Questions and Answers that come Across my desk

Please Note:  I am not a doctor. No information contained here should replace advice from your doctor or health care provider.

Q. How Long will it take to recover?

A. Recovering from a c-section often varies from woman to woman.  There are lots of factors such as your overall health and your physical and mental condition, however for most women it takes about two good weeks, however it can take up to 4-6 weeks if health problems become an issue or thing occur that delay healing.

Q. How will a c-section affect my "maternity leave"

A. Typically most companies offer 6 weeks of maternity leave.  This can be taken in addition to any sick leave you have accrued.  For c-sections you are usually given an additional 2 weeks bringing your leave to 8 weeks.  Not all companies offer the same benefits, your benefits may differ, however this is the typical scenario.

Q. How much will a c-section cost?

A c-section is roughly double what a vaginal delivery will cost.

Q. Why is it numb around my c-section scar?

A. When nerves are cut during an incision it leaves a fair amount of numbness.  This numbness typically goes away but it can take as long as several months or maybe even longer for some women.

Q. I'm so tired! How can I get more energy?

A. Get moving!  Energy begets energy, so it's important to move around as much as possible.  Most women continue their pre-natal vitamins after birth, this helps.  Eat foods rich in protein.  Take a few moments each day and take slow deep breaths in and out.

Q. What is the elective c-section?

A.  An elective C-section is when a woman chooses to have a c-section for reasons other than medical.  More and more women to day

Q. When can I safely have sex again?

A. This is one of those things that again, depends on the woman.  It takes most women anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months and your doctor will have some advice for you on that. I would just listen to your body and if it feels right go for it.  However take it slow and easy. It's a good idea to cover your incision with a tight wrap so that it does not pull apart.  It also helps with discomfort.

Q. When can I drive again?

A. Usually within about 2-6 weeks.  Driving uses  your abdominal muscles so it's going to be uncomfortable. If you can do the following comfortable you are probably ready to drive:

• Get in and out of the car without significant pain
• Buckle your seat belt without discomfort
• Be able to turn from your waist comfortably so that you can look in all directions and over your shoulder while driving.

Q. I'm having trouble getting pregnant again, is it because I had c-section?

A c-section is rarely the cause of infertility. If the surgical procedure is followed by a severe pelvic infection, abnormalities can develop in the uterine lining; this is called intrauterine adhesion formation. Adhesions might also form around the fallopian tubes and ovaries.

But even for those women with post cesarean infection, the risk of sterility is low.

Q. How soon is it safe to get pregnant again?

Most doctors will tell you to wait at least 12 months.  This is because the longer your incision (internal and external) heals the stronger it becomes and the better it will support stretching from another birth.

This is not to say that there aren't women who have waited less time, however to be on the safe side the recommendation is 12-18 months.

Q. What is a VBAC?

VBAC stands for Vaginal Birth After Cesarean. It is usually pronounced vee-back.  Many women are successful with VBAC's however there are some things that make a vbac more successful than others.  THe type of previous incision you had makes a big difference. 

Also you'll find that many doctors are very cautious and would rather perform another c-section rather than chance having the previous incision rip or tear which can cause life threatening problems.

Q. I feel depressed after my c-section. What can I do?

Don't wait to get help and don't be afraid to ask for help.  Feeling depressed after childbirth is common due to hormonal changes and it's often a very normal thing.  Go here to find postpartum depression books.

If it persists too long and it interferes with caring for your baby or you have feelings of suicide you must see your doctor immediately or please contact 1-800-SUICIDE right now!  Your baby needs you and we want to keep you around for a long time :-)