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Childbirth

Driving after c section..

17 replies

ohdearitshappeningtome · 06/05/2014 14:50

Sorry if this has been done before, but how soon after c section do you think it's reasonable to wait before you can drive again? I spoke to my insurance and they have no restrictions! I had my c section three weeks ago and I feel confident I happy to get behind the wheel, just locally for now ie to the supermarket! I think I'm going to wait until I'm four weeks before I even sit behind the wheel nevermind drive it

How long did you wait?

OP posts:

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jenwa · 06/05/2014 14:55

I waited 6 weeks. It was awful but I wended up with an infection and my scar came open then I had a breast abscess so was unwell for a while. Everyone is different. I was told if I was confident to do an emergency stop then I would be ok!! I guess this means if you are not going to gasp in pain when you stop suddenly and feel safe to do this then it's ok! I didn't want to attempt to do this as I could hardly bend down! Most people say they just know. I have 3 DC so considered there safety first and if I was happy driving them safely.
Hope that makes sense!

ohdearitshappeningtome · 06/05/2014 15:12

Yes thanks for your reply! Midwife said my wound has healed nicely no infection or the like, so that's good! That's why I thought I would try local area to know that I'm happy to be back behind the wheel! I think your right I think people do know when they are ready! After my section which I was out to sleep, I was up and out of bed 8 hours after it so I've basically tried to carry on as normal! I doing everything now as I would before I has him!

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AnitaManeater · 06/05/2014 15:18

2 weeks as we live rurally and DP had to return to work and I had to get the other kids to school. Was fine! I had a fairly straight forward c section though.

Molotov · 06/05/2014 20:23

5 weeks. It's was the emergency stop issue for me, in that I worried about stitches tearing if I'd needed to do one before then.

I felt conscious of the wound when controlling the foot pedals and twisting for a while, but I got around it without any problems.

ChaffinchOfDoom · 06/05/2014 20:27

I was basically ready after 2 weeks and a few days, I rang my insurance and they said to see GP then a couple days later I did have a bit more tummy pain so left it a bit, booked GP at 4 week point; and GP was happy then, plus I was happy.

cravingcake · 06/05/2014 21:49

I felt able to drive about 2 weeks post elcs with DC2, but didnt as i didnt need to as i had my mum staying. I was driving just before 4 weeks locally to the shops, baby groups etc.

Fwiw i had a 4th degree tear and episitomy with DC1 and couldnt even consider driving at 4 weeks (far too painful) and was only just feeling able to around 6 weeks and even then that was only to get out of the house. And i was dosed up on pain killers still.

KnittedJimmyChoos · 06/05/2014 22:04

I think insurance caring is perhaps old fashioned now,most dont care and think you will drive when you feel your ready.

kiwiscantfly · 09/05/2014 02:17

Our UK insurance wanted me to get signed off by the Dr before six weeks and she (dr) refused, which seemed like her blanket policy. Made a few things annoying but luckily we lived close to town and I could walk everywhere. Sadly this time there is nothing within walking distance (everyone in NZ drives) but as we're at home my mum will be here to help.

slowcomputer · 09/05/2014 13:02

Three weeks! I'd have been climbing the walls. I felt ready to drive at 7 days but I think left it for 10 days in the end. Basically you can drive when you feel safe to do an emergency stop without being restricted by pain, so just sit in the stationary car and try it a few times first.

3littlewomen · 09/05/2014 13:06

Saw GP one week after c-section and she told me I was okay to drive. Elective section that went very smoothly. Was delighted to be back behind the wheel.

ohdearitshappeningtome · 09/05/2014 13:54

Health visitor and midwife happy for me to go localso will do that

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Crutchlow35 · 11/05/2014 09:09

6 weeks before I really wanted to but my insurance were happy as long as my GP was at 4.

Meglet · 11/05/2014 22:07

I waited for 6 weeks after my EMCS, ELCS and hysterectomy. An earlier driving session isn't worth the risk IMO. I'm pretty health obsessed though and don't muck about with things like that.

I had a bollocking from the nurse when I said I felt ok a month after my hysterectomy and wanted to get back to normal. Your internal wounds take far longer to heal than the external ones.

misskensington2014 · 12/05/2014 21:14

I took my driving test 5 days after my last C section. I failed, but I dont think it was Csection related.... I was in agony though doing a parallel park. Id say youre fine to drive, but just park in places that don't require you to turn much to get back lout again!

ohdearitshappeningtome · 12/05/2014 21:20

I drove this weekend!! Oh the liberation!!! Ds1 is four weeks old today and feel fine

OP posts:

Molotov · 13/05/2014 12:40

Nice one!

idontlikealdi · 21/05/2014 15:16

3 weeks, cleared it with my insurance and they said fine as long as could do emergency stop.

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