Post Emergency C-section- when can I start doing household chores

I’m almost 3 weeks post c-section and would like to know what household chores can I start doing? Or do I still not do anything. Is it okay to lift a kettle? I find it frustrating that they said you can’t lift cos of internal incision. Also when can I start bending down and leaning forward? However I do find pain inside at times still and is this normal at 3 weeks? Getting out of bed I still struggle especially I can’t sit up like before. Any advices please

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When I had an emergency c section last year, I was doing most things by 1wk. I didnt hoover or lift heavy things though.

I had a planned section this time and waited maybe 2 weeks? I was carrying my 16 month old though!

These are good questions for your midwife.

It is recommended that you don’t lift anything heavier than your baby.
Also, recommended to wait 6 weeks, to give all 7 layers that have been stitched to have a good start to healing. It isn’t worth rushing back to clean and bend, as it could risk discomfort, opening up your stitches, or worse.

I am in the same boat, after a c-section. I am now 7 weeks pp. still finding it frustrating but I am waiting to do a lot of things, and my partner is doing the things I cannot do. Those are his jobs, while I focus on looking after the baby.

I wasn't given any advice by my midwife or the hospital so was doing household stuff the moment I got home and paying for it now (3 weeks later) especially as my stronger pain medication has run out.

Hey, I am almost 5 weeks post c section and pain is common, you should be able to bend and stuff by now, have you been doing light chores? Have you been going on little walks? Leaning forward I was doing this within the first couple of days.
When sitting up roll on to your side and lid with your arms not your stomach muscles. Hope this helps.

I've just been doing anything that feels comfortable enough tbh. Definitely a lot more than they said I could do. I'm changing bedding, loading / unloading dishwasher, lifting my toddler etc. I couldn't for the first 5-6 days but after that have found it to be okay as long as I go slowly and listen to my body. I'm 4 weeks post-C-section.

I wasn't told to wait.
When I had my consultant appointment at 12wks she went through the risks of being pregnant so soon as I was 6/7months PP. I thankfully had no issues!

I would suggest you get specific advice from you healthcare team as everyone is different depending on complications and history. I’m 3 weeks and 2 days post section ( it’s my third) and I’m back to normal and driving etc now. I’m still careful when moving around and don’t lift things that are too heavy but will carry shopping bags and doing all normal chores round the house and have been since probably 12 days post section. I bend and lean normally too, and baby wear my baby. I have had an infection and it did slightly open up but was advised it wasn’t from overdoing it was because of the way it was stitched.
I think listen to your body and if it hurts stop

I’ve been doing normal things a few days PP as I felt ok doing it.. the professionals can guide you but it’s generally up to you to decide when your body feels ready

I was doing jobs and walks the day after got home. Just wall papered the bedroom at 1 week, sorted the garage out to get the gym set up at 4 weeks. I've had no problems with either of my c sections. Hope you can crack on soon too! X

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Anyone else up feeding their Bebe?

As above. Trying so hard to keep my eyes open

Is this normal??

I’m 29 weeks pregnant and having really aching legs and they’re all lumpy and swollen. Above the knee and behind the knee . Should I be worried ? My legs have never looked like this up until a few days ago. ??

Induction experience

I just wanted to share my experience with being induced as I wasn’t sure what to expect and thought it may help others.

I opted for the foley balloon which was inserted at 8am Saturday morning, I had to stay in hospital due to hypertension and protein urine however usually you can just go home once this has been done. The insertion of the balloon was not painful, was slightly uncomfortable as there was slight pressure. I actually found having the cervix checked prior to be worse (again not painful at this point just uncomfortable) The balloon had little effect and after having it removed I was still only 1cm. Removal also was pain free and hardly even noticeable.

I then had my first dose of the gel and definitely noticed a difference, I started experiencing period like cramps almost immediately however they were light and manageable. After 6 hours I had another cervix check and although my cervix was soft it was still only 1cm and was only open at the front. I had another dose of the gel and felt an increase in pressure and more intense cramping where I now required pain relief (codeine). After another 6 hours I had another cervix check and I had now dilated to 2-3cm however was still quite difficult to get all the way through so a third gel was recommended which I agreed to.

Almost immediately I noticed the difference and was in considerable pain, I had paracetamol and codeine however the contractions had now become intense and a lot closer together (around 3 minutes apart). After a couple of hours I had my last cervix check and was 4cm and taken down to the Labour ward to have my waters broken and an epidural.

I had been in my room for approx 20minutes when my waters broke by themselves and I was now 10cm and actively pushing…. There was no time for the epidural and my beautiful girl arrived into the world within 2 minutes of pushing.

All in all I would say the cramps/contractions were manageable up until the third gel where it became pretty unbearable however it was for a very short time a gas and air helped take the edge off. The worst part about any of it was actually the later cervix checks where after stimulating the cervix my contractions were at their most painful.

If I had to be induced again I would skip the balloon and opt for the gels immediately as thy had a quicker effect and I would have been out a lot sooner if I had done this to begin with.

One more thing, I’ve never believed when people say “you forget the pain once they’re here” but I can honestly say this is true. It’s been 4 days and I would do it all again in a heartbeat.

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