Catheter and Bloating

Babynuthals

Any suggestions on how to avoid bloating swelling and overall puffiness after surgery? Besides drinking a lot of water.

Also, when did you get your catheter and IV removed after surgery. My first section was at 8 am and both weren't removed until later the following day which impacted how much I could walk and move around.

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msiskind

Mine were in for about 24 hours as well. Sorry but I don't have any tips on the swelling.

CDMay2006

I don't remember when they came out, but I know they were out by the time I went to bed that night at around 1130 (my surgery was at 530). They did have me peeing in a "hat" for the first 24-ish hours.

kristenl4412

I am a postpartum nurse and also a FTM to my baby girl born via c section in October.

Usually the catheter should come out 8-12 hours after surgery. The IV should be left in until they know you're not having any issues peeing. Different protocols at different hospitals. At my hospital you must have two measured voids after the catheter is removed before we remove the IV. Just in case there are any issues the dr likes to maintain the IV access. Of course this could be different for different people. Those with blood pressure issues will usually keep their IV until discharge just in case they need IV meds to treat their blood pressure.

It's hard to avoid swelling after surgery just because they put so many fluids on you before during and right after surgery. It's common for it to get worse before it gets better, and it may take a week for you to see a significant decrease in the swelling. Just drink plenty of water, and take brief walks! Avoid diuretics if you plan to breastfeed. Sorry for being so lengthy. Hope this helps.

Babynuthals

Thank you this information is very helpful! I think I will just know to ask more questions this time. The IV made it a little harder to do things (like breastfeeding) so I just want to be better prepared this time. I think I will try to avoid salt the week before and drink water like its going out of style:)

Babynuthals

Sorry for probably the dumb question but what do you mean by Avoid diuretics? Is this a pill? Your information is really helpful!!! Thank you!

kristenl4412

Diuretics are fluid pills. I think one of the over the counter ones is called diurex maybe? I'm not sure. I've just had patients tell me they wanted the doctor to give them diuretics to help get rid of the swelling quicker, but dr usually won't prescribe them just because they could interfere with breast feeding. Some do some don't. So I was just mentioning it.
Also just wanted to make sure I said that swelling is normal after a section, but if you have any drastic swelling in a short time period especially of your face after you leave, call your dr because it could be blood pressure related. You should get paper work on discharge with a lot of info on it.

Babynuthals

Okay thanks!!!