vaginal vs csection recovery?

laurenmichael725 · July 2013

I was supposed to be induced this Wednesday night, but after my appointment today we are now going the c-section route on Thursday morning. I was wondering if there are any of you who went through both a vaginal and c-section birth and can comment about how the recovery for each compares? I gave birth to DD1 vaginally, with tearing of both my vagina and urethra, so I know what to expect from that. They say with a c-section the recovery is worse, but I'm confused as to how. Is it just pain at the incision sight? Insight please! TIA!

heatherbrownm · July 2013

Out of curiosity, why are you getting a csection?

Clyde013 · July 2013

I can't speak for a vaginal delivery but I had an emergency cs 13 days ago so I can tell you about my recovery. It was rough the first couple of days, very difficult to get up out of bed, sit up or walk. but it got a lot better after I started walking around. It's difficult to move around first couple of days. I stopped taking tylenol and Motrin after 10 days pp and cut down on the doses 7 days pp. the incision gets itchy and it's painful and awkward to sneeze, laugh or cough. You may want to read some of the threads in the cs forum for more info.

misima2 · July 2013

I tore to with my first child and needed reconstructive surgery I had a csection with my second and was much happier especially because she was bigger than my 1st which ment most Likely more tearing I am on my 3rd and having a scheduled c section this time due next week. For me it was and is the best thing to do. I didn't feel the recovery was worse than the first time. But my 1st was bad

lisamonkee11 · July 2013

Still recovering from my vbac, but my cs was not a bad recovery. I would suggest getting a belly binder, I used one made for hernia surgery. It made all the difference in the world. Move around as soon as you can and for heavens sake, take the stool softener! Good luck.

jmw222 · July 2013

My first c-section was unplanned and the recovery was slow. I didn't get up and move around as early due to other complications. I had a RCS this time around with no complications and it was much easier. I advise to get up and move as soon as you are able. It does hurt to sneeze/laugh, but only the first few days. By the time I left the hospital, I felt pretty good. I cut back on the meds and now almost 2 weeks later, I am down to 1 a day (I have skipped days too).

babykk · July 2013

I have had 2 c sections. With both I have had very easy recoveries! The day of surgery and the following 2 days are the most difficult, just very sore and tired. I am 7 days out from my CS and I feel that I am about 90 recovered. I am a bit sore, but nothing terrible. Like PP said, take the drugs they give you to stay on top of the pain! Good luck

mandyrator79 · July 2013

I have had 3 c-sections. Everyone seems to recover different. For me the recoveries are really hard and planned vs unplanned has not made it any easier for me. I had my third (it was planned) over three weeks ago, and my pain level is still high enough that I have not been anywhere but Dr apts. I can't do much of anything yet but sit on the couch, but I did recover a little faster with my first two. Like the poster mentioned above you won't feel the real pain (there will still be tons of pain, but luckily not full force) till about 48 hours after surgery as they be pumping you with lots of meds in your iv, even when they stop the iv the meds will still take awhile to wear off. The pain for me is my entire lower abdomen and its just really hard to move around, sit up or get up off anything. It's also really hard to even stand up straight for a while.

valstulas · July 2013

I've had 2 vaginal births, 1 emergency CS, and 1 scheduled CS. My easiest delivery was the scheduled CS. My easiest recovery was a tie between the scheduled CS and the 2nd vaginal delivery. My hardest recovery by far was from the emergency CS, but that was a very complicated delivery.

The main difficulty with recovering from CS is the pain along the incision. But I don't think it is too bad, truthfully. If you know you limits, go slow, and take your pain meds, it's really not bad at all. GL!

heyhaylee · July 2013

I've never had a vaginal, but had an emergency csection. It was way less pain and recovery than what everyone made it out to be. I never had a spinal, my body wouldn't take it, so I was put to sleep, no pain medication afterwards immediately. I had two doses through iv, and then had three through pills. I stayed on Motrin until day 6, I am perfectly fine now. I feel like I could go back to all normal duties. I am 11 days pp. I had laproscopic gall bladder surgery 2 years ago, and to me that was WAY worse. Just get up and move around. It definitely helps with the pain.

bleusimp · July 2013

I've recovered patients with both vaginal and CS births. I think your recovery depends on your expectations. A CS is abdominal surgery and if you plan for a recovery based on that, you will be fine. For some reason, some patients expected to not have any pain at all after and don't want to move when they discover it is uncomfortable. Good luck and you will do great.

cwhitloc · July 2013

I had a scheduled csection for my first and am now recovering from my VBAC over a week ago. I think the csection recovery might have been better at first. Basically, the incision takes longer to heal, but at least you don't have to sit on it and walking didn't bother me. I took all the meds at the hospital but because they cause constipation, I just used motrin when I got home. Keep up with fiber and stool softners and you'll do fine.

andrea0418 · July 2013

After reading all the responses it seems every situation is different. I had an unplanned csection last Monday and recovered soooo quickly. I never took a single pain pill. I came home from the hospital less than 48hrs after my csection. Walked up and down our stairs and slept in our bed the first night home (everyone said I would have to sleep on the couch for atleast a week). And i'm hardly bleeding anymore. Hopefully you have a great experience like I did! Good luck!

laurenmichael725 · July 2013

Thanks to everyone for your responses! All of your words of wisdom are calming me down a bit. Still very nervous, but your stories are comforting. It's great to know that not all C-section recoveries are awful! I'm scheduled for tomorrow morning at 9:30! Thanks again.

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