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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

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Original poster

Anyone been advised about driving after a C. Section?

15 replies

YesSirICanBoogie · 14/05/2009 22:47

I've heard that some women are advised not to drive for a certain amount of time after a caesarean Section. Nobody had mentioned this to me after either of my sections and I'm not sure whether this is a myth or so obvious I should already know about it.
I was driving a week after my previous section and although I'm slightly more tender this time I think I'll been fine to drive in a few days.
Maybe I'm scared to ask anyone in authority in case I hear the worst. I'd hate to be stuck at home for weeks on end!
Help!

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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Meglet · 14/05/2009 22:58

I have had an em cs and planned cs in the last 2 years. Both times I had no complications but I was given a list of do's and don'ts when I was discharged and it stated pretty firmly that I wasn't to drive until 4 weeks. Something to do with performing an emergency stop IIRC, not sure if that means it would be hard to do it (as the ab muscles wouldn't be strong enough) or that I might do some nasty damage to myself if I had to perform one.

I assumed I was standard nhs recommendations for no driving until 4 weeks. Everyone I know with a cs has been told the same.

kickassangel · 15/05/2009 01:27

check with your ins. co. they may have certain policies. mine was ok, but the hospital did warn me that some have up to 6 week ban.
you can also put a cushion between you & the seat belt, in case you have to do an em stop, as, theoretically you can rupture the stitches.

treedelivery · 15/05/2009 01:29

There is an issue with insurance. They may not cover you if there is an accident etc. There will claim you were unable to do an emergency stop for example, as this involves taking both feet off the floor and applying pressue, which would hurt after a section for x amount of time. It is an insurance thing really, so check with them to make sure you hav ecover.

Not being able to drive is an awful thought though. Lots of walking good for you though!!??

EachPeachPearMum · 15/05/2009 02:08

I was told 6 weeks, both times- but was ready to drive at 4.
You have to be able to perform an emergency stop.
My insurance company said I would be covered providing my gp had okayed me to drive, which they did.

eidsvold · 15/05/2009 02:28

With dd1 I stuck to the 6 week rule which is what I had been told BUT with dd2 and dd3 I was driving well within three weeks BUT i also had a letter form GP stating I was fit to drive. She said she usually did not do it until 4 weeks. THe insurance company was okay as long as I had a letter saying I was okay.

Original poster

YesSirICanBoogie · 15/05/2009 10:27

Thank you! I live in a rural-ish area where everything is a long walk away so there's hope for me after all!

OP posts:

sarah293 · 15/05/2009 10:30

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

WorzselMummage · 15/05/2009 10:50

I was told 6 weeks but gad to drive after 2 as ds was in scbu. I went to the DR and he had a look at my wound and said i was fine. he put it on my record for the insurance.

Chynah · 15/05/2009 17:40

I asked my insurance co if there was any restriction and they said there was none but I might want to get the once over from my Doc to put my mind at rest. Saw GP at 2 weeks to the day and she had a good feel round belly/scar and made a note on my file that she thought I was OK to drive - was in the car 5 mins later!!

treedelivery · 15/05/2009 20:06

I'm glad the insurance companies have caught up on this rather arcane get out clause. I would still have a GP check up as insurance companies can be wriggly buggers when it comes to paying up [which hopefully will never be an issue].

Highlander · 16/05/2009 08:20

with DS1 I was driving after 7 days - automatic car though

DS2, 2 weeks - saw GP and assured her I could do an emergency stop.

The whole 6 week thing is for the worst case post-surgical scenario and won't apply to the majority of women. However, not driving for 6 weeks is the 'ace card' midwives use when trying to scare women away from a CS.

SympatheticConsultant · 16/05/2009 08:38

As already stated it comes own to safety for you and other road users and pedestrians. As Dr's we usually quote a standard 6 weeks after major surgery but realistically its when you are not in significant pain such that you could pull to an emergency stop without wincing! For many mums this will be much sooner than 6 weeks it just depends on differing pain theresholds and recovery rates!

treedelivery · 16/05/2009 12:19

Cor sympathetic consultant, I haven't seen you abaout in agaes, we posted on a thread together.

Oooo there is a thread I op would love your opinion on, if yer game.

SympatheticConsultant · 16/05/2009 21:42

Hi treedelivery!
Sorry I have n't had a chance to come onto the forums for a while but work has been hectic!! What can I help you with??

treedelivery · 16/05/2009 22:22

this

A tricky one, and just something I stumbled across.

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