Recovery after a C-section
A C-section is major surgery. Staff help you get up and move when it is safe, check your incision, and watch for infection, blood clots and effects of anesthesia.
Most important
Ask before you get up the first time
Ask your nurse to help the first time you stand or walk after surgery.
Important to know
- Our sources do not provide a complete C-section discharge protocol. Use the written instructions you receive.
What may happen
- A dressing over your incision, checked by staff.
- Help getting out of bed and walking, often within your stay.
- Questions about pain, gas, passing urine and leg swelling.
Why
Moving when allowed can lower the chance of blood clots. Incision checks help spot infection early.
What varies
Timing for eating, walking, removing a catheter or changing the dressing depends on your surgery and hospital.
Questions to ask
- When can I get up, and should someone help me?
- How do I care for my incision at home?
- What signs of infection should I watch for?
Prototype draft. Not yet clinically reviewed. Your own care team's instructions come first. About this app
Sources
Summaries are drafted from these public sources. No hospital has endorsed this app.
Corewell Health / Beaumont · Southeast Michigan legacy website
C-Section Delivery Surgery(opens in a new tab)- Published
- Date not stated
- Checked
- 2026-10-24
- Access
- Read from a search index copy
Applies to: Published by one health system. Procedures at your hospital may differ.
Limitations: Not a complete post-op discharge protocol.
University of Michigan Health · Ann Arbor educational handout
Healing After Birth: Taking Care of Your Wound(opens in a new tab)- Published
- Date not stated
- Checked
- 2026-10-24
- Access
- Old link now redirects; document must be relocated
Applies to: Published by one health system. Procedures at your hospital may differ.
Limitations: Old PDF redirects to new library; replace with a working document-specific link before use.