2nd C Section Recovery

[Phoenixwings1989]

Hello,

I had my 2nd baby - a girl last Friday via elective C section. I had one with my first who is three years old and also a girl.

I'm nervous about how well I'm recovering. The weekend was the worst and I anticipated that what with it being major surgery and my second section and cutting into scar tissue etc, but didn't expect it to be the worst pain I've ever had. Yesterday I left hospital feeling fine and a bit more mobile but today my mobility is back to being how it was the very first day after the operation so I'm perplexed. I can't think of I've done anything out of the ordinary. I've not lifted anything heavy, not walked far yet I'm still very sore and painkillers don't seem to be helping though I'm taking them religiously.

I had a midwife visit today and voiced my concerns. She took off my dressing and said the incision looked fine - not raised or uncommonly red.

Has anybody here experienced this? How was your recovery with a 2nd section?

Honestly recovery from both of mine was absolutely doable, I was off painkillers by day 5 and stiff to sit up in bed but that was it. I was really surprised at how much I could do so quickly.

labour was awful but c section recovery was a breeze. I think it really affects different women differently

I had two C Sections and recovery from both was fine. The second wasn't any harder than the first. I think I only took painkillers for a few days. If you don't feel better I would contact the post natal ward - I think you can consult them/go back in for a while after you leave.

What is it that's concerning you? Is it the pain or lack of mobility? I had two c-sections three years apart like you. I struggled the first time with walking even a short distance for at least a month. This time around I had no choice but to walk and move around like normal very quickly and I think that aided my quick recovery. I don't think being in hospital for a week has helped you in that respect (I was also in hospital for a week the first time). I did get odd twinges and sharp pains the second time around but it wasn't constant and it was controlled with painkillers. If your pain is not controlled with ordinary painkillers then I would mention this and seek a check up.

@Sunsetred I think both are concerning me. With my first section I was able to walk around normally. Yes, my incision was sore but painkillers eased it. With both I was in hospital for three days. The first recovery was rough but this one is by far rougher than the last. I mentioned to the nurses about pain relief not touching the pain and they sent a doctor down to see me who then said it was normal - that I'd had major surgery and pain was to be expected. Also she said it was more likely to be because of scar tissue that has been cut into.

I am forcing myself to do things but not sure if it's the right thing to do. The soreness is rife today and I have stiffness while I'm walking or trying to lift my legs.

Glad to hear those of you who have at more than one haven't had any issues 😊

What painkillers are you taking? And how are your bowels? Could be sluggish digestion putting pressure on your insides. Trapped wind can also be ridiculously painful post c section. Even if breastfeeding you can take stronger painkillers than paracetamol and ibuprofen.

Is it constant pain? Just thinking it could be after pains, which get worse after each baby but are definitely worse with a c section as your uterus has been cut open and sewn back together.

Sorry you're in this pain. I do think my third was much worse pain wise but my baby went straight into the NICU for 8 weeks so even though I knew I was in pain, it was nothing to what she was going through.

@HBZ287 I am only taking paracetamol and ibuprofen as hospital said that they were the main ones to take. They did prescribe diohydrocodeine, I think that's how you spell it but it makes me sleepy and doesn't do anything which I told them when I was staying in. Not sure why they were adamant those painkillers in particular were advised though. My bowels are fine too. No issues there.

@lifeofsty I had afterpains from Saturday until yesterday but pain isn't constant. Mainly happens when I'm moving which is understandable but it's at the same level it was when I first started moving around.

Sorry to read your little one spent time in the NICU.

I'm taking myself off to a+e as I have chest pain but also feeling dizzy, nauseous and a bit cold even though heating has been on. Just feeling a bit awful. Midwife was out earlier and she checked my blood pressure, temperature and my heart rate and she wasn't overly concerned but told me to get checked out.

I hope you manage to get some answers in A&E and get better so as to enjoy your baby. There are other painkillers you could try if A&E won’t do much - did you have oramorph after your c section? Something like that might work better for you. A very stressful time. Good luck.

Hope all will be okay OP.

Just came on to say that I found recovery after my 2nd csection much harder. I was in a lot of pain and was a lot less mobile, it really shocked me too. All did turn out okay for me.

@HBZ287 I didn't have oramorph after my C-section no. It was mentioned by a doctor when I said paracetamol and ibuprofen werent cutting it but I never received any. A+e suggested getting in touch with my GP surgery and asking for a prescription as they couldn't.

@Kalodi I am sorry to read you had a rough time second time round too. Mobility is a bit better today. Managed a bit of walking but my upper body felt bunched up like it did when I was pregnant and I still had pain under my ribs. I'm just concerned with my lack of success knowing whether or not I'm overdoing it or not. I can only guess they are afterbirth effects ??? No idea.

How are you today? If you’re still in pain it’s definitely worth contacting your GP. Try some different pain relief. Did A&E not have any useful suggestions or help? Hoping you’re gradually improving!

I'm okay thank you @HBZ287 Soreness has eased and I've not needed painkillers. Mobility is improving too though I am still unable to sleep on either of my sides and I'm finding sleeping on my back uncomfortable and a pain. I keep getting mixed advice about what I should be doing re exercise/walking wise. I have been walking but only on flat terrain and am avoiding hills/inclines. Should there still be a set time limit for walking? Can I take breaks and continue? So out of my depth with knowing what's ok and isn't.

Last time I had a C-section we were thrown into lockdown so there was little need to worry about overdoing it and possibly causing myself an injury.

Tuck a pillow or two under your stomach to support you if you want to sleep on your side - I hate sleeping on my back and always do this. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

I just had my second section 2 days ago and in some ways it does seem harder. I think the scar tissue being there makes the recovery longer.
I've had an uncontrollable cough since and am
I'm so much pain every time i cough -'just hoping it doesn't affect the stitches :/