Caesarean also called C-section, is when a baby is delivered through a surgical opening in the lower belly area instead of the natural way of delivering through the vagina.
Why is a C-section done?
Sometimes a caesarean section becomes the safest way to care for the health of the mother and her baby. Often, an informed decision is taken with consultation with a doctor whether a C-section is beneficial in advance. During labour, a health professional may suggest a caesarean as the safest method to deliver the child when there are complications in delivering the baby normally.
Babies are born by caesarean for several reasons.
Reasons associated with the baby:
• The birth process is slow or complicated
• The contractions that open the cervix do not expand it enough for the baby to pass-through
• Labour is too long and the passage of the uterus is inadequate for a safe delivery
• The baby has an abnormal heart rate during the time of delivery and is in distress
• One or more baby or multiple babies may be positioned in a complicated manner the uterus
• The baby’s growth or weight becomes difficult to pass through the vagina
Reasons associated with the mother:
• The mother has had a caesarean birth previously (however in some cases, vaginal birth can still happen)
• The mother is tested HIV positive or has an active herpes outbreak
• The mother’s placenta is positioned so low in the uterus that it blocks the baby’s way through the vagina (placenta previa)
Is a C-section safe?
C-section is a regular procedure, although every surgery has its risks. In India, the C-section rate is 17.2% according to National Family Health Survey (NFHS). This percentage is higher than the WHO recommended limit. One in four births turns out to be a caesarian section.
The recovery from a C-section proves to be longer than a vaginal birth and there is also an increased risk of some complications and infections post-surgery.
Complications that may affect Babies
In the case of premature birth, the baby is more likely to suffer breathing problems, such as abnormally rapid breathing for a few days after birth
Complications that may affect the Mother
• Infections are likely to be seen in wounds where the incision is made
• Infection and swelling of the uterus lining (endometritis)
• Chances of blood clots is 3 to 5 times higher when compared to vaginal delivery
• Increased chances of bleeding, up to 2 times as much as vaginal birth
• Possibilities of urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Bowel function may be less soon after an abdominal surgery
• Once a woman has had a C-section, she is more likely to repeat C-sections for any pregnancies in the future
• Increased likelihood of health risks in future pregnancies
• Chances of reactions to anaesthetics
6 Ways to recover faster from C-section
After a caesarean section, or C-section, the mother will require about 6 weeks or more to fully recover but each person’s recovery differs. Following the below steps to get better as quickly as possible.
1.Physical Activity
Rest when you feel tired, and getting enough sleep will help in fast recovery. Try to walk each day and walk a little more each day. Walking boosts blood flow and helps prevent blood clots in the legs. However, completely avoid tiresome activities, like biking, running, jogging, weightlifting, and aerobics for at least 6 weeks or until the doctor advises. Certainly, avoid sit-ups or other abdominal related exercises for 6 weeks or until your doctor says so.
2.Self-Care
You can shower as usual. Pat the incision dry and clean always after a shower. Keep the area dry until your incision is fully healed and your vaginal bleeding has ceased. Vaginal bleeding is something very common after giving birth. Wearing sanitary pads are all right but using tampons is not recommended until the time your doctor says.
3.Driving vehicles
You may drive when you feel comfortable with a seatbelt around your hips and abdomen. Start driving only when you can comfortably hit the brakes, and react quickly with ease.
4.Taking time off work
It is probably best to take at least 6 weeks off work. This also depends on the type of job you do and how comfortable you feel.
5.Diet
You can follow your regular diet. If your stomach feels irritable, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, curd and less spicy foods. Drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated. It is common for your bowel movements to be irregular immediately after surgery. Try your best to avoid constipation and straining with bowel movements by eating well and staying dehydrated. You may want to add a fibre supplement to your diet. When there is no bowel movement, you can also try a laxative and they are safe in breastfeeding moms.
6.Plan well
After a C-section, it is highly not recommend getting pregnant soon after your surgery. At least 9 months in order to allow your body to completely heal and restore between deliveries.
Besides, take regular checkups if required. Be sure to make and go to all appointments and call your doctor if you face any problems. It is also a good idea to monitor your test results and maintain a list of the medicines you take.
A baby is the best thing that can happen in your life. During your pregnancy phase, anxious feelings about giving birth are very common. As you bring new life into the world, you will be put to plenty of challenges – but all will be worth it at the end.
What to eat after c-section for fast recovery?
You may wonder what to eat after c-section for fast recovery. Diet after c section has to be nutritious and healthy. Here is the list that one can have after a C section:
1) High-protein foods
Protein-rich foods have the ability to make tissue repair and maintain the muscle. Protein-rich food examples are lean meats, fish, eggs, poultry, beans, and tofu.
2) Iron-rich foods
High iron content helps with the red blood cell production and could lower the anaemic risk. Dates, red meat, poultry, seafood, beans, and dark green leafy vegetables are some of the examples of iron-rich foods.
3) Vitamin C-rich foods
Foods with high Vitamin C aid in collagen formation and boost your immune system. Vitamin C-rich food examples include citrus fruits, bell peppers, strawberries, and broccoli.
4) Vitamin A-rich foods
Vitamin A-rich foods help for cell growth and repair. Carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach are examples of vitamin A-rich foods.
5) Magnesium-rich foods
High-magnesium foods lower the inflammation and enhance muscle function. Magnesium-rich foods include leafy green vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
6) Zinc-rich foods
Zinc-rich foods could boost your immune system and enhance wound healing. Oysters, red meat, and poultry are some of the zinc-rich foods.
7) Probiotic-rich foods
Probiotic-rich foods may help for functions like wound healing, immune function, and lowering the postoperative sepsis. Curd is an example of probiotic-rich foods.
Apart from what to eat after c-section for fast recovery, you must also know some additional tips. Those tips include getting plenty of rest, seeking help, processing your emotions, and taking regular walks. These could serve as the C-section recovery tips.
Some fruits to eat after c-section delivery include apples, bananas, berries, pineapples, oranges, papayas, and guavas.
Conclusion
One of the first crucial decisions you'll make as a mom-to-be is how to deliver your baby through C-section or normal delivery. While C-sections are generally considered very safe, they still are one of the major surgeries and could lead to financial catastrophe if you don't have much savings and control over your expenses.
With rising medical inflation and overall expenditure, childbirth-related expenses have become expensive. Plan wisely to make use of your savings for the expenses of bringing up the baby; that can be the best thing to be done as a mom. In order to direct towards this goal, you can invest in a policy offering maternity coverage, which can take care of your C-section or normal delivery costs and newborn expenses.
If you have maternity expense coverage through your insurance policy, you may relax and enjoy your pregnancy, knowing that all associated costs are covered.
And you should plan well in advance, given that policies which provide maternity cover offer the coverage after a specific waiting period.
Star Health Insurance offers policies which offer maternity cover in India that are quite affordable and keeps you stress-free from delivery and newborn-related expenses. Some of the policies which offer maternity cover include - Star Comprehensive Insurance Policy, Young Star Insurance Policy (Gold Plan), Star Women Care Insurance Policy and Super Surplus Insurance Policy (Gold Plan). You can refer the respective policy clauses for more details on the coverage.
FAQs
1) What is the c section recovery time?
The c section delivery recovery time usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks, but this recovery time varies from person to person.
2) What about a one week healthy c section incision?
Following a week after a C-section, one could expect the dissolving of their stitches and the disappearance of their gas pains.
3) How much rest is needed for the recovery after c section?
The c section recovery usually takes nearly 6 weeks to recover from your c-section but this could be based on a person’s situation.
4) Name the food to avoid after cesarean.
The following is the list of foods to avoid after a caesarean.
- Avoid spicy foods, as it can result in bloating and digestive problems.
- Do not drink carbonated drinks that are high in sugar and preservatives, as it could result in gas and dehydration.
- Avoid cold foods and drinks, as it could lead to discomfort and infections.
- Do not eat undercooked foods, which could cause indigestion and other gastrointestinal issues.
- Do not drink alcohol, as it could interfere with milk generation and healing.
- Avoid eating fried and fermented foods, which could irritate the gastric lining and be hard to digest.
- Avoid eating ghee and rice, which could be hard to digest in the first 40 days and could result in the gas and stomach ache.
