Driving after a c-section

[Bellabelloo]

I thought you weren't covered by insurance for 6 weeks after a c-section, but just read on mumsnet that you can as long as you're in control. I am 8 days post c-section and haven't had any pain since day 3. I completely feel ready to drive and am frustrated I can't. What do you think? Anyone else driven soon after theirs?

Thanks! X

[Theknittinggorilla]

I drove 3 weeks after first section and 2 weeks after second. Rang my gp and told him I felt comfortable to drive, then rang my insurance company and they said it was fine. Would never have driven without being fully in control but no need to wait 6 weeks if you recover quicker. Can you speak to your insurer?

[That1950sMum]

I drove after about two weeks. I rang my insurance company just to check and they were fine about it.

[Sparrowlegs248]

Check with your insurance, mine wanted Gp approval.

[Bellabelloo]

Thanks. I have an appointment with my GP tomorrow, so will ask him. And then call my insurer to check. I don't want to go far! Maybe a 2 mile radius. I live on the outskirts of a tiny village so am quite isolated.

[CointreauVersial]

The six weeks thing is a myth. It's a guideline, nothing more. My GP said as long as you were out of pain and could potentially do an emergency stop then you could drive.

You just have to be physically fit. Let's say you caused an accident, the police turned up, and it turned out you weren't in control of the vehicle because you were in pain - then you'd be in trouble. This is true whatever is wrong with you - not just being post-CS.

[SummerSazz]

2 weeks after dd2 was born i walked to my GP's a mile away over rough hilly terrain pushing a large double buggy. My GP agreed I could probably handle a car at that point and I let my insurance co know.

[oleoleoleole]

I'd check with your insurers and health care professionals.

[Whitelisbon]

My gp told me that if I could jump hard from the second bottom stair down to the ground without pain, I'd be able to do an emergency stop and be safe to drive.
I wasn't brave enough to try until about 5 weeks post c-section, but give it a go.
We live rurally, and dh was working away, so I was desperate to get back driving.

[Burntbum]

I drove ten days after and it was fine. Far easier than pushing a pram around as we live in a very hilly area. Just check what your insurance company's policy is.

[ConvincingLiar]

My friend was insured by Tesco and they insisted on 6 weeks.

[mumxof3x]

I drove at 9 days post section, admittedly I was still in abit of pain and abit stiff but i took it steady, and was fine. I wouldn't have drove if I didn't have to but my baby was on scbu and it would have been even worse for me to walk and do four bus rides.

[MissClarke86]

No wonder GPs are snowed under if car insurance companies rely on notes to say you can drive. Can't people be trusted to decide themselves?

[DirtyBlonde]

"No wonder GPs are snowed under if car insurance companies rely on notes to say you can drive. Can't people be trusted to decide themselves?"

No. Several insurance companies see that as conflict of interest.

The 6 week rule of thumb is because that fits with the standard post-natal check.

[Lazybeans50]

My insurance company said as long as your GP says it's OK then it's OK. I phoned my GP and she said as long as you feel confident you could do an emergency stop then it's OK. This was 2 weeks after my second C-section (although 2 weeks after my first C-section I could barely get dressed let alone drive!)

[JohnLapsleyParlabane]

Double check. Mine was not valid without a fit note until I was 6 weeks pp.

[Bluebellevergreen]

I read this today on NHS website

[LatteTime]

My insurance insisted on 6 weeks, I spoke to my doctor and he said it was because they need to be sure that you can do an emergency stop without hurting your wound.

I think every insurers are different though as my friend was driving after 4 weeks.