Table of Contents
- Overview
- Risks
- Recovery
- Prevention
- Images
Abdominal delivery; Abdominal birth; Cesarean section
Expectations after surgery
Most mothers and infants recover well, with few problems.
Women who have C-section deliveries can have a normal vaginal delivery with later pregnancies, depending on the type of C-section performed and the reason the C-section was performed.
Many women who attempt a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) delivery are successful. However, there is a small risk of uterine rupture associated with VBAC attempts, which can endanger the mother and the baby. It is important to discuss the benefits and risks of VBAC with your obstetric health care provider.
Convalescence
The average hospital stay after C-section is 2 to 4 days. Recovery takes longer than it would from a natural birth. Walking is encouraged the day of surgery to speed recovery. Pain can be managed with medications taken by mouth.
Previous Section
Review Date: 05/02/2008
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer,
Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant
Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Susan
Storck, MD, FACOG, Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of
Medicine; Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington. Also
reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
