Your Recovery in Hospital Following Caesarean Birth Information about what happens in hospital after your birth

This leaflet explains what happens after your caesarean birth while you are in hospital. It covers pain relief, eating and drinking, getting mobile, and going home.

Enhanced recovery after caesarean birth

We offer an enhanced recovery programme for caesarean births. Enhanced recovery is an evidence-based approach that actively supports your recovery from the moment your baby is born.

Evidence shows that enhanced recovery reduces pain, and the need for strong pain relief. It helps you return more quickly to normal activities and supports early bonding with your baby. It also reduces the risks associated with caesarean birth, including blood clots, chest infections, and other complications that are more likely when people remain immobile for long periods after surgery.

Enhanced recovery includes early eating and drinking, getting out of bed after 6 hours of surgery, early removal of your catheter, and good pain relief so you can move around more comfortably.

After the birth

Once your surgery is completed you will be transferred onto a bed. Your baby will usually be placed skin-to-skin with you, once you are on the bed. You, your baby and your partner will be taken to the recovery area where you will be looked after by specially trained nurses, under the direction of your anaesthetist. One of the midwives will also be there to support you and to monitor your baby.

The nurses will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels. If you have had a general anaesthetic, you may be given oxygen via a face mask.

You will also receive fluids via your drip and additional pain relief until you are ready to be transferred to the postnatal ward (Lady Mary Ward).

You can have an additional birth partner for up to two hours after the birth in the recovery area before your transfer, and any siblings of the baby are also welcome. Additional visitors are at the discretion of the nurse in charge.

We recommend that you have sips of water in the recovery area, then when you feel well enough, something light to eat such as toast.

Transfer to the postnatal ward

When you are ready for transfer, you will be moved to Lady Mary Ward where you and your baby will usually remain for the rest of your hospital stay. This normally happens around 2 hours after your surgery.

Sometimes you may spend longer in the recovery area, for example, if there is a wait for a bed on the postnatal ward.

Pain relief

You will be prescribed regular pain-relieving tablets (paracetamol and usually ibuprofen) four times a day. Please let your doctor or midwife know if you have asthma or a history of gastric ulcer. We will be able to give you additional pain relief if required. All these medicines are considered safe and will not affect your baby if you intend to breastfeed.

It is important to have pain-relieving medication at home before you are discharged from hospital. Regular paracetamol and ibuprofen (if you can take them) are usually sufficient for managing your pain. We routinely offer dihydrocodeine if you cannot take ibuprofen or need some additional pain relief. You will feel sore for a few weeks after your caesarean birth. You may need pain relief for about one week to ten days, though some may need it for longer. Taking regular pain relief helps you to move around comfortably, care for your baby, and recover well from the surgery. Lack of pain relief can also impact your ability to produce milk, as the hormones needed for milk production are less effective when you are in pain.

Moving about after the birth

We will help you to become mobile as soon as possible after the birth. This helps improve your recovery and reduces the risk of certain complications such as blood clots and chest infections. You can usually stand and move about after about 6 hours of your caesarean birth. We will help you control your pain from the wound with regular pain-relieving medication so that you can move around comfortably.

Getting in and out of bed can be painful at first. A helpful technique is to roll onto your side, drop both legs over the side of the bed and push yourself sideways into a sitting position. Reverse this movement when getting back into bed.

Catheter and cannula removal

Once you are mobile, usually after about 6 hours, we will offer to remove your urinary catheter and intravenous cannula. This earlier removal has been associated with reduced infection rates.

Looking after your wound

Your wound will be approximately 10 to 15 centimetres long and is situated horizontally along your bikini line.

Your wound will be dressed in theatre using a large dressing which should remain in place for 24 hours. If you are at home 24 hours after the birth and your dressing has not been removed by hospital staff, you can remove it yourself. You may find it easier to do this in the shower.

People at greater risk of wound infection may be offered a vacuum dressing which will stay for longer. If this is the case you will be given further advice about it.

Your midwife will assess your wound dressing daily on the postnatal ward, and if you are still in hospital after 24 hours then they can assist you to remove the dressing and check the wound below. If the dressing is soiled and needs changing earlier, your midwife can do this.

Feeding your baby

After the baby is born you will be supported to breastfeed or bottle feed your baby. If you require any help or have questions ask your midwife.

Leaving hospital

On the enhanced recovery pathway, we aim to support you to leave hospital between 24 to 48 hours after your caesarean birth. This may be longer depending on how quickly you recover from your operation, other medical problems, and the health of your baby.

More information

If you have any questions about your recovery in hospital, please speak to your midwife.

For more information about your recovery at home, see the leaflet Your Recovery at Home Following Caesarean Birth.