“Will I have trouble walking after a C-section?”

The first 2-4 weeks are the most difficult but each week it gets easier. Most doctors want their patients to start walking the very next day. It is a little painful at first because the abdominal muscles are healing and there are stitches in that area. Some patients find it easier to talk with an abdominal binder on.

You should be walking adequately before you leave the hospital.

Every patient is different. Different people have different pain tolerance. You should be able to sit in the chair the next morning and walk a little later the same day. Take pain medicine first few days to get better, then later you will not need as much. Good luck

There will be discomfort after your C-section as to be expected after any major surgery. It can be difficult to change position and move around but it is important to do so. Your attention is likely to be focused on your newborn which will diminish your awareness of your own discomfort. Walking should be manageable but I’m not expecting you to walk far or for long periods of time initially. You must allow your body to heal and that requires a lot of your energy. Let people help you. Be a supervisor. And let things go. You’ll have your chance to get things back the way you want them when you’re stronger. Don’t be too scared. Most women do very well after a C-section, just be patient. And good luck!

Hello,

You should have no problem walking after surgery. Stairs should be fine as well. We tell our patients to restrain from lifting anything heavier than your baby and carrier. The first week pretty much sucks, however, after that, you should have no problem taking care of your baby.

Warmest regards,

Joseph A. Adashek, MD FACOG