Re: Are C-Sections really THAT bad???

I didn't think it was bad at all...

I only took Motrin in the hospital...got up and walked the next day - we would do laps around the maternity ward and in a week I felt completely fine. You will be sore and if you are in pain take the medication but it is totally dealable!

good luck!

Re: Are C-Sections really THAT bad???

it is SO not bad!

i think i was in the most pain on day 3. i had to walk hunched over holding my stomach

but the more you walk the better you feel and within a week i was FINE! not even exaggerating. a little sore, that's it!

FM me if you have any questions

Re: Are C-Sections really THAT bad???

I'll be honest, the morning after my C-Section, I felt like I was going to die and was SO scared that the pain wouldn't go away (yes, I'm a bit dramatic!). They made me get up right away and I saw stars. However, I continuously took my pain meds, and got up and walked around as instructed (even though it was VERY uncomfortable), and it definitely paid off. Each day got better and I was feeling like myself shortly after. I am 5 months PP and for the most part, am back to my old self.

Just keep your eye on the prize!!

Re: Are C-Sections really THAT bad???

I had two and they weren't bad at all

ETA: Be sure to get up and walk asap!! It will help you so so much

Message edited 8/26/2009 5:35:54 PM.

Re: Are C-Sections really THAT bad???

I had an emergency csection so I had no time to think about anything. The surgery itself was a breeze. For me the recovery in the hospital and the first couple of weeks was really hard for me. But I have to say despite all of the pain I never once felt like I wasn't there for my DS if that makes you feel any better. Everyone recovers so differently. I think just having your new baby here takes your mind to a whole other place. I was up and down the stairs in my house after just a couple of days home thanks to the pain meds.

Re: Are C-Sections really THAT bad???

mine was absolutely nothing.

that night, no pain. never even took meds or anything.

went home 4 days later, walked up 3 flights of stairs...driving the next day.

never felt any pain

Re: Are C-Sections really THAT bad???

I had an emergency C-section and it was not all that bad. Add having a baby in the NICU for over a week and running back and forth from home to the hospital to deliver pumped milk to feed her over night and pump in the NICU and I just learned to deal through the pain. I did not medicate as I did not want percoset in the breast milk nor did I want to fall asleep holding her. Everyone's experience will be different. I have had abdominal surgery before and it wasn't as bad.

Re: Are C-Sections really THAT bad???

I have not read all the responses. I had 3 c-sections and no, its not THAT bad. I am not going to lie to you, its major surgery, so you are going to be sore, you are going to get EXHAUSTED very quickly, you are not only recovering from childbirth, but from surgery too, so as long as you take your meds, follow your doctors orders, and do not push yourself to do too much too soon, then you will be fine.

I was not able to walk up or down stairs comfortably, and NO driving for 2 weeks.

Congrats in advance!

Message edited 8/26/2009 6:40:11 PM.

Re: Are C-Sections really THAT bad???

The day after was the worst day, after that it got better.

I remember asking the dr that came in to check my incision why I was having pain under my ribcage. When she told me it was my uterus contracting back to where it belongs. That never occured to me. That was painful.

But I was able to get in and out of bed. I had to take a wheelchair down to the NICU to see DD, but the pain wasn't that awful.

I also waited for DH to come to the hospital before I showered. It just made me feel better to have him there.

All in all, it wasn't awful. Hopefully the 2nd one will be better.

Re: Are C-Sections really THAT bad???

Thanks so much for all the responses


I think my biggest fear is not being in control - like not being able to jump up if cries. I plan on BF so I hope it doesnt make it tooo challenging!

anyway - much appreciated!!

Re: Are C-Sections really THAT bad???

I would say that they are bad but not to the point where you feel like you want to die. Yes some people have horrible recovery stories but I think on average most women would tell you that you'll be very uncomfortable for the first few days and then you'll experience some discomfort for a few weeks. You will not be your old self right away. It will prevent you from moving as fast as you would like to. It makes certain things more difficult but you adjust. I always say that I would not recommend them to people who want to do it for the hell of it.

It is major surgery and on top of having major surgery you go home and have this tiny baby to take care of. And that baby does not care at all that you just had major surgery. So I would say prepare for as much as you can before. Take as much help as people are willing to give and rest when you can. Your body needs to recover. Don't feel guilty about resting and getting help. You will all be better for it in the end.

Good luck with everything!

Re: Are C-Sections really THAT bad???

Re: Are C-Sections really THAT bad???

Not at all! I tried to avoid one at all cost but needed an emergency c/s. I was surprised at how well I recovered! I never regretted it!

Re: Are C-Sections really THAT bad???

I had to have a scheduled c-section because of a back injury I sustained during pregnancy.

Honestly, I wouldn't have had it any other way. Friends of mine who had v-births had WAY worse recoveries than I did.

That first time getting up out of bed is definitely the worst of it. OH, and if you have to sneeze or cough, for a few days it's not fun. But other than that it was not bad at ALL.

You'll be fine!!

Re: Are C-Sections really THAT bad???

it's different for everyone , as recovery from any surgery is, but I "think" overall C-section recovery is not as bad as you might think. Yes, you need to take it really easy even if you are feeling good, but still make a point to get up and walk around. YOu will still be there for DC, I was :) Just make sure you have plenty of people around to help you and DON'T be afraid to ask for help and definitely don't turn it down!! It will be okay !

Re: Are C-Sections really THAT bad???

I can honeslty say that mine was perfect..even the scar...lol small and very low. I don't even notice it!
As far as recovery it went better then I thought. I was nervous bc of the things I had heard, but it all depends on the person. Everyone reacts differently. Best of luck!

Re: Are C-Sections really THAT bad???

I was in a lot of pain the first few days after my c-section. I was in some pain when I got home from the hospital, but felt a lot better within a week after the c-section.

Re: Are C-Sections really THAT bad???

It is sooooo not bad. I am a wimp and a complainer and I swear to you, it is no big deal!

My first c-section was emergency and stayed in the hospital for 5 days. Second one was planned and I also stayed for 5 days, but this time I had time to plan and reserved a private room. I would strongly suggest that for a 5 day stay. The worst part of my 1st c-section was my weird room mate.

Try to stop thinking about it. You will be fine!

Re: Are C-Sections really THAT bad???

Re: Are C-Sections really THAT bad???

I have had 2 c-sections. I was in more pain in the hospital and taking pain medicines but by the time I got home (each time) I did not need them and was up and moving around right away,

Re: Are C-Sections really THAT bad???

For me it was bad because I was not expecting it - I never thought I would need one, especially because I didn't have one with ds.

And to compare the two births, recovery and getting back in shape was 10 times easier with ds, but then again he was my first and I was very young.

To look on the bright side though, the labor was much much much easier with the c-section

Re: Are C-Sections really THAT bad???

Posted by Bops

I was back to my old self for the most part ( aside from ome "soreness") the day I came home with both my pregnancies ...Going up/down stairs ( though you are not supposed to ) etc....

The worst part for me with my first pg. was gas pains at the hospital honestly...With my DD, I made sure I was given something for that from teh get go to avoid it and I was fine...Good Luck