If I'm having a c-section, do I need maternity pads?

[SuzieBishop]

Sorry, I know this is probably a really stupid question! Hospital bag is getting packed - I had a vaginal birth with my DS 2 years ago so obviously used maternity pads....however this time I may be getting a C-section so will I still bleed the same vaginally or because everythings coming out in surgery do you not need the pads? Thanks in advance

You will still need the pads!

Yes and massive pants like 3 sizes up to your nipples or bigger pants

Yep - still bleed unfortunately!

I bought Tena incontinence pants and they were BRILLIANT.
Pretty thick and VERY comfy

Oh my god yes. And more than you ever think you’ll need. Watch out for the flood after you first stand up post-section. Horrific!

Bless you. Yes, you definitely need them. Lots of thick ones! It seems to totally vary though (like everything to do with pregnancy, birth etc). I bled for 6 weeks after my c sections, yet my friend only bled for a few days. Always best to prepare yourself and get plenty of pads in.

Good luck for your c section!

Ooh yes. It doesn't go on for long, but the first 12 hours after my section I bled like a tap running.

Yes. And pants up past your belly button. Cheap ones from Primark are good.

The bleeding is from the wound from where the placenta attached to the uterus so unfortunately it doesn’t make any difference which way the baby came out

i had a section and one of the midwifes told me to stick a pad to my pants where the scar was to stop my pants rubbing the scar and it was honestly the best advice i’ve ever been given.

The bleeding is the lining of the womb being shed: basically a massive period! It happens regardless of which way you give birth.

Ah okay - thanks so much for all your replies! I feel very silly now haha!

Yep, you'll still bleed, sorry! Although after my two sections the bleeding wasn't anything like some of what I've read on here about vaginal births. I'd say it was heavy period like for a few days then lighter, though it went on for 5-6 weeks and would be heavier again if I overdid it. A midwife told me that as they suction loads of stuff out during a section the bleeding is often lighter - not sure how true that is?

And yes, sticking a pad across the top of your pants will help so much with rubbing against the scar!

I had to buy adult nappies as had sudden gushes of liquids that bypassed the pads entirely. Speaking to the midwife this was normal for a c section

Goodness me don't feel silly. I had no idea either and was very ill prepared when I had my twins

Yes to big pants! I am a usual size 12 and had been a bit optimistic with my post section underwear, so my mum did a dash to BHS and got me some size 16 full briefs which did the job perfectly.

Yes you need pads! I was completely unaware too 🙈

I think it depends on the surgery/surgeon. I bled a lot less after my DTs c-section than after my Singleton c-section. Not sure why - I can only put it down to how thoroughly the hoover you out before stitching you up! I was must put out to bleed so heavily for the full 6 weeks second time around. Patti Cas it was a blazing hot August.

You bleed from the open wound in your uterus where your placenta was, so yes you still bleed after a section as you still have that wound from placenta removal.

Yes definately!

Yes although I found with a section the bleeding wasn't as heavy just lasted longer.

Make sure your home is stocked up with pain killers though for when you get back.

Yes loads big ones and also take some paracetamol in with you they left me without pain relief for 8 hours x

Don't feel silly OP, I got the fright of my life wen I had my first pee post c-section.

I had focused so intently on the after effects of vaginal birthing it never clicked that I'd still bleed after my emergency section.

I pulled the buzzer and everything to be told by an out of breath midwife "well yes, you have just has a baby you are going to bleed, now get into the shower" 😅

It's all a learning curve. But yes to the pads!

I never expected it either but it's like a long heavy period. They can't get everything out especially liquid blood.