After a Cesarean: Going Home with Baby

You will likely be able to shower and pat the incision dry.

Watch your incision for signs of infection. These include redness that gets worse or fluid draining from it.

Hold a pillow against the incision when you get up from a lying or sitting position. Also do this when you laugh or cough.

Don't do any heavy lifting. Don’t lift anything heavier than your baby until your healthcare provider tells you otherwise.

A fever of 100.4° F ( 38°C) or higher, or as directed by your provider

Redness, pain, or discharge at the incision site that gets worse

Vaginal bleeding that soaks through a pad per hour or large blood clots

Severe pain in your stomach

No bowel movement within 1 week after the birth of your baby

Vaginal discharge that has a foul odor

Swollen, red, and painful area in the leg

Burning when urinating or blood in the urine

A rash or hives

Sore, red, painful area on the breasts (may also have flu-like symptoms)

Feelings of anxiety, panic, and depression, or trouble bonding with your baby