Are you awake with C-section?

You won't feel any pain during the C-section, although you may feel sensations like pulling and pressure. Most women are awake and simply numbed from the waist down using regional anesthesia (an epidural and/or a spinal block) during a C-section. That way, they are awake to see and hear their baby being born.


Is it better to be awake or asleep for C-section?

Under most circumstances, undergoing a c-section via Spinal Anesthesia or Epidural Anesthesia (rather than General Anesthesia) is preferred since it involves less risk and has the advantage of allowing you to be awake during your baby's birth.

Why don't they put you asleep for C-section?

Unnecessary general anesthesia for cesarean delivery is associated with maternal complications, including serious anesthesia-related complications, surgical site infection, and venous thromboembolic events.


How long does a C-section take?

A caesarean section is an operation to give birth to your baby. Caesarean section surgery usually takes 30-60 minutes, although the entire process takes a few hours. There'll be many people in the operating theatre with you. You can usually have a support person.

Can you choose to be put to sleep for C-section?

For a planned C-section, you may have a choice of anesthetic, although you should be aware that a spinal block or epidural are generally considered the safest options for both you and your baby. In an emergency or when bleeding occurs, general anesthesia may be necessary.


Anaesthetic procedure for elective caesarean section (C section)



Is C-section major surgery?

The cut is usually made across your tummy, just below your bikini line. A caesarean is a major operation that carries a number of risks, so it's usually only done if it's the safest option for you and your baby.

How many hours after C-section can I drink water?

At first you may be asked to only eat ice chips or take sips of water, at least until your provider is certain you are not likely to have very heavy bleeding. Most likely, you will be able to eat a light diet 8 hours after your C-section.

How long does it take to wake up after C-section?

If you have had a general anaesthetic, you will stay in the recovery room until you wake up, usually in about 30 to 60 minutes. You will be able to see your baby when you wake up. Your baby may be allowed to stay with you unless the team is worried about your health or the baby's health.


How many hours after C-section can I walk?

Returning to Physical Activities After a C-Section

It's important to get out of bed and walk around within 24 hours after surgery. This can help ease gas pains, help you have a bowel movement, and prevent blood clots.

How long is bed rest for C-section?

“It's recommended that you get up and walk around,” says Dr. Higgins. “We don't want someone lying in bed for two weeks.”

How many hours after C-section can you go home?

When can I go home after a c-section? You will usually stay in hospital for 2-4 days after your c-section. If you and your baby are well, and you have someone to help you at home, you may be able to go home after 24 hours.


What moms need after C-section?

These are designed to help you mend, pass the time, and get back on your feet.
  • Nursing Pillows. It's important to keep pressure off the site of the incision in the first weeks after your cesarean delivery. ...
  • Maternity Underwear. Don't pack up your maternity underwear just yet! ...
  • Skin Salve. ...
  • Sound Machines. ...
  • Books.


What should I wear for C-section?

loose, comfortable clothes that won't put pressure on your wound – for example, a long dress will cover up your compression stockings, and a top with buttons may be easier for breastfeeding. a feeding pillow, to make feeding your baby more comfortable.

Can you shower day of C-section?

You may remove your wound dressing and take showers if stitches, staples, or glue were used to close your skin. Do not soak in a bathtub or hot tub, or go swimming, until your provider tells you it is OK. In most cases, this is not until 3 weeks after surgery.


How do I prepare for C-section?

5 tips to prepare for your C-section
  1. Restrict solid foods for eight hours before the C-section. ...
  2. Shower with a special soap. ...
  3. Don't shave your stomach or pubic area. ...
  4. Discuss with your doctor how incisions should be closed. ...
  5. Discuss pain management. ...
  6. Insert a Foley catheter. ...
  7. Prevent blood clots.


How long are you hospitalized after C-section?

The average hospital stay after a C-section is 2 to 4 days, and keep in mind recovery often takes longer than it would from a vaginal birth. Walking after the C-section is important to speed recovery and pain medication may be supplied too as recovery takes place.

How many stitches are in a C-section?

At the beginning of a caesarean section, six separate layers of the abdominal wall and uterus are opened individually. Once the baby is delivered the uterus is closed with a double layer of stitching.


How many maternity pads do I need after C-section?

You will need to buy at least two or three packets of 10 maternity pads each to begin with, though some women may need to use more. You may need to change your pad every hour or every two hours immediately after giving birth. This will reduce to every three hours or four hours over the next two days.

What do I need at home after C-section?

  • C-Section Pain Reliever. Advil Liqui-Gels. ...
  • Stool Softener. Colace Stool Softener. ...
  • Breastfeeding Pillow. Boppy Nursing Pillow and Positioner. ...
  • C-Section Scar Prevention Treatment. ScarAway Silicone Scar Sheets for C-Sections. ...
  • Postpartum Belly Binder. ...
  • Supportive Postpartum Underwear. ...
  • Baby Sound Machine. ...
  • A Postpartum Recovery Book.


What to pack in a hospital bag for C-section?

C-Section Recovery Packing List
  • Toiletries, hairbrush, makeup, shampoo, dry shampoo.
  • Shower shoes.
  • Nursing bras and pads.
  • Breastfeeding pillow to keep baby off your incision.
  • Breastfeeding book.
  • Belly binder.
  • Snacks.
  • Baby book or journal.


Do you still bleed after C-section?

Even though you've had a caesarean, you'll still have bleeding from your vagina after birth. This is normal bleeding from where the placenta was attached to your uterus. To deal with the bleeding, you'll need to have plenty of maternity sanitary pads handy, both in hospital and when you come home.

What is not allowed after C-section?

Things to Avoid:

Sexual intercourse until your health care provider tells you that it is safe. The use of tampons or douche. Taking baths until your incision is healed and you are no longer bleeding. Public pools and hot tubs.

How many hours does C-section last?

The typical C-section takes about 45 minutes from start to finish. After your provider delivers your baby, they'll stitch your uterus and close the incision in your abdomen.


How do you pee after a C-section catheter?

Urinating after a cesarean section

If you're having difficulties urinating, then you might like to try some ways of triggering the urge – such as turning on a tap, hopping in a warm shower, or pouring a small amount of warm water over the area. If the difficulty persists, then the catheter might need to be reinserted.

How long does it take for milk to come in after C-section?

Start Breastfeeding Early After a Cesarean Section

For most, milk transitions from colostrum (early milk) to milk coming in by 72 hours of birth.