This article was consulted by specialist level 1 doctor Le Thi Phuong - obstetrician and gynecologist, Vinmec Ha Long International Hospital.
After having the first cesarean section (C-section), mothers certainly have childbirth experience. However, the pain from the first cesarean makes many women feel anxious for the next one
1. Is the second cesarean more painful than the first one?
The pain that occurs in the second cesarean section depends on many factors. During the cesarean process, woman in childbirth will have spinal anesthesia to relieve the pain, but its effect lasts only a few hours.
When the spinal anesthesia wears off, the perception of pain of each mother are different. She can be prescribed pain-relief medication if the pain becomes severe and persistent, and disturbs breastfeeding.
Therefore, the statement that the second cesarean is more painful than the first one is totally baseless. Don’t let the negative rumors affect the mother’s childbirth journey. To make the second cesarean more enjoyable, mothers have to keep the relaxed mind and stable mental preparation.
2. What should mothers be aware of for the second cesarean?
- You should wait about 3 years before having a second child. The shorter the time between two pregnancies, the more likely the second birth will also be a C-section.
- You can have some light physical exercise, pelvic and back exercises. You can also begin walking but avoid lifting heavy objects during the first 40 days of pregnancy. You can practice regularly with the guidance of a trainer starting in the fourth month.
- Mothers should start breastfeeding on the first day after the baby’s birth. This activity does not harm the child, but rather meets their important nutritional needs.
- Gaining weight may not be caused by cesarean section itself but by stress, or uncontrolled eating habits after surgery. Mothers should drink more water, eat healthy food, and engage in basic exercises.
- Diet plan after surgery: During the first 2 days after giving birth, mothers should eat soft food, and avoid high-fat food. From the third day, mothers can eat solid food containing high levels of iron, fiber, vitamin C; along with fruits, green vegetables, lean meat, low-fat yogurt, nuts; and drink enough water. A healthy and rich-in-nutrient diet can support the mother’s health and supplement to nutrient source for the baby.
- You can suffer a high level of stress after giving birth. This situation lasts only a few weeks. If it lengthens, mothers should make an appointment to have a consultation with the doctor. This can help mothers overcome anxious and unstable feelings and ensure the safety of their newborn baby.
- Balancing between baby care and health recovery is essential. Keep the body warm, avoid sneezing and coughing since they can put pressure on the incision. Avoid lying on your back, instead, lie on your side with assistance from family members and keep your hands above the incision for support. Sleep when the baby sleeps and ask for help when needed.
- The risk of having deep vein thrombosis will increase in obese mothers because of inactivity in the first 24 hours after cesarean.
For the question: “Is the second cesarean more painful than the first one?”, the response is: It typically does not hurt more. The level of pain depends on the condition of previous incision, C-section technique, pain management of the doctors.
Mothers preparing for the second cesarean should select a reputable hospital. It is advised to register with the same hospital and doctor who performed the first cesarean. Because the doctor knows about your medical history which saves time of collecting information.
To arrange an appointment, please call HOTLINE or make your reservation directly HERE. You may also download the MyVinmec app to schedule appointments faster and manage your reservations more conveniently.
