C Section and Driving

[cgwx]

Hi Everyone —

Wanted to ask how long people left it before driving? I know it’s advisable 6 weeks. I’m feeling really well, c section has pretty much healed based on my midwifes thoughts yesterday. I know you have to bare in mind the internal parts you can’t see. I have been discharged from the midwife now as she is happy with my recovery and everything else. Im fully mobile and have been for a while. I’m doing everything i would normal do. So just wondered what others did if they felt their recovery had gone well etc.

I read somewhere about getting a doctor’s appt to see what they say based on your section wound and general health etc and then getting it in writing if they say its ok for you to drive. Feel like maybe i should have just asked me Midwife yesterday.

Thanks - C x

I recovered well from my c section and started driving after 2 weeks.

The main question is whether you can do an emergency stop. Only you can tell, a doctor won't be able to tell you. Maybe practice a few times in stationary car, see how you feel and decide then?

I was about 3 weeks PP, just a short drive to school and back (less that 10mins round trip). I healed quickly and felt okay to drive. Didnt drive anything longer for a while because DP prefers to drive

Call your car insurance company, some companies ask for a written letter from your doctor if earlier than 6 weeks. My company just asked verbal clearance from my OB.

I was feeling well to drive after 2 weeks but couldn't see the OB before the 6 weeks for clearance.

The internal wounds take longer to heal. I wouldn't muck around with your health and safety. Get taxis or lifts for a month or so.

The 6 weeks thing is a myth. Presumably it dates back donkeys years to when they used to routinely do classical incisions?? But drive whenever you feel well enough and feel like you could do an emergency stop if needed. I think I waited about 2 weeks but that’s only because I didn’t need to go anywhere by car before then.

I was all healed and driving around about 4 weeks pp with my second. Then week 5 hit and I had an infection in my c section that left me bed bound for a month. The midwife had cleared me said she was happy with the wound, my health visitor said it looked great but the gp blamed me for moving about too soon and doing too much!

Do you feel you could do any emergency stop?

that’s the test.

Thankyou everyone! This is brilliant, being able to hear from others experiences definitely helps my mindset.

I never thought about emergancy stops! So thats definitely something id need to try stationary before I make a decision.

I mean im going for walks with my son in his scooter and taking the baby in the pram just to get some fresh air, and doing all my normal things. I feel like I could get in a car and drive tbh but i just wanted to hear what others were like too. I’m lucky that Husband is off for 4 weeks so i dont really NEED to drive its just incase I have to in an emergency.

Thanks All x