In the weeks after you give birth

When to seek medical advice

Contact your general practitioner (GP) or visit an emergency department if you:

• have a fever, shivering or sweating
• have stinging or burning when you pass urine
• had a caesarean birth and notice increasing redness, swelling and tenderness in your wound, or find pus, blood or fluid leaking from your wound
• detect vaginal loss that is bright in colour and smells offensive smell
• experience a hard, red and painful lump in a breast
• notice your tiredness is not improving or is getting worse
• are worried.

Physical recovery

It is important you give your body time to heal and recover.

If you had a caesarean birth, avoid strenuous activity for 6 to 8 weeks as healing continues to occur internally for several weeks.

Read more about your physical recovery after birth.

Postnatal check-up

Please make an appointment for you and your baby to see your GP 6 weeks after the birth. We will send your GP a summary of your hospital stay and birth details.

See your GP sooner if there are issues you need to discuss or have treated.

Driving

If you had a caesarean birth, ask your hospital doctor or general practitioner (GP) when you can safely return to driving. It is generally safe when you feel comfortable:

• pushing the pedals
• turning the steering wheel
• turning to look over your shoulder to reverse.

You should not drive a vehicle if you are in pain or are using medication that warns, ‘Care should be taken when driving or operating machinery’.

Some insurance companies do not cover you in the first 6 weeks after abdominal surgery, so check with your insurance company before driving.

Sexuality

Contraception

Before you leave the hospital your doctor will talk with you about contraception and provide you with any medication you need. Remember whenever you are sexually it is possible to become pregnant, regardless of:

• how long it has been since you gave birth
• evidence of your menstrual period
• breastfeeding.

When to resume sex

The best measure of when to return to sex is how you are feeling. To prevent pain in the wound area:  

• position yourself carefully
• use a water-based lubricant gel
• avoid touching the wound area (a numb sensation from surgery can last a year or more).

If pain continues, please see your GP or call the Helpdesk on 6152 2222 and ask to speak with an obstetric physiotherapist.

Planning another baby

You should always discuss your birth options for a future pregnancy and any possible risks with your obstetrician, doctor or midwife.

For most women it is best not to plan another pregnancy for at least 12 months after a caesarean.

A vaginal birth may be possible for next pregnancy depending on:

• the reason for your caesarean birth
• whether your next pregnancy has complications.

For information about your birthing options after having a caesarean, phone our Helpdesk and ask to speak with the Next Birth After Caesarean clinic on 6152 5687.