After a cesarean birth, your body heals from both surgery and postpartum changes. Pain, stiffness, and fatigue are normal in the first days. Regular pain medication helps you move, breathe deeply, and feed your baby comfortably.

Early mobilization — walking short distances the first day — reduces the risk of blood clots and supports bowel function. The incision is covered with a dressing and checked routinely. Mild redness and tenderness are normal, but increasing pain, warmth, or discharge require medical attention.

Avoid heavy lifting for six weeks and protect your core when moving. Although the pelvic floor is less affected by a cesarean, pregnancy still impacts it — gentle exercises remain beneficial.

Fatigue, emotional sensitivity, and limited mobility can persist for weeks. Healing takes time.

Alma’s tips

• Take pain medication on schedule.

• Walk briefly each day.

• Keep the incision clean, dry, and monitored.

• Seek care for fever, increasing pain, or wound discharge.