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C-Section Awareness Month: All About C-Section Recovery
- mtscait
- Apr 2
- 4 min read
April is International Cesarean Awareness Month, a time to celebrate c-sections as a vital birthing option while also promoting informed decision-making and optimal recovery. Over 30% of births are via c-section in the US - over 1.1 million births in 2021. A c-section is a major abdominal surgery, and should be treated as such. As a physical therapist, I see firsthand the impact a c-section can have on a woman's body, and I'm here to share how physical therapy can play a key role in your c-section recovery.
What is a c-section and why would someone have one?
A c-section is major abdominal surgery with the purpose of giving birth to a baby. There are many reasons why one might have a c-section vs a vaginal delivery, and there is no "superior" way to give birth. There are many factors - safety for the mother and baby is first and foremost. Sometimes there are factors that make c-section the safest way to deliver, and sometimes people would rather have a c-section delivery vs a vaginal delivery. All the factors should be discussed with your OB to determine the best plan for you.
What are some myths around c-sections?
#1: Having a c-section will "spare" your pelvic floor - this is not true! Your pelvic floor is impacted the entire time you are pregnant, and just because a baby didn't pass through it, doesn't mean that it wasn't impacted by pregnancy.
#2: You will feel 100% by the 6 week mark - some people may, but most don't. Remember, this was a major abdominal surgery, so while the scar might be healed, your body is still healing.
#3: Having a C-section is taking the "easy way out" - nope! It's a huge surgery, this is like comparing apples and oranges. Both options are different, and make sense in different situations.
#4: Having a vaginal delivery is "better" for the baby - this isn't true either. The BEST type of delivery is the kind that a healthy baby is born. There is no difference long term in c-section vs vaginal delivery for the baby. These choices should be made between the patient and the delivering doctor, not based on what you read on the internet or someone in a mom's group told you.
What is the procedure and recovery like?
There is an incision that is generally horizontally across the lower abdomen. In extremely emergent situations there can be a vertical incision, though this is less common. There are multiple layers of tissue that need to be cut or pushed through in order to reach the baby in the uterus, and after a c-section all these layers will need time to heal. It generally takes 4-8 weeks for the incision site to be healed.
Common symptoms after a c-section include:
Pain and incision site tenderness
Weakness in core and pelvic floor muscles
Difficulty with daily activities like getting in and out of bed
Difficulty with bowel movements
How Physical Therapy Can Help
Physical therapy can address these challenges and promote a smooth recovery. Here's what you can expect:
Pain Management: Hands on techniques and exercises can significantly reduce pain and improve mobility.
Strengthening Exercises: We'll work on core and pelvic floor strengthening to regain stability and support your body.
Scar Tissue Management: We can address scar tissue formation to minimize discomfort and improve flexibility.
Create a Customized Game Plan: a qualified PT can help you with a plan to get to whatever your goals are. Hands on work and specific exercises will help you safely resume daily tasks, and eventually return to whatever form of exercise you'd like to do so you can feel strong and capable.
Remember, you're not alone!
A c-section is a major abdominal surgery - unlike basically all orthopedic surgeries, there are no well defined protocols, return to exercise guidelines, or even well documented guidelines for pain or issues postpartum. The common suggestion is "listen to your body," which can work for some. Every person is different, and every recovery will be different. A pelvic floor physical therapist has the knowledge and experience to guide you to actually be able to "listen" to your body and feel better.
If you had a c-section, know that there's help available. Talk to your doctor about a referral to a physical therapist specializing in postpartum care, or give us a call directly! In CT, PT is direct access, meaning you don't need a referral to come see us!
Let's celebrate C-Section Awareness Month by empowering women with knowledge and support for a healthy and fulfilling recovery.
Additional Resources:
About the author: Dr. Caitlyn Hauswirth-Varis, PT, DPT, OCS, CFMT, CF-L1
Caitlyn is a pelvic health expert and board certified orthopedic physical therapist. Beyond her PT degree and accolades, she is a Pregnancy and Postpartum Exercise Specialist, a CrossFit coach, and a running coach.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
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