in the diet of a nursing woman of macro- and microelements, which affects not only the quantity, but also the quality of milk. Thus, the daily secretion of milk after cesarean section is almost 2 times lower compared to spontaneous childbirth; milk has a low content of the main ingredients.
It is important to ensure that the baby is attached to the breast in the first 2 hours after the operation. At present, most obstetric institutions operate on the principle of joint stay of mother and child.
Therefore, if everything went without complications, you can express a wish to leave the baby next to you and start breastfeeding under the supervision of the staff, as soon as the anesthesia wears off and you have the strength to take your baby in your arms (approximately 6 hours after the operation). Women in childbirth who, for various reasons, postpone feeding to a later date (the birth of children requiring special treatment, the occurrence of complications in the mother), should resort to expressing milk during feeding hours to stimulate lactation.
One of the main conditions for successful breastfeeding after caesarean section is to find a position in which a woman is comfortable to feed her baby. On the first day after surgery, it is easier to feed lying on your side. Some women find this position uncomfortable because at the same time, the seams are stretched, so you can feed while sitting and holding the baby under your arm (“soccer ball from under your arm” and “lying across the bed”). In these poses, pillows are placed on the knees, the child lies on them in the correct position, while the load is removed from the area of \u200b\u200bthe seams. As the mother recovers in the future, the mother can feed the baby while lying down, and sitting, and standing.
In order to stimulate lactation, physiotherapeutic methods of stimulating lactation are used (UVR of the mammary glands, UHF, vibration massage, ultrasound, sound “bioacoustic” stimulation), herbal medicine: a decoction of cumin, dill, oregano, anise, etc. To improve the qualitative composition breast milk must be included in the diet of a nursing mother nutritional supplements(specialized protein and vitamin products): Femilak-2, Milky Way, Mom Plus, Enfimama. All these activities have a beneficial effect on the indicators of the physical development of children during their stay in the maternity hospital, and the mother is discharged with well-established lactation.
Gymnastics after cesarean
6 hours after the operation, you can start the simplest therapeutic exercises and massage of the chest and abdomen. You can perform them without an instructor, lying in bed with your knees slightly bent:
- circular stroking with the palm of the hand over the entire surface of the abdomen clockwise from right to left, up and down along the rectus abdominis muscles, from bottom to top and from top to bottom obliquely - along the oblique abdominal muscles - for 2-3 minutes;
- stroking the anterior and lateral surfaces of the chest from the bottom up to the axillary region, the left side is massaged with the right hand, the right side with the left;
- hands are wound behind the back and the lumbar region is stroked with the back and palmar surfaces of the hands in the direction from top to bottom and to the sides;
- deep chest breathing, to control the palms are placed on top of the chest: at the expense of 1-2, a deep breath is taken with the chest (the chest rises), at the expense of 3-4, a deep exhalation, while lightly pressing on the chest with palms;
- deep breathing with the stomach, palms, holding the area of \u200b\u200bthe seams, inhale at the expense of 1-2, inflating the stomach, exhale at the expense of 3-4, drawing in the stomach as much as possible;
- rotation of the feet, without lifting the heels from the bed, alternately in one direction and the other, describing the largest possible circle, bending the feet towards and away from oneself;
- alternate flexion and extension of the left and right legs, the heel slides along the bed;
- coughing, supporting the area of \u200b\u200bthe seams with the palms.
Repeat exercises 2-3 times a day.
Getting back in shape after a caesarean
Warm dousing of the body in parts from the shower is possible already from the 2nd day after the operation, but you can take a shower completely after discharge from the maternity hospital. When washing the seam, it is better to use fragrance-free soap so as not to injure the crust. You can immerse yourself in the bath not earlier than 6-8 weeks after the operation, because. by this time, the inner surface of the uterus completely heals and the uterus returns to its normal state. A trip to the bath is possible only 2 months after the doctor's examination.
In order for the postoperative scar to dissolve faster, it can be lubricated with prednisolone ointment or CONTRACTUBEX gel. Numbness may be felt in the area of the scar for up to 3 months until the nerves cut during the operation are restored.
Of no small importance is the restoration of physical fitness after a caesarean section. From the first day, it is recommended to wear a postpartum bandage. The bandage relieves lower back pain, helps to maintain the correct posture, accelerates the restoration of muscle and skin elasticity, protects the seams from divergence, helping to heal the postoperative wound. However, it is undesirable to wear it for a long time, because. muscles have to work, contract. As a rule, the bandage is worn for several weeks after childbirth, focusing on the condition of the abdominal muscles and general well-being. Therapeutic exercises should be started 6 hours after the operation, gradually increasing its intensity. After removing the sutures and consulting a doctor, you can begin to perform exercises to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor and muscles of the anterior abdominal wall (Kegel exercise - compression and relaxation of the pelvic floor with a gradual increase in duration up to 20 seconds, retracting the abdomen, lifting the pelvis and other exercises), which causes a rush of blood to the pelvic organs and accelerates recovery. When performing exercises, not only the physical form is restored, but also endorphins are released - biologically active substances that improve the psychological state of a woman, reduce stress, feelings of depression, low self-esteem.
After the operation, it is not recommended to lift weights of more than 3-4 kg for 1.5-2 months. You can start more active activities 6 weeks after giving birth, taking into account the level of your physical fitness before pregnancy. The load is increased gradually, avoiding strength exercises on the upper body, because. this may reduce lactation. Active types of aerobics and running are not recommended. In the future, if possible, it is advisable to engage in an individual program with a trainer. After high-intensity training, lactic acid levels can increase, and as a result, the taste of milk deteriorates: it becomes sour, and the baby refuses the breast. Therefore, engaging in any kind of sport for a nursing woman is possible only at the end of breastfeeding, and not for lactating women - after the restoration of the menstrual cycle.
Sexual relations can be resumed 6-8 weeks after the operation, by visiting a gynecologist and consulting about the method of contraception.
Second and third births after cesarean
The gradual restoration of muscle tissue in the area of the scar on the uterus occurs within 1-2 years after the operation. About 30% of women after a caesarean section plan to have more children in the future. It is believed that the period 2-3 years after the caesarean section is more favorable for the onset of pregnancy and childbirth. The thesis “after caesarean section, childbirth through the birth canal is impossible” is now becoming irrelevant. For a number of reasons, many women attempt vaginal delivery after a caesarean section. In some institutions, the percentage of natural deliveries with a uterine scar after caesarean section is 40-60%.
The birth of a child is an amazing event in the life of every family. If problems appeared during pregnancy, or it was not possible to get pregnant for a long time for a number of reasons, as a rule, doctors decide to deliver the woman using a caesarean section (CS). This gives both the doctors and the woman the confidence that the birth will go well for both the mother and the baby. After all, a caesarean section is performed according to a well-known scheme, and variations in the course of childbirth are hardly possible. What can not be said about natural childbirth.
Condition in the first 3 days after caesarean section
All 9 months the woman has been patiently waiting for a meeting with her long-awaited miracle. The day of childbirth comes, the baby is born and, it would seem, what else to think about, except for maternal worries. But, unfortunately, in the first few days after childbirth, it will not be possible to devote yourself completely emotionally and physically to the child, since the consequences of the abdominal operation cannot pass without leaving a trace.
Cesarean section is now a common delivery option, previously it was done extremely rarely and in special cases.
When to get up after surgery
Firstly, you will not be able to get out of bed in the next few hours after a cesarean even with all your desire - spinal anesthesia will immobilize your legs for quite a long time. Emotionally, you can feel an upsurge, a surge of strength, because adrenaline was thrown into your blood at the time of childbirth. But physically after childbirth the body is weakened, and after the operation it is wounded and damaged.
Set yourself up for the fact that everything is behind you, the baby is healthy, everything is in order. Try to sleep, rest and relax. Restoring strength is your main task in the first day after childbirth.
After 8-10 hours, the legs will gradually “move away” from anesthesia, the sensitivity will return. But this also does not mean that you are ready to assume an upright position. All decisions in the postoperative period and the period of the mother in intensive care are taken by the attending physician. Immediately after entering the intensive care unit with a certain frequency, your blood pressure and pulse will be measured, the abundance of secretions, and the contractility of the uterus will be assessed. These indicators will allow doctors to get a picture of your condition after childbirth, it will depend on how quickly you are allowed to get up, sit down and stand up.
You should sit down for the first time after a caesarean only with the help of a nurse. You will most likely feel dizzy, and this is normal. If the dizziness passes quickly, then you can try to stand up. All movements must be done slowly and carefully. You won't be able to unfold completely right away. The first days you will walk slightly bent over, the pain in the suture area will not allow you to straighten up.
After the mother and child are transferred to the postpartum ward for a joint stay, it is advised not to stay too long and try to move more. Walk for short distances - along the ward, along the corridor. So the uterus will begin to contract faster, and this will also prevent the formation of postoperative adhesions.
In the future, during the recovery period, learn to gently get out of bed with your hand.
How much can not push after cesarean
Often after a caesarean section, women experience problems with bowel movements. Constipation and hemorrhoids may occur. Hemorrhoids can form both during pregnancy and after childbirth. This happens due to the pressure of the fetus on the rectum. Especially often this happens in the last period, when the mass of the fetus is maximum.
If you have hemorrhoids, you can not push at all. Otherwise, you risk aggravating the matter - cracks, bleeding, prolapse of the rectum at the time of emptying may appear. Use glycerin suppositories, they are safe for the child and will help to cope with the problem of constipation.
You can not push also in order to keep the seams intact. During straining, the muscles of the peritoneum become very tense, and the uterus also tenses. Despite the fact that after a cesarean the scar is well sewn (it cannot easily disperse), you should not overexert yourself until the stitches are removed.
To make it easier to go to the toilet in the first months after a caesarean section, eat vegetables, while remembering the breastfeeding diet.
When faced with constipation after a caesarean section, remember that this is a temporary phenomenon, and after a while your stool will return to normal
In the second pregnancy, I was able to "enjoy" the presence of hemorrhoids. It was small and not causing any problems. But after giving birth, I was faced with the problem of bowel movement. The stool was painful and infrequent. Tried to normalize the situation proper nutrition and an increase in fluid. Everything improved about 3 months after the CS.
How long does it take to remove the catheter
A urinary catheter is one of the annoyances of any operation. During anesthesia, the passage of urine cannot be controlled, so a catheter is inserted, while the urine is drained into a bag.
The color and volume of urine allow you to control the patient's condition during cesarean. The absence of blood in the urine is an indication that the bladder is not affected during the operation.
The first day the catheter will be in your bladder even after childbirth. During the period of anesthesia, its presence is not felt. Later, this causes a little discomfort.
The catheter is removed before you are transferred from intensive care to the postpartum ward. They will already make sure that you can urinate on your own after childbirth. It is also an indicator of the normal functioning of the body after delivery.
The catheter is taken out quickly, on a deep breath, as well as inserted.
Duration of the postpartum period after caesarean section
After a caesarean section, a woman recovers a little longer than after a natural birth (EP). As after any operation, injury to the integrity of tissues and organs slows down the recovery process. In the case of childbirth, this is the uterus and abdominal wall.
Due to trauma, the contractile function of the uterus slows down, and the process of excretion of lochia (postpartum discharge) also slows down. As a rule, cesarean women have fewer of them, so it takes more time to fully restore the uterus to its previous size.
After natural childbirth, the recovery period lasts up to 40 days, after CS about 60 days. Even if a woman has sutures in her perineum during EP, such sutures heal faster than the scar and sutures after CS.
Now, during childbirth, doctors use self-absorbable threads, which allows the woman not to remove the stitches, with the time of wound healing, the threads dissolve.
After 2 CS, my scar was also sewn with self-absorbable threads. But since I am a full woman, and even after the first COP, stretched with striae (stretch marks) and large fruit the stomach hangs like a bag, the healing of the sutures was difficult and long. On the 14th day, the gynecologist said that in my case it is still better to remove the stitches, otherwise they will dissolve for six months with such a sagging belly with excess subcutaneous fat. The stitches were removed by the surgeon, after which the pain became much less.
Take care of yourself during the recovery period after CS - do not lift heavy things, relax with your baby, spend more time outdoors
The recovery period of each woman lasts a different amount of time. It depends on many factors:
- individual characteristics. You can not equal all women under each other. Each birth is individual, the condition of the child is individual, the situation in the family, relations with her husband and many other factors affect the period of complete recovery of a woman after CS;
- psychological condition. It depends entirely on environment- relationships with spouse, relatives, mother's readiness to give herself completely to the baby, etc.;
- physical state. Every woman's pain threshold is different. Someone after a few days forgets about the pain, and someone else for a long time cannot sleep peacefully, fully care for the child;
- presence/absence of complications. This factor can be attributed to the physical condition. After all, if after surgery a woman has complications in the form of suppuration of the sutures or the discovery of placental remains in the uterine cavity, there is no question of the completion of the recovery period. Additional difficulties will only increase this period, as well as leave unpleasant sensations in the memory, which will add emotions to the general psychological state women after childbirth.
Recovery plan after caesarean section
Since CS is a surgical intervention, the number one task will be to prevent complications. To do this, without fail in the maternity hospital, the newly-made mother receives injections of oxytocin for timely contraction of the uterus. The delay in the excretion of lochia, which are released at the time of uterine contraction, can cause the most common complication - the presence of the placenta and its parts in the uterus. In this case, the woman inevitably goes to the hospital, where they clean the uterine cavity.
Depending on the condition of the scar and sutures, antibiotics may also be prescribed for 5-7 days. You should not refuse this measure either. Antibiotics will not allow the inflammatory process to progress, and will greatly alleviate the patient's condition.
Don't forget to take painkillers as well. After the CS, they are placed from the very moment of childbirth until discharge from the hospital. Even if it seems to you that the condition has improved, do not refuse an anesthetic injection, perhaps the previous administration of the drug is still valid. And this means that after the termination of its action, you will fully feel all the pain. This is useless, because the mother should be calm and adequate.
With a favorable course of the postpartum period after CS, antibiotics are not prescribed.
For a speedy recovery, start physical activity on the first day after childbirth. Try to sit and lie down more often, but carefully. Do a light warm-up with your feet right on the bed. The main thing is not to strain the stomach, so as not to compromise the integrity of the seams.
Seam healing
In order for the suture to heal faster, even in the maternity hospital it is regularly treated with antiseptic solutions. Often this is a solution of manganese, which disinfects the skin and dries the injection sites on the seam.
Self-absorbable threads should dissolve already 7–8 days after CS. After that, still continue to process the seam at home until complete healing.
You can also use sterile dressings so that the seam does not come into contact with the linen, and clothes do not press on it.
If there is hyperemia (redness) on the seam, additional treatment may be prescribed - for example, Xeroform powder.
Xeroform is a powder that has a yellow color, a slight specific smell, is prepared in the prescription department of pharmacies
Alternating with a solution of manganese, Xeroform is applied to the seam. It has a disinfecting, astringent and drying effect.
Even in the hospital, you can be assigned procedures in the physical room - UHF and electrophoresis. These procedures help tissues recover and regenerate faster. After discharge, the gynecologist may additionally prescribe a number of procedures.
Xeroform helped me a lot. The healing of the suture was slow and painful. Relatives brought this wonderful powder to the maternity hospital. And even after discharge, my husband applied it to my healing suture.
Restoration of the menstrual cycle
The resumption of menstruation after CS will depend on the presence or absence of breastfeeding (BF). With GV, the first menstruation after childbirth will come in 6-12 months. If this does not happen, do not delay the visit to the doctor. With artificial feeding, menstruation can begin 2–3 months after CS. Regularity is also built up over several months.
Postpartum lochia is not related to postpartum menstruation, so comparing these two processes is not worth it.
Important! Do not forget that the presence of HB does not protect a woman from pregnancy.
Although during this period the work of the reproductive system of a young mother is controlled by the hormone prolactin, which inhibits the work of the ovaries and suppresses ovulation, pregnancy is still possible, this should not be forgotten. In a situation where a woman becomes pregnant during HB, weather is born. In the case of CS, it is recommended to avoid pregnancy for two years in order to restore and completely heal the scar on the uterus. Having a baby a year after CS is a big risk for mom and baby.
Pay attention to the regularity and abundance of menstruation after CS. If the discharge is too abundant or, on the contrary, scanty, make an appointment with your doctor for a consultation.
Figure restoration
Of course, after a caesarean section, every woman dreams of getting rid of the belly stretched during pregnancy. This is the most problematic part of the body after childbirth. Also, a young mother may be disturbed by stretch marks and cellulite. During pregnancy, the activity of the body decreases, the lifestyle becomes less mobile, corresponding defects in the skin and the figure as a whole appear.
There is no need to hurry with the introduction of sports into postpartum life. It is recommended to include in the recovery plan no earlier than 6 months after the CS. The best exercise in the fight against a sagging stomach is the swing of the press. The first short exercises for the press should be done no earlier than 4-6 weeks after the operation.
In the first months, it is better not to use dumbbells at all. After the restoration and healing of the sutures, start introducing weighting agents from the smallest weight, but not more than 3–4 kg.
The recovery plan after the COP should not start with sports such as:
- Athletics;
- volleyball, basketball and any other active ball sports
- tennis;
- Weightlifting;
- active cycling.
I had an emergency CS. I gained +25 kg during pregnancy. And I look great now. The child is 1.5 years old. 170 height, weight 51 kg. Everything is as before childbirth. And the seam is almost invisible. Thin thread. But I didn't sit idle. 1.5 months after the CS, I was already running at the stadium. At home, while the child was sleeping, she shook the press, did sit-ups, shook her hands daily. I have always been involved in sports, so this is a joy for me. A contrast shower is required every evening. Olive oil rubbed into the skin daily. I began to drink water - 2-3 liters of water daily, before I could not drink so much water. The child has diathesis, it bled out, so she ate very little food. And she lost a lot of weight. I will not paint, but from 4 months I was on IV, and my hormones returned to normal, the weight returned to my former native.
4. Guest
Without the inclusion of sports in life, it will be extremely difficult to get rid of a sagging belly and return to its previous shape.
Create your own workout program to do at home. We recommend that you include basic and simple exercises in it:
- In the position on the side, alternately do leg raises without bending them at the knees. The toe of the foot should be facing you.
- Do lunges on all fours. Simultaneously raise the arm and leg of opposite limbs (left leg/right arm, right leg/left arm). In this case, the head is a continuation of the neck and should be in line with it. Hold your arm and leg up for a few seconds.
- In the supine position, inflate and retract the stomach. At the same time, the hands lie under the head, the legs are bent at the knees and slightly apart. Inflate your belly as you inhale, retract as you exhale.
- Lie on your side, one arm is bent at the elbow and holds your head, the other lies in front of you. The leg on which you are lying must be lifted up as far as possible, the second leg is in front of you. Then the sides need to be changed.
- Wall squats. Stand close to the wall. Feel the contact with the wall of the shoulder blades and buttocks. Do slow squats, trying not to tear off the shoulder blades and buttocks.
In addition to sports, nutrition plays an important role. By including sports loads, but without changing the diet, you will not be able to achieve the desired results. Calories lost in training will come back with the wrong food.
It is advisable to exclude sweets, bakery products from the diet, add more vegetables, water, greens.
I have two children, the youngest is 5 years old. I can only tell you about stretch marks, excess weight (it was +15) and cellulite. So, I got rid of all this after giving birth for about 6-8 months. What I did: I drank 2 liters of water a day (I didn’t feel like drinking, but I forced myself), I stopped eating sweets, pasta and potatoes, I did body wraps with red pepper twice a week, I used a hot scrub in the shower (I don’t remember the name, in orange jar) + smeared with creams of the same company. I did not remove stretch marks with a laser, I only used these products. I can say that now the skin is very beautiful, the whole body is tightened.
Lilka
http://www.woman.ru/beauty/body/thread/4486229/
Walking is a great start. They will allow you to expend energy, but at the same time not overstrain the damaged muscles.
Video. Leslie Sansone Walking with Leslie Sansone 1 Mile
I myself tried classes with Leslie Sanson. Great workouts - not a driving pace, but at the same time I was sweating and losing grams of excess weight with each session.
Breast reconstruction
In addition to figure flaws, any woman after childbirth is faced with the problem of breast changes - the skin becomes flabby, weak, the breasts are no longer elastic and tightened. All this happens along with a change in processes in the breast - during pregnancy, adipose tissue is replaced by glandular tissue, thus, the mammary glands are preparing to feed the child. After childbirth, with the cessation of lactation, the glandular tissue should again be replaced by adipose tissue, but, firstly, this process cannot happen instantly, and secondly, in any case, stretched skin cannot become the same.
But do not panic, over time, and also thanks to your efforts, breasts can be given a beautiful and seductive look.
To do this, it is necessary to act from different sides, namely:
- Make your diet right. Include more amino acids and vitamins in your diet. Such nutrition will be beneficial to the body as a whole.
- Physical exercises. There are special exercises for the chest. Change your daily routine to include chest exercises.
- Help restore breast skin with masks and other cosmetics.
- Do contrast baths while taking a shower.
- Additionally, make a course of massage, if possible.
This set of exercises is not difficult and will not take much time to complete.
Here are some exercises to help you get in shape:
- Clenching hands. Stand up, feet shoulder width apart. Connect your palms and resist one another. Hold your hands in tension for 1-2 minutes. Then relax your arms and lower them. Repeat the exercise 5 times.
- Squeezing the ball. Take the ball, spread your elbows to the sides, put your palms on the ball. Try to squeeze the ball with your palms, holding the pose for 1-2 minutes.
- Lifting dumbbells. To perform the exercise, use small dumbbells (2-3 kg). Stretch your arms with dumbbells in front of you, slightly apart. Alternately bend and unbend your arms. Watch for even breathing. Do the exercise for 2-3 minutes.
- Scissors. Perform cross movements with your hands, changing the position of your hands from above / below. Keep an even pace. Watch your breath. Do this exercise for 2-3 minutes.
- Tilts with dumbbells. Take dumbbells, bend your elbows and spread them apart so that your elbows are directed away from you. Without straightening your elbows, raise and lower your arms to the sides. The body should be tilted slightly forward.
- Hands up. Get into the starting position. Press your hands to the side of the thigh, clench your fingers into fists. At the same time, raise your arms to the sides until your shoulders drop, then lower them. Repeat the exercise for 1-2 minutes.
- Push-ups 1. Go to a free wall and lean against it with your palms. Start pushing up from the wall without leaning your body against it. Do the exercise for 1-2 minutes.
- Push-ups 2. Place your palms against the wall and bend your elbows, pressing them to your body. In this position, do push-ups for 1-2 minutes.
An alternative to exercise is swimming in the pool. If you can afford that luxury if you have baby, it will have a wonderful effect on all muscle groups in your body. During swimming, the chest is perfectly tightened.
Restoration of hair, teeth and nails after CS
Hair, teeth and nails begin to suffer catastrophically even during pregnancy. You don’t have to think about it for a long time, everything is understandable - the child grows, the skeleton is formed, the rudiments of teeth, hair grows. The fetus, like any other living being, needs calcium for life. The baby in the stomach extracts calcium at the expense of the mother. That is why teeth and nails are simply a disaster. To maintain the level of calcium in the body, pregnant women are prescribed vitamin-mineral complexes.
After childbirth, it is worth continuing to take them. In pharmacies, such complexes are sold in a great variety, for every wallet.
Don't forget to add calcium-rich foods to your diet as well. These include hard cheese, black bread, milk, shrimp, cabbage, cottage cheese, sour cream, leek, dried fruits.
Calcium deficiency is manifested in fatigue, irritability, anxiety
Important! Calcium is fully absorbed only with sufficient levels of vitamin D. We get it from sunlight, or in the form of fish oil or an aqueous solution of vitamin D.
Can also be used for hair restoration vitamin complexes for the whole body, or specifically for the hair.
Photo gallery: vitamin complexes for restoring hair and nails
Contains biotin - a vitamin for hair, the cost is about 400 rubles
Contains a large amount of vitamin E, the approximate cost is 750 rubles
This complex has collected a lot of positive feedback on improving the condition of nails, hair and skin, 650 rubles
As part of the yeast, which have a positive effect on the condition of the hair, about 400 rubles
Also use masks. A large assortment of masks is now available in stores, or at home, you can use products to strengthen and restore hair. For example, burdock oil. It is very effective for growth, because the problem of hair loss is very relevant for women after childbirth.
After the first and second births, my hair climbed very strongly. Once I even thought that I need to see a doctor, because so much hair cannot be left on a comb just like that. Over time, everything returned to normal. I used burdock oil and restoring purchased masks.
Recovery of digestion and metabolism
To restore metabolism after childbirth, and, accordingly, digestion, you should adjust your lifestyle to a healthy one, which includes healthy eating, sports, walking.
Starving to achieve such a goal is wrong, because after childbirth a woman breastfeeds a child and must eat well so that milk is nutritious and healthy for the baby.
Eating should be in small portions, so the body will not be able to store strategic reserves in the form of fat. Include fresh vegetables, more fruits, fresh fish, cottage cheese, liver, eggs in your diet. Be sure to periodically breakfast cereals. If possible, give up sweets, foods containing a large amount of sugar - this is false food for the body.
By the way, when fasting, the metabolism decreases, so provide yourself with food for the whole day. It is better to think over meals in the evening, it would be right to prepare food in advance for each meal and arrange it in containers. So you definitely won't eat anything wrong.
Restoring metabolism will also help compliance with sleep and activity. It is very important. In order for the body to function properly, it must have a sufficient amount of time to rest and stay awake.
Spend more time outdoors. Let it be just walking with a stroller. The main thing is not to sit too long on the bench, but to walk and move.
Moderate exercise will also help improve digestion and metabolism after CS. There will be no stagnation of peristalsis during movement and light load.
Posture restoration
The spoiled posture lies all in the same 9 months of pregnancy. A woman gets used to walking with a duck gait, waddling from side to side. The abdomen protrudes, since it did not need to be kept taut throughout the pregnancy, the muscles have lost the habit of being in a constant tone. The fetus in the abdomen, plus amniotic fluid and the weight of the uterus - all this makes a woman violate the correct posture, a heavy load pulls forward. And so the whole pregnancy, with increasing weighting in front.
Incorrect posture is just a habit that can and should be fought, because the habit, as you know, is developed within 21 days.
It turns out that disturbed posture and gait is a habit that involuntarily became the norm for a woman after childbirth. And with any habit it is necessary and possible to fight.
- try to control yourself. It is clear that after childbirth with baby it is difficult, but nothing is impossible for a woman. It is so? Pull yourself up with your inner self. Do not be lazy to be beautiful, even with a lot of worries in your head;
- use a corset. On sale there are corsets that will control your posture. They can be worn both at home and worn under clothing even outside the home;
- Don't give up wearing heels completely. When you put on a heel or a hairpin, you will involuntarily straighten up, because this is the only way to keep your balance. Do not torment yourself if you do not like such shoes after childbirth. Wear heels occasionally, on occasion;
- get a massage. The specialist will help to relax the muscles of the back and neck, relieve tension.
Video: beautiful posture after childbirth - stoop exercises
Recovery of the pelvic floor muscles
After a caesarean section, not only the muscles of the abdominal wall suffer, the muscles of the pelvic floor also weaken during pregnancy. To feel desired and enjoy intimacy with your husband, learn to train your muscles.
If you have never come across this information and do not know what condition your pelvic floor muscles are in, note the following symptoms in yourself:
- reduced sensitivity;
- vaginal dryness is felt;
- pain during intercourse;
- you hear the sound of air escaping during intercourse;
- feeling of distension of the vagina.
If you have noted two or more signs in yourself, then we can say that your intimate muscles are stretched. Don't despair, the pelvic floor muscles can be perfectly trained.
With the help of special Kegel exercises, you can do your sexual life brighter and more varied
- after training, the vagina narrows, becomes more elastic, ribbed;
- you will be able to solve problems with achieving orgasm;
- such exercises serve as the prevention of urinary incontinence;
- you will save yourself from prolapse of the pelvic organs with age;
- trained muscles will prolong the woman's youth and the moment of the onset of menopause will be postponed.
It is best to start training intimate muscles even before childbirth, then the process of delivery will be easier (we are talking about natural childbirth):
Kegel exercises are simple at first glance, but in fact they can turn out far from the first time.
- Tighten your pelvic floor muscles upwards and inward, standing shoulder-width apart, palms resting on your buttocks.
- Tighten your pelvic floor muscles up and inward while kneeling (on all fours) with your head resting on your hands.
- Lying on your stomach and bending one leg at the knee, relax and tighten the muscles of the pelvic floor in turn.
- Lie on your back, bend your knees and spread your legs apart. One hand lies under the buttocks, the other on the stomach. Relax and tighten your pelvic floor muscles with your palms.
- Sitting cross-legged and straightening your back, tighten your muscles in an upward and inward direction, as if breaking away from the floor.
- Legs to the sides, hands rest on the knees, the body is tilted forward, the muscles of the pelvic floor are tense. Pull your muscles up and in.
In addition to exercises to restore the muscles of the pelvic floor, you can use special intimate simulators. As a rule, these simulators look like balls connected by a thread. To use such balls at home, knowledge and skills in their use are required. Otherwise, you can only harm the mucous membrane of the internal genital organs. Before use, consult a specialist.
Choose simulators from high-quality materials so as not to harm the internal organs and not to infect
Navel restoration
A change in the muscles of the umbilical ring is called an umbilical hernia. It occurs in women after childbirth, when a huge belly grows during pregnancy and often after CS. We can fix this ailment, it is possible to restore the muscles of the navel.
During pregnancy, a fetus, especially a large one, presses hard on the abdominal wall, which causes weakening of the muscles of the umbilical ring. It also happens if a woman is concerned about constipation, this phenomenon occurs already in the last stages of pregnancy. Excess weight also plays a big role in weakening these muscles.
You can fight an umbilical hernia with the help of antispasmodics, it is also recommended to strengthen the muscles of the abdominal wall with abdominal exercises and wear a special bandage.
Important! Press exercises should be postponed until the postpartum discharge stops.
To prevent the appearance of an umbilical hernia, women are recommended before pregnancy:
- keep your weight under control and fight with its excess;
- play sports and keep muscles, including the muscles of the abdominal wall, in good shape;
- during pregnancy, it is mandatory to use a prenatal bandage. It will help the muscles to be in the correct position.
An umbilical hernia is a fusion of a scar after a CS
Psychological recovery
From a psychological point of view, a woman often experiences difficulties after childbirth. They manifest as depression and fatigue. Often, it is after a caesarean section that a young mother blames herself for not being able to “give birth normally”, “failing to cope”, that the birth of a baby seemed to pass her by. More often, such thoughts are visited by women who have a CS happened urgently. It is believed that when the COP is planned and appointed in advance, future mother there is time to prepare for this thought, to think it over and think it over.
The operation is especially difficult psychologically for opponents of the CS, who are sure that only natural childbirth can go smoothly and positively for the child. It is difficult for such women in the postpartum period. They were definitely not prepared for this turn of events.
Be sure to attend courses for pregnant women, where there is a topic of caesarean section. Ask the facilitator to elaborate on certain issues. Get maximum information, ask questions, discuss and get rid of fears.
All the fault in the postpartum period is the restructuring of hormones. It is she who makes the mood change, return to the day of childbirth, think over the details. In a way, this is even the norm, indeed hormonal background women change after childbirth, just as it changes during pregnancy.
If you feel that there are more and more negative thoughts, the mood is getting worse, do not hesitate - seek help from a psychologist, because the baby needs a cheerful and healthy mother who loves, cares and enjoys every day of motherhood.
If in a moment of postpartum depression it seems that it doesn’t matter to you what will happen next, then remember your baby - he depends on you not only physically in terms of feeding, walking and bathing, but also emotionally. Charge your child only with positive emotions.
Remember that you are the conductor of mood and general condition from mother to baby.
Honestly, after two births I did not experience psychological problems Both pregnancies are desired. But in the environment I met women with the manifestation of postpartum depression to one degree or another. Consultation with a psychologist, or at least the support of loved ones, is essential for a woman during this period. Do not withdraw into yourself, do not ignore the help, and everything will gradually improve.
How to recover from a caesarean section if the mother is over 35 years old
Now more and more women give birth after 35-40 years, there are cases when the first-born appears in the family at this age.
Children are always a great happiness for a married couple. It is said that pregnancy makes a woman younger. All this is fine, if not for some BUT:
- with age, the woman becomes more aggravated chronic diseases. Bearing a child is not an easy task at any age, the older the mother, the greater the load she experiences during pregnancy;
- pregnancy after 35 is considered difficult, as there is a high risk of chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, etc .;
- while maintaining a pregnancy at a late age, a woman should think about what the future of this child will be. After all, every year the age of the mother does not become less, no one guarantees a long life and not burdened by age-related diseases.
The postpartum recovery period after age 35 may be slightly longer. It depends on the health of the new mother.
Be sure to carefully examine before pregnancy, if it is planned. If not, then after the birth of a child, visit specialists in precisely those areas in which your health is “lame”, since pregnancy hits the weak points of the body. The load during the bearing of the baby can affect the organs and organ systems that bothered before pregnancy.
It also happens that despite life experience and the possible repeated experience of motherhood, it is difficult for a woman after 35–40 years to endure sleepless nights, lack of free time, and a heavy load of household chores. In order not to regret the birth of a late child, seek the help of a specialist in time. It will help you understand yourself and see the world of a happy mother in a new way.
Being a mother is happiness for a woman, but any issue must be approached wisely
What can help in recovery after a caesarean section
Every woman after a CS wants to return to her previous shape as soon as possible. This applies to both physical and emotional abilities. I want to be like before pregnancy.
For a quick recovery, use a few tips:
- Start walking as soon as possible after surgery. This will prevent the formation of adhesions and help to quickly move away from anesthesia and its consequences;
- wear a bandage. Put it on in the first few days after the CS, of course, with the permission of the doctor. The bandage will help to keep weakened abdominal muscles, the scar will be at rest, the seams will be covered and protected from damage, pressed. This will ease coughing and sneezing;
- Don't forget compression underwear. The CS operation must be performed strictly in compression stockings. They are also recommended to be worn after childbirth for some time. They will prevent the development of thrombosis;
- observe the hygiene of the seams. Treat the seam even after discharge from the hospital, until complete healing. Cover it with a sterile dressing to prevent contamination and mechanical damage;
- observe the sleep and rest regimen. Sleep with your baby if possible;
- walk more and be outdoors. Oxygen is useful for tissue regeneration and the general condition of the body;
- eat well. Your body needs strength to recover. Include iron-rich foods in your diet. Women who have given birth often have anemia;
- drink vitamins. The child during the period of being in the stomach grew thanks to your vitamins and microelements. It is necessary to replenish their supply;
- drink more water. This will be useful both for lactation and for the timely emptying of the intestines and bladder.
Video: fast recovery after caesarean section
Video: how to survive a caesarean section
If a caesarean section is due according to indications, then take it for granted, communicate more with the doctor, consult, gain information. If you are considering whether to choose natural childbirth or CS, and think that CS is an alternative to painful and painful childbirth, then read the information about the recovery period and be prepared for them.
Recovery after caesarean - this is how motherhood begins in women who, for medical reasons, had to give up the prospect of natural childbirth. This difficult process requires patience and increased attention to one's own health - it is possible to return to full-fledged physical activity only after 2 months, during which it is necessary to put up with prohibitions and work on oneself in order to ensure the full healing of internal and external seams.
Technique for caesarean section
Indications for cesarean section (CS) are absolute, in which the exit of the fetus through the birth canal is impossible, and relative, when the natural course of childbirth is accompanied by risks. It should be noted that with the development of medicine, the list of indications is becoming wider: a number of diagnoses for which caesarean section was considered one of the alternatives are now transferred to the category of absolute ones.
There is also the possibility of conducting a CS at the will of a woman, without medical indications. How justified is this choice? Experts give arguments for and against based on theory, their own experience and statistical research, but their beliefs on this issue can lead to diametrically opposite conclusions: some campaign for natural childbirth, others talk about the benefits of surgery. At the same time, modern medical technologies are being improved in both directions.
Cesarean section is carried out in a planned or emergency order. In cases where the decision on surgical intervention is made before the onset of labor, the patient can receive detailed information from the doctor about the methods of anesthesia, tissue dissection and suturing. The technique is chosen depending on the state of health of the mother and fetus, the anatomical location of the internal organs, the characteristics of the tissues of the abdominal wall and uterus, as well as the professional skills of the surgeon.
The incision of the abdominal wall can be:
- lower middle - from the connection of the pubic bones to the navel, is used to quickly extract the fetus;
- transverse - in the pubic area, has several variations, with this technique, peritoneal tissues are more easily restored.
There are a number of techniques for dissecting the uterus, the use of which does not depend on the method of opening the abdominal wall, but in practice, each surgeon has his own well-developed technique. The choice of method of anesthesia (epidural, spinal anesthesia or general anesthesia) depends on the decision of the anesthesiologist. With partial anesthesia, if there is no need for resuscitation, the child is given to the mother's arms immediately after extraction. Synthetic absorbable materials are used for suturing.
Stages of a caesarean section:
- Preparation: the necessary tests are given and the time of the operation is scheduled. The stomach is cleaned, the corresponding area of the skin is disinfected, a catheter is placed to drain urine.
- Anesthesia: with partial anesthesia, a screen is placed to block the viewing area for the patient.
- Surgical intervention: dissection of the peritoneum, opening of the uterus, removal of the child, cutting of the umbilical cord and removal of the placenta, sequential suturing.
- Postoperative period: at least a day the patient needs to lie in the intensive care unit. Being under constant supervision, women move away from anesthesia, the risks of unforeseen complications and reactions are eliminated. Then, inpatient treatment with drugs is prescribed to normalize the contractile function of the uterus, restore urination and work. gastrointestinal tract. If necessary, analgesics and antibiotics are administered.
Risks during the operation and possible complications
Hospitalization before surgery (from 1 day to 2 weeks) depends on medical indications for monitoring the condition of the mother and child, supporting and diagnostic procedures, the decision on discharge is made according to the same parameters. Inpatient postoperative treatment in the maternity hospital lasts an average of 5-7 days.
The use of caesarean section is the main factor in reducing the statistics of neonatal mortality, but surgery also affects them:
- a certain portion of drugs penetrates into the baby's circulatory system, which can lead to intoxication, inhibition of the respiratory reflex, painful lethargy and passivity in the first days of life;
- fluid and mucus are not completely expelled from the lungs, which can lead to pneumonia;
- pressure drops during the extraction of the child can provoke microoutflows into the brain;
- the general adaptability of the body is reduced, because, at birth, without stress, hormones are not produced that are responsible for the adaptation of the newborn to the external environment.
A woman in labor may experience the following complications:
- The formation of pathological adhesions in the intestines and ligaments that hold the organs genitourinary system. This may be the result of a protracted operation, blood entering the abdominal cavity and amniotic fluid, inflammatory processes. Leads to intestinal obstruction, tubal infertility, bending of the uterus and menstrual irregularities.
- Postoperative hernia and functional damage to the muscles of the abdominal cavity associated with defects in tissue suturing. They lead to indigestion, back pain, prolapse of the vagina, uterus, and the formation of an umbilical hernia.
- Nerve root injury during spinal and epidural anesthesia (see also:). Leads to back pain, tremors and numbness of the limbs.
- Postpartum endometritis - infection of the inner layer of the uterus with various pathogens, manifests itself a few days after cesarean and occurs due to a decrease in the protective functions of the body. Leads to pain in the abdomen, atypical discharge, fever.
Unfortunately, both the natural course of childbirth and surgical intervention are not immune from unforeseen circumstances. In the case of a caesarean section, we can talk about a common set of risks inherent in all abdominal operations that arise due to reactions to anesthesia, heavy blood loss, blood clots.
To prevent risks, the main role is played by:
- adequate choice of methods for performing surgery and rehabilitation;
- compliance with the standards for the duration of surgical intervention;
- the quality of the medicines and suture materials used;
- postoperative therapy;
- qualifications of the surgeon and medical staff.
Recovery period
After a caesarean section, time is needed for the healing of injured tissues and postpartum hormonal changes. You have to stay for a week in the hospital, then endure constant aching pains that keep you in suspense and limit movement, establish a regimen and nutrition, and at the same time get used to maternal duties. Communication with the child and the support of loved ones greatly facilitate the situation, but even in this case, the desire to recover quickly often leads to overload, which only prolongs the painful period.
Wearing a bandage
A specially designed bandage fixes the abdominal organs, helps to prevent their prolapse and alleviates pain. Its wearing is possible only with a good condition of the seam and normal bowel function. In the first 4 weeks after the operation, the bandage is put on for 3-4 hours a day, especially when you need to get up, sit and walk. After it, you can switch to wearing tight underwear.
Postpartum bandage
Nutrition Features
The selection of the diet is aimed at replenishing iron deficiency, restoring digestion and water metabolism, and ensuring lactation. During the period when you still have to lie down for a long time, you need to consume more fiber to prevent constipation. General recommendations relate to the exclusion of fried, salty, smoked foods, the need for fractional nutrition. It is recommended to individually exclude products that cause gas formation. You can drink a special course of vitamins for nursing mothers.
Intimate life and sports
Regardless of physical fitness, a return to usual sports is possible only 6 months after the operation. Overload, as well as excessive restriction of movement, can complicate the healing process. Special gentle exercises aimed at preventing varicose veins and thrombophlebitis, working out the pelvic muscles should be performed daily with a gradual increase in multiplicity.
Hygiene and seam care
The suture in the maternity hospital is cared for by the medical staff, and by the day of discharge, the discharge from the wound stops, the sutures are removed or dissolve. At home, it is necessary to ensure sterility and protection of the affected area from mechanical damage. Disinfectants and healing agents are used. The cosmetic appearance of the scar depends on the characteristics of the organism. Corrective measures (laser resurfacing, photo-correction) should be postponed for at least a year.
Sleep and rest mode
The process of physiological and psychological recovery is individual, but in any case, the mother should spend as much time with the child as possible, and at the same time she needs to sleep as needed.
At first, loved ones should protect her from intermittent sleep at night and assist in any activity that requires physical exertion, for example, bathing the baby or rocking him in her arms. A gradual transition from bed to normal mode is carried out by performing exercises in walking and sitting several times a day.
Breastfeeding after surgery
Lactation may start late, and there is also a certain risk of lack or shortage of breast milk, so supplementation with mixtures is inevitable. Doctors advise not to leave attempts to accustom the child to, take him in his arms more often and apply to the chest not according to the schedule, but on demand. If the baby is already accustomed to the nipple, you need to express milk and try to maintain lactation even in small volumes.
Reception of analgesics is stopped even in the maternity hospital, and doctors do not advise stopping pain, using them as an indicator of physical activity. Pain allows you to dose physical exercises, suggest how to get out of bed correctly, how much time to spend on your feet or in a sitting position.
The consequence of anesthesia may be a paroxysmal cough caused by the accumulation of mucus in the bronchi. To avoid divergence of the seams, you need to control this process by holding the place of the seam with your palms and coughing on a strong exhalation.
What absolutely cannot be done?
Life after a caesarean section gets better only with time, and the rehabilitation process is not only extended in time, but also cannot be clearly predicted. It is important to understand that prohibitions are measures to prevent complications that allow you to shorten the recovery period and spend it at home, next to the child.
The first item on the list of restrictions is a ban on lifting weights more than 3 kg until complete scarring of the uterine tissue occurs. During this period, you should also not make sudden movements, such as pulling up or bending over. In the first months after the operation, you should not take hot baths.
It is important to move away from the stereotype that restrictions can be lifted if the pain has stopped and the stitch on the abdomen has tightened. Complications from internal inflammatory processes and abnormal scarring of the uterus can be hidden, so it is important not to ignore the alarm signals and not violate the prohibitions that the doctor has imposed based on the individual characteristics of the patient.
In what cases should you immediately consult a doctor?
Depending on the intensity of the symptoms, you should call an ambulance or contact your doctor if:
- increased body temperature;
- there are atypical discharges;
- the seam is inflamed;
- weakness, dizziness, vomiting, acute pain appeared.
Lack of stool and problems with urination are also an alarm signal that requires specialist advice. Complications after CS can also appear after the recovery period, even years after the operation. Regardless of how you feel, you need to undergo examinations by a gynecologist every six months and seek medical help for pain in the abdominal cavity and menstrual irregularities.
After a caesarean section, as after any abdominal surgery, a long rehabilitation period is required. In order for the body to recover after surgery without complications, you should strictly follow all the recommendations of doctors, carefully care for the suture, visit the necessary specialists in a timely manner, and do gentle physical exercises.
Surgical delivery is performed in cases where natural childbirth poses a danger to the life and health of the mother and child. Despite the fact that caesarean section is one of the safest and most common operations, the percentage of complications after it is quite high, and a young mother will need much more time to recover than in the case of physiological childbirth.
Postoperative period
After the operation, the puerperal is in the operating unit under the supervision of an anesthesiologist, an obstetrician-gynecologist and other specialists. In the absence of contraindications, already 6 hours after the birth of a child, it is recommended to carry out simple gymnastics:
- gently turn from side to side without getting up from the bed;
- stroke the stomach clockwise without affecting the seam area;
- stroke the chest, sides and lower back with movements from the bottom up;
- tense and relax the buttocks and thighs;
- holding the seam area with your palm, cough slightly and take deep breaths with your stomach;
- pull your toes towards you;
- without taking your heels off the bed, rotate your feet;
- slightly bend your knees, alternately sliding your soles along the sheet.
For the prevention of congestion, edema, and thromboembolism, a certain motor regimen is necessary. During rehabilitation, physical exercises should be performed several times a day, gradually increasing the intensity and number of movements.
You should not do gymnastics through strength or if you feel unwell, but physical activity cannot be neglected. It should be remembered that slight dizziness and weakness are normal after surgery.
If a woman feels well after a caesarean section, she is allowed to sit down already on the first day after childbirth. To do this, you need to slowly turn on your side, pushing your pelvis to the edge of the bed, put your feet on the floor and gently raise your head and body, leaning on your hands.
By the end of the first day after a caesarean section, you can get up on your feet with the help of a nurse. You need to rise carefully, without making sudden movements and all the time holding on to the back of the bed. Before you take the first step, it is recommended to stand a little and make sure own forces. So that the seam does not begin to diverge, the walking time should be increased gradually, and always get out of bed with a straight back and slightly leaning forward.
On the second day, in the absence of complaints, the woman is transferred to the general ward for postpartum therapy.
During the stay in the hospital, the patient is prescribed the following drugs as medical support:
- painkillers within two to three days after childbirth;
- antibiotics as a prophylaxis of infectious complications (most often used after emergency delivery);
- means to accelerate uterine contraction;
- medicines to normalize the work of the stomach and intestines;
- antiseptics for seam treatment.
Suture materials from the incision on the abdomen are removed approximately 7-8 days after the caesarean section. The exception is subcutaneous sutures, which dissolve on their own within a few weeks after application. It is allowed to take a shower and wet the suture only after the postoperative scar is formed. The seam area should not be rubbed with a washcloth, and after washing, be sure to blot dry with a napkin or soft towel and treat with antiseptic preparations.
Possible complications and consequences
The most common complications of surgical delivery include:
- damage in the suture area (inflammation, suppuration, prolonged pain syndrome);
- infectious and inflammatory lesions of the pelvic organs (adnexitis, parametritis, endometritis);
- anemia as a result of extensive blood loss;
- thromboembolism;
- umbilical hernia, diastasis (divergence) of the rectus abdominis muscles;
- adhesive formations in the abdominal cavity affecting the uterus, ovaries, intestines;
- endometriosis;
- prolonged healing of the dissected walls of the uterus.
A significant part of the possible consequences can be avoided by drug therapy using the latest generation of antibiotics and other drugs in accordance with the doctor's prescription.
Among the mandatory measures before the operation is the consultation of the expectant mother with an anesthesiologist and other specialists, which allows minimizing the risk of complications, taking into account the woman's health status, the presence of chronic diseases and hereditary predisposition.
Among the short-term and, as a rule, not requiring special treatment, the consequences of surgical intervention include weakness, drowsiness, dizziness and nausea.
If general anesthesia was used as anesthesia, many patients in the first hours after cesarean section are worried about coughing, dryness and sore throat. With a strong cough, it is necessary to hold the seam with your hand or press a pillow to your stomach. Another common problem is difficulty urinating, which can be provoked by a catheter placed during the operation.
If the time of urinary retention is more than 12 hours, it is necessary to inform the observing specialist. In the event that it is still impossible to urinate on your own, the doctor will have to resort to the help of a catheter again, and the patient will need to consult a nephrologist.
The operation of caesarean section does not pass without a trace for newborns. Small amounts of mucus and amniotic fluid are often deposited in their lungs and airways, which can trigger the growth of pathogenic flora and the development of pneumonia.
If the surgery was performed under general anesthesia, a small part of the drugs manages to get into the child's bloodstream, causing lethargy, drowsiness and weakness. Sometimes there are cases of asphyxia and breathing problems as a result of side effects of anesthetics.
The adaptation of a newborn to environmental conditions is slower than in naturally born babies. It has been established that the long-term consequences of the operation may be hyperactivity, a slight delay in growth and weight gain.
Diet
On the first day of the rehabilitation period, nutrients enter the mother's body intravenously. To stimulate digestion, it is allowed to drink clean water without gas in small portions with a slice of lemon.
Then liquid food appears in the woman's diet: chicken or meat broth, vegetable broth, diluted kefir or low-fat yogurt without additives. On the third day, you can eat viscous cereals, boiled chopped dietary meat (beef, rabbit, turkey), mashed cottage cheese. From drinks, weak tea, compote, jelly are allowed. By the fourth day, the menu includes Rye bread, mashed potatoes, thin soup, steamed fish, some fruit.
Starting from the fifth day after caesarean section, the patient can switch to a normal diet, excluding alcohol, canned food, sausages, pastries, sweets, fried and fatty foods. Fruits, vegetables and other possible allergens should be introduced into the diet with caution, observing the condition of the newborn. In the event of an intestinal disorder or an allergic reaction in a baby, his mother will need to follow a strict diet and consult a pediatrician.
Often in women who give birth by caesarean section, there is a delay in the production of breast milk and its small volume. This may be due to the late start of putting the newborn to the breast, as well as a gross violation of the natural mechanism for triggering lactation.
If milk does not come 4-5 days after the birth of a child, the pediatrician may advise supplementing the baby with an artificial mixture until prolactin synthesis is normalized in the mother's body.
It is necessary to establish natural feeding as early as possible, often applying the baby to the breast. By fingering the nipple, the newborn not only stimulates the work of the mammary glands, but also causes the uterus to contract intensively, getting rid of everything unnecessary, thereby helping the woman recover faster.
The approved positions for breastfeeding after abdominal surgery are lying on your side or sitting. For comfort, you can place a rolled blanket or pillow under the back of the child. After feeding, it is desirable to lubricate the nipples with special products (Bepanten, Lanolin) to prevent cracks.
Home restoration
In the absence of complications, discharge from the hospital is carried out for 3-5 days. Recovery after the operation has not yet been completed, so a sparing regimen is recommended for a woman, completely excluding physical activity for 2 months and lifting weights weighing more than 3-4 kg. The child should be taken in your arms, hugging you.
To exclude possible divergence of the seam and speed up the process of uterine contraction, it is advisable to periodically use a postpartum bandage. Walking up stairs, frequent bending and standing for a long time during this period must be limited.
The ban on sexual activity after a caesarean section lasts from 1.5 to 2 months, depending on the woman's well-being. In the event of complications, intimate relationships can be resumed only after complete recovery and only with the permission of a doctor.
Daily hygiene procedures during the first weeks after surgery should include suture care. As a rule, bandaging after discharge is no longer required, but it is recommended that the suture be treated with antiseptics or drugs that accelerate wound healing, in accordance with the doctor's prescription.
Sometimes, after a few months, so-called ligature fistulas may appear in the area of the scar, arising from the rejection of the suture material by the tissues. Initially, they are small swellings that eventually increase in size and become inflamed. In this case, it is necessary to contact the surgeon to remove the remnants of the thread and treat the scar. If a scar on the abdomen a few months after childbirth looks rough and sloppy, it can be corrected in a beauty parlor after consulting a doctor.
Particular attention should be paid appearance and the number of lochia - discharge that stops within 6-7 weeks after childbirth.
You should immediately consult a gynecologist if you experience the following symptoms:
- abrupt cessation of discharge. This alarming symptom is most often a sign of cervical spasm, which can lead to the development of endometritis and even sepsis;
- abdominal pain, accompanied by fever, chills and a sharp deterioration in well-being;
- profuse blood loss;
- the appearance of itching in the perineum and an unpleasant odor;
- the presence of large clots in the vaginal discharge;
- spotting that persists for more than 6 weeks.
10-14 days after discharge, it is necessary to visit a gynecologist for a postoperative examination and ultrasound examination. The doctor must check the condition of the external seam, uterus and internal organs after childbirth, as well as select contraceptives and, if necessary, prescribe medications. The next appointment at the antenatal clinic includes a scheduled examination after the cessation of lochia.
Further frequency of visits to the gynecologist depends on the rate of restoration of the reproductive system and the presence of complications. 8-10 months after the operation, it is recommended that a woman undergo an ultrasound for a comprehensive examination of the uterus in order to exclude fibroids and other formations, as well as assess the condition of the scar and the possibility of subsequent pregnancies.
Physical exercise and sports
Physical activity and gymnastics will help to recover after childbirth. They should be started a few weeks after the complete healing of the suture, and only with good health, no complaints and contraindications. It should be remembered that any exercises for the press and the abdomen can only be done with the permission of a gynecologist or surgeon.
The load must be increased gradually, avoiding too intense training, which leads to a deterioration in the taste of breast milk due to increased production of lactic acid. Do not do exercises to strengthen the shoulder girdle and upper body too often, as they can significantly reduce lactation or provoke the development of lactostasis.
Walking, yoga, long walks and swimming in the pool are useful for restoring the body.
Exercises to perform at home should be aimed primarily at strengthening and increasing the tone of the back muscles:
- Body tilt forward and sideways.
- "Bridge" from a prone position.
- Retraction of the abdominal muscles in a sitting position.
- Twisting the body in a prone and standing position.
- Alternate rotation of the hands in the wrists, elbows and shoulders.
- Plank with an emphasis on arms bent at the elbows.
- Walking on bent legs and on tiptoe.
- Gentle squats.
- Swing your legs forward and sideways.
- Foot rotation.
- Rotation of the pelvis in a circle.
Immediately after childbirth, it is recommended to start performing Kegel exercises that strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor, accelerate the process of uterine contraction and normalize the process of urination. It is necessary to compress and relax the muscles of the perineum and vagina several times during the day with varying duration and intensity.
Repeated births
Caesarean section imposes certain restrictions on the planning of the next pregnancy. Restoration of blood vessels, nerve endings and muscle tissue in the area of uterine dissection in the absence of complications occurs within 1-2 years. Therefore, conception can be planned no earlier than in 2 years to exclude the possibility of scar rupture.
The method of re-delivery will depend on the viability of the suture. However, in most cases, physiological delivery after surgery is not recommended. The incision during the second caesarean section is made at the site of the existing scar or as close as possible to it. The duration of rehabilitation after repeated surgery increases.
In order for short term to restore her health, physical fitness and reproductive function after the operation, a woman must strictly follow all the doctor's recommendations and take a responsible attitude to her lifestyle.
Caesarean section is used in cases of impossibility of independent childbirth for various reasons. After a caesarean section, as well as after other operations, some prohibitions and recommendations are expected in the recovery period. What can not be done after a cesarean and what can be done in the postoperative period should be known to every woman preparing for surgery.
The first day of the postoperative period
After a caesarean section, the woman is in the intensive care unit. At this time, the woman in labor receives intensive rehabilitation therapy. Depending on the condition of the woman, she may be prescribed drugs to restore lost blood, antibacterial drugs, and drugs that restore bowel function.
On the first day after the operation, you can not eat. You can drink water with lemon juice. It is also not recommended to sit down on the first day. In the first 24 hours after a caesarean section, a woman receives all nutrients intravenously in the form of droppers.
Second postoperative day
If the operation went without complications and the condition of the woman in labor is stable, the young mother is transferred to the postpartum therapy ward on the second day. Every woman who has undergone surgery is advised about the therapeutic methods of postoperative treatment. Seams after caesarean section are treated 2 times a day.
Antibacterial therapy continues. Prohibitions at this time become less strict. The ban on solid food remains. Mom can already eat broths, natural yogurt, boiled meat, chopped in a blender. You can also drink tea, compotes and fruit drinks. Food should be limited. You need to eat small portions 5 - 6 times a day.
Starting from the second day, you must begin to move independently. However, getting out of bed abruptly is not recommended. You need to get up carefully, turning on your side and lowering your legs to the floor. It will be difficult in the first days, but motor activity after the operation is very important for the speedy recovery of all body functions.
Is swelling dangerous after a caesarean section?
In addition, starting from the second day after the operation, it is necessary to apply the newborn to the breast as often as possible. You need to lift the child carefully, without straining the abdominal muscles. This will help to establish lactation and contribute to the rapid contraction of the uterus.
Third postoperative day
On the third day after caesarean section, the ban on solid food remains. You can gradually include porridge, low-fat cottage cheese, low-fat kefir, steam cutlets, vegetable or fruit puree in the diet. There is a ban on overeating. You need to eat often, but in small doses.
You still can’t get out of bed abruptly and strain your abdominal muscles. Until the postoperative suture is tightened with a scar, you can not take a shower. The first careful bathing can be carried out no earlier than the 7th day after the operation. In this case, you can not rub the seam with a washcloth. You can lightly lather it with soap and rinse with warm water. It is important to thoroughly blot the seam after bathing with a soft towel. Make sure the seam is dry. On the recommendation of doctors, if necessary, the seam should be treated with antiseptic solutions.
Seams in the postoperative period
Depending on the suture material that was used during the operation, the sutures may or may not be absorbable. Today, in most cases, surgeons use sutures that do not need to be removed after surgery.
The threads dissolve within 2 months after surgery or remain in the patient's body and do not require removal. With proper care and compliance with all recommendations, the seam is quickly tightened and becomes almost invisible after 3-6 months after the intervention.
In order to avoid problems with the seams, you can not remove the bandage yourself. It is necessary to strictly follow all the recommendations of doctors and follow the instructions of specialists. In the normal state of the seams, the woman is discharged home on the 7th - 10th day after the caesarean section.
What to do for a woman who has a seam split after a caesarean section
Home restoration
Despite the fact that the woman returned home, she must strictly follow the recommendations of the doctors in the first weeks after the operation. You can not abruptly raise the child, it is better if you feed him. No need to do hard work and overwork.
Doctors do not recommend lifting weights and insist that the only thing a woman can lift in the postoperative period can be a newborn baby. The rest of the housework associated with lifting weights must be entrusted to family and friends.
The diet is gradually returning to the dishes familiar to women. However, the ban on sweet, fried, fatty remains. Also, throughout the entire postoperative period, it is forbidden to eat legumes, cabbage, citrus fruits, sausages, canned foods and bakery products.
Later, when the woman has fully recovered from the operation, these products can be introduced into the diet, carefully observing the reaction of the newborn. If the baby reacts with allergic reactions or indigestion, some food restrictions may continue throughout the duration of breastfeeding.
Intimate life in the postoperative period
Depending on the condition of the woman, the ban on sexual activity can vary from 1.5 to 2 months after a cesarean section. This issue should be decided by the attending physician, based on the examination and the dynamics of recovery in the postoperative period.
If complications arise, such as infection of the suture, inflammation of the uterus, endometriosis, etc., the ban on intimate relationships can be extended until complete recovery. In any case, intimate life can be resumed only after the discharge has stopped and the sutures have completely healed.
Sports in the postoperative period
Many women are interested in the question of when it is possible to start physical exercises to restore the figure. If women who have given birth on their own can start playing sports immediately after being discharged from the hospital, then with women who have undergone a caesarean section, everything is completely different.
Is it dangerous that the seam hurts after a cesarean section
After the operation, it is necessary to withstand at least 1.5 months before starting physical exercises. It is necessary to start classes with minimal loads, gradually increasing the number and pace of exercises.
You can do exercises to strengthen the muscles of the press only after the permission of the attending physician.
Before that, you can do light gymnastics, which is aimed at raising vitality and mood.