Caring for Yourself After a C-Section
Call your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
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Unusual lower abdominal pain
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Foul smelling discharge from your vagina or incision
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Breast pain
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Two temperature readings greater than 100.5 with 4 hours between readings
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Pain, redness and swelling of your leg(s)
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Pain, redness and swelling around your abdominal incision
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Passing blood clots larger than a golf ball or heavy bleeding (bleeding through more than one pad per hour)
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Pain that is not relieved by prescription medication
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Persistent vomiting
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Severe constipation or diarrhea; burning or pain with urination
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Headache that does not get better, even after taking medicine, or bad headache with vision changes
Call 911 if you have:
Resuming Activity
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Do not lift anything greater than 10 lbs.
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Do not drive a care for at least two weeks unless there is an emergency
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Rest/sleep frequently and avoid unnecessary physical activities
Hygiene
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Showers are the preferred method of bathing for the first two weeks following delivery
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Use a peri-bottle filled with warm water to wash the perineal area after urination or bowel movements. Blot dry from front to back to help prevent infection.
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Change peripads frequently
Incision
Sexual Relations
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Sexual intercourse, douching, and tampons should be avoided until after your six weeks checkup.
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To prevent another pregnancy, you should discuss birth control methods with your doctor prior to resuming intercourse.
For more information regarding caring for yourself, please refer to the MHP Maternity Care Handbook provided to you during your Stork’s Nest visit or upon admission. For other questions or concerns, please call your doctor.
Major OB/GYN
Lloyd Lewis Jr., MD
Jeffrey Stiller, MD
Alicia Schaffer, MD
2451 Intelliplex Drive Suite 200
Shelbyville, Indiana 46176
Phone 317-398-0193
Fax 317-398-0727
Additional comments or instructions