pads vs tampons (this may seem obvious)

LittleBirdy24 · December 2011

Ok, this may be a silly question, but I figured I'd ask anyway...because I was planning a vaginal birth again, I stocked up on maxi-pads just like last time. Now that a c/s is most likely how I will be delivering, do I really need them? I know there will be bleeding, that much I get, haha, but since there won't be any trauma happening down there, is it safe to use tampons? pads are just icky IMO and even though I bought a bunch I'd much rather use tampons if possible.

pottermommy · December 2011

The reson you can't use the tampons is b/c they go inside the vaginal openeing and can cause bacteria to travel into the ute which would cause an infection either way. So no matter the method of delivery you still can not use tampons..sorry I hate pads too they suck.

mben1119 · December 2011

Even though you're having a c-section, nothing up the vag for 6 weeks. Even just tampons. So buy those pads.

ChiTown Bridget · December 2011

No tampons because of infection and you will definitley need the pads!

LittleBirdy24 · December 2011

thank you! I'm glad I asked, because I really hadn't thought about the fact that it was to prevent infection in the uterus and not just because of the trauma to your vag. I knew you couldn't have sex for a certain amount of time after a c/s but I guess I assumed it was just because you were healing from surgery!

I'm sure they will tell me this anyway, but now at least I won't look at them like 'really??'

sytom · December 2011

PP are right... I don't know if I got lucky, but I wouldn't worry about pads. For both c-sections, I didn't bleed long and it was really light. A panty liner was enough as soon as third week PP.

LittleBirdy24 · December 2011

sytom:
PP are right... I don't know if I got lucky, but I wouldn't worry about pads. For both c-sections, I didn't bleed long and it was really light. A panty liner was enough as soon as third week PP.

That's reassuring, but I've already purchased the pads (went a little coupon crazy haha) so at least I'll have them if I need them!

cassoppea · December 2011

I believe the reason you bleed is because of the extra tissue, fluid, lining etc being shed from your uterus and also because the placenta detaches and leaves, essentially, an open wound. Therefore, it doesn't really matter how you delivered - you will probably bleed. I had a c/s and bled for 11 weeks. Others are lucky and don't bleed much at all. Get the pads - you will most likely need them for some amount of time.

RoxBride · December 2011

Another reason - the flow is wacky with a c/s. You can go from heavy to nothing to very light to a big gush all in 24 hours for a serious of days.

biblionerd · December 2011

You have a wound in your ute where the placenta detaches. That's a big worry about infection and why nothing can go in the vag. My bleeding was crazy. It was pretty steadily heavy in the hospital but by the time I went home it was wonky. I would have gushes and heavy bleeding for hours, then nothing for the rest of the day. Then, just when I thought the bleeding was completely over I would start again.

Daisy22 · December 2011

Agree with the pp. You most likely will need the pads esp if you bled with your 1st. You'll still bleed with a c/s.

Also I highly recommend using the mesh panties. You will not want underwear to touch your incision those first few weeks. I used mesh panties for a week then wore higher sitting underswear (almost granny panties) for a few more weeks. My lower cut underwear hit right at my incision.

magdalina.h · December 2011

Nothing inside for 6 weeks for risk of infection. The tampon could push an infection in to your uterus into the GIANT HOLE IN THERE from the placenta detaching.

ghdst1 · December 2011

Pads are probably the best way to go to avoid infection but also because the pads just hold more fluid. You would be changing those tampons ALL the time. Also I had about 2 weeks of PP bleeding and then at around 6 weeks (or so) I had a little more bleeding. I thought it was my AF returning, so I called by OB and asked if I could use tampons. They said yes. I would ask your OB to be sure since they are the doctors!

LittleBirdy24 · December 2011

Daisy22:
Agree with the pp. You most likely will need the pads esp if you bled with your 1st. You'll still bleed with a c/s.

Also I highly recommend using the mesh panties. You will not want underwear to touch your incision those first few weeks. I used mesh panties for a week then wore higher sitting underswear (almost granny panties) for a few more weeks. My lower cut underwear hit right at my incision.

Good to know! I'll try to grab a bunch before I leave the hospital! Thanks!

pepomntpat · December 2011

Nope, sorry. Tampons and sex are both off limit for 4-8 weeks depending on your provider, same as with a vaginal birth. HTH!

bells039 · December 2011

pepomntpat:
Nope, sorry. Tampons and sex are both off limit for 4-8 weeks depending on your provider, same as with a vaginal birth. HTH!

This!

ACC0512 · December 2011

sytom:
PP are right... I don't know if I got lucky, but I wouldn't worry about pads. For both c-sections, I didn't bleed long and it was really light. A panty liner was enough as soon as third week PP.

Had a totally opposite experience, I bled a lot and for weeks.

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pads vs tampons (this may seem obvious)

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