Nurse Vivian Outreach, Ikeja (2025)

20/07/2025

Happy Sunday to you all

20/07/2025

Older female and S*X

Many females over 70 and 80 years of age continue to be s*xually active and remain satisfied with their s*x lives. S*xual health and intimacy are essential throughout life, and s*x plays an integral role in the lives of many older adults.

Older individuals experience physical and mental changes that can decrease s*xual desire, but there are plenty of ways people can adapt to enjoy intimate relationships.

There is strong evidenceTrusted Source that older women are s*xually active, maintain active s*xual relationships, and express satisfaction with their s*x lives.

While various physiological changes accompanying aging may affect an older adult’s s*xual desire and performance, older adults can enjoy s*x. Many even have greater satisfactionTrusted Source than when they were younger.

This article discusses female aging and s*x. It also explores the changes in s*xual function in older females and ways they can address it.

A note about s*x and gender
S*x and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to s*x assigned at birth. Learn more.

Does aging affect s*x?
Aging causesTrusted Source changes in the body that can have direct and indirect effects on s*x. An example of this in females is a decline in s*x hormones such as estrogen after menopause. This can lead to painful s*x due to less va**nal lubrication.

About 85%Trusted Source of older adults also have at least one chronic condition, while 60% have at least two conditions. People with chronic diseases are more frequently affectedTrusted Source by s*xual dysfunctions.

However, this does not mean that older adults cannot enjoy active s*x lives. A 2019 studyTrusted Source surveyed people aged 55–75 on their s*xual activity. Women in this group were less likely than men to be s*xually active but just as likely to be satisfied with their s*x life.

Learn more about s*x and aging.

Statistics about older females and s*x
A 2022 University of Michigan Poll on Healthy Aging focused on the effect of menopausal symptoms on older women’s s*x lives. In those ages between 50–80 years, they found that:

almost half — 43% — are s*xually active
52% of those who were not s*xually active were satisfied with their s*xual activity
74% of those who are s*xually active were satisfied with their s*xual activity
1 in 4 had their partner’s health affect their s*xual activity
28% had menopausal symptoms that interfered with their ability to be s*xually active
In a similar 2021 study on older adults’ s*xual activity and satisfaction, 40% of older women were s*xually active compared to 55% of men, and across all age groups, women were more satisfied with their s*x lives than men.

The same poll found that:

84% of females were s*xually satisfied compared to 69% of males
83% of females ages 72–78 were s*xually satisfied compared to 68% of males
91% of females ages 81–87 were s*xually satisfied compared to 69% of males
A 2017 Australian studyTrusted Source on s*xual function in older women found that at least 13.6% of those ages 65–79 had hypoactive s*xual desire dysfunction (HSDD). HSDD involves the presence of low s*xual desire and s*xually-related personal distress.

How s*x changes for older females
As people age, their bodies undergo various changes. In females, this can manifest in hormonal, physical, and mental changes affecting s*xual functioning and desire.

Hormonal changes
Between 45–55 years, a person’s ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone, leading to menopause. This can cause a range of symptoms, includingTrusted Source:

hot flashes
decreased libido
insomnia
anxiety
va**nal issues, such as va**nal dryness
urinary incontinence
depression
irregular periods or bleeding
A 2019 study found age and postmenopausal status were negatively associated with lubrication, arousal, and overall s*xual functioning in women over 40.

Menopausal symptoms also affect s*xual health. In the 2022 poll mentioned above, 28% of women ages 50–80 years reported that their menopause symptoms interfered with their ability to be s*xually active, and 48% of these had reduced s*x drives.

Physical changes
A decrease in estrogen production also causesTrusted Source an older person’s va**na to narrow and shorten while the va**nal walls become thinner and stiffer.

A loss of estrogen also leads toTrusted Source muscle weakness, affecting supporting tissues in the pelvis. This may cause organs to protrude into the va**na, called a pelvic organ prolapse. Weak pelvic floor muscles can also cause urine to leak involuntarily.

Many will also experience decreased lubrication, which may lead to pain during in*******se, known as dyspareunia.

Age can also decreaseTrusted Source the va**na’s acidity, making it prone to irritation and infection.

Mental changes
Shifts in female hormones as they age can cause mood changes. They also have an increased risk of depression as they transition to menopause.

Hormone changes may cause a person to experience the following mood changes:

anger
irritability
anxiety
forgetfulness
low self-esteem
low self-confidence
feelings of sadness or depression
low mood
poor concentration and “brain fog”
Health challenges
Certain medical conditions and their treatment may cause or worsen issues with s*xual desire, arousal, and or**sm.

Several medical conditions contribute to s*xual dysfunction. These includeTrusted Source:

arthritis
diabetes
heart disease
paralysis as a result of a stroke
incontinence
Other medical conditions include Parkinson’s disease, chronic kidney disease, and cancer.

Certain psychotropic drugs also increase a person’s risk of s*xual dysfunction. These include antidepressants and antipsychotics.

Other health issues that can affect s*x in older adults include:

Obesity: People who are obese or overweight women are more likelyTrusted Source to have s*xual dysfunction. Weight management can improve s*xual function. A 2019 studyTrusted Source found that bariatric surgery can improve s*xual function in both genders.
Pain: Chronic pain can causeTrusted Source tiredness and exhaustion, decreasing a person’s libido. Pain medications can also cause s*xual dysfunction.
Cancer: Studies show that up to halfTrusted Source of women treated with cervical cancers have s*xual dysfunction during recovery and as they become survivors. Similarly, elderly survivors of endometrial or ovarian cancer had the greatest deteriorationTrusted Source in their s*xual function.
Depression: S*xual dysfunction is more commonTrusted Source in females with clinical depression than those without.
Many older adults are reluctant to raise concerns about their s*xual health to health professionals. At the same time, doctors wantTrusted Source individuals to raise their issues themselves.

Expand the definition of s*x
S*x may look different over the years, and older adults may not restrict it to in*******se. Couples can become creative and open to trying new things.

This can include:

touching
kissing
other intimate s*xual contact, such as sensual touching and erotic massage
Couples may also explore the use of toys and different s*xual positions pleasurable for both partners. Lubricants can help females who experience va**nal dryness.

Couples can also express intimacy through nons*xual touch, including:

cuddling
hugging
sitting beside each other
holding hands
backrubs and massages
Open communication
Honest communication about likes, dislikes, and issues can help increase intimacy and make s*x more pleasurable.

Discussing individual desires, expectations, and fears with a partner regarding s*x is also essential.

Talk with a healthcare professional
Underlying conditions, medications, and treatments may cause symptoms that can affect a person’s s*xual function.

People should consult with a healthcare professional if they are concerned about the potential s*xual side effects of their condition or medications they are taking.

Raising s*xual health questions can help people become more aware of possible options to address the issues.

Benefits of s*x
Older adults who are s*xually active report greater enjoymentTrusted Source in life than those who are not s*xually active.

S*x is also associated with several health benefits, including:

lower stress levels
better healing after surgery
reduced risk of depression
lower blood pressure
boosts oxytocin levels
encouraging healthier behaviors
longer lifespan
Keeping s*x safe
There is a significant riseTrusted Source in s*xually transmitted infections (STIs) among older adults. This can be secondary to improved s*xual function due to treatments for erectile dysfunction and low libido.

It is crucial to protect against STIs by using protection such as condoms, dental dams, or other barrier methods.

Screening for STIs is also important, especially if:

a person has multiple partners
starting a new s*xual relationship
a person has risk factors for HIV
Finding support
A person or a couple may also find it helpful to talk with a therapist or a certified s*x therapist.

Summary
S*xual activity and intimacy are essential throughout life. Many older females continue to be s*xually active in their 70s and 80s.

While bodily changes and health challenges can affect how older adults perform s*x, many strategies can help individuals maintain a satisfying and enjoyable s*x life. This includes exploring nonpenetrative s*x and using s*x toys.

Older adults still risk contracting STDs. Practicing safe s*x by using condoms and other barrier methods can help reduce this risk.

20/07/2025

S*xual health on men.

Is loss of s*x drive normal as men get older?
It's natural for men to notice a gradual decrease in s*x drive (libido) as they age. The degree of this decline varies. But most men maintain at least some amount of s*xual interest into their 60s and 70s.

But sometimes loss of s*x drive is related to an underlying condition. Depression, stress, alcoholism, illicit drug use and fatigue often can be factors in loss of s*x drive in men.

Sometimes the culprit is a decrease in male s*x hormones due to an endocrine disorder. In other cases, loss of s*x drive may be a medication side effect.

If you're concerned about loss of s*x drive — especially if the loss happened suddenly — talk to your doctor. Your doctor will likely discuss your detailed medical history, do a physical exam and request lab tests to help determine what's causing the loss of s*x drive.

After identifying what's causing the loss of s*x drive, your doctor can suggest treatment options. For example:

If loss of s*x drive is related to stress or depression, seeing a counselor, sometimes in combination with taking antidepressant medication, might help.
Some medical conditions, such as obstructive sleep apnea, can cause an unusually low testosterone level. Treating the sleep apnea will reverse the low testosterone level and improve s*x drive.

If a reversible cause for low testosterone isn't found, testosterone replacement therapy might return your testosterone level and s*x drive to normal.

If a certain medication is contributing to loss of s*x drive, your doctor might suggest that you take a different drug.
Some people have a hard time discussing s*x with their doctors. But treatments are often available for a loss of s*x drive, so it's worth it to be open with your doctor.

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19/07/2025

Can a Baby Be Born at 35 or 36 Weeks?

Yes, a baby can be born at 35 or 36 weeks of pregnancy.

Pregnancy typically lasts 280 days, which is about 40 weeks or 9 months. A pregnancy is considered full term at 37 weeks, as by then, the baby’s lungs and other vital organs are usually well developed.

At 36 weeks, pregnancy has entered the 9th month. Babies born at this stage are often healthy but are closely monitored for breathing, crying, and general activity. In fact, many twins are born around 36 weeks and do very well.

At 35 weeks, the baby is considered late preterm. These babies may require extra monitoring, especially to ensure proper breathing, feeding, and body temperature regulation.

There are several medical reasons why a baby may need to be delivered before 37 weeks. What matters most is receiving the right care and of course, the special grace of God.

18/07/2025

Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are common growths that develop on or inside your ovaries. There are several types of cysts. The most common kinds are harmless, don’t cause symptoms and eventually go away without treatment. Rarely, cysts can cause complications that require your provider’s attention. Getting regular pelvic exams can help reduce your chances of experiencing problems with a cyst.

What is an ovarian cyst?
An ovarian cyst is a small sac filled with fluid or semisolid material that forms on or within one or both of your ovaries. There are different types of ovarian cysts, most of which are painless and noncancerous (benign). Ovarian cysts don’t always cause symptoms. You likely won’t know you have one unless your healthcare provider finds one during a pelvic exam or pelvic ultrasound.

Rarely, ovarian cysts can cause complications. Scheduling regular pelvic exams and speaking with your provider about any symptoms you may be experiencing can help troubleshoot any problems with an ovarian cyst.

Ovarian cysts are extremely common, especially if you haven’t gone through menopause yet.

Types of ovarian cysts
Most ovarian cysts are functional cysts. They form in response to your body’s changes during your menstrual cycle. Less commonly, ovarian cysts form for reasons unrelated to your period.

Functional ovarian cysts
Functional cysts are the most common type of ovarian cyst and aren’t disease-related. They occur as a result of ovulation. These cysts can be a sign that your ovaries are functioning as they should. Functional cysts generally shrink over time, usually within 60 days, without treatment. Sometimes, functional cysts are called simple cysts. They include:

Follicular cysts. A small sac in your o***y, called a follicle, releases an egg each month as part of your menstrual cycle. A follicular cyst forms when the follicle doesn’t release an egg. Instead, the follicle fills with fluid and forms a cyst.
Corpus luteum cysts. After the follicle releases an egg, it forms a hormone-producing structure called the corpus luteum. If conception doesn’t take place, the corpus luteum dissolves. But sometimes, instead of breaking down, it fills with fluid and forms a cyst.

Other ovarian cysts
Not all ovarian cysts form in response to your menstrual cycle. They aren’t always signs of disease, but your provider may want to monitor them to ensure that they don’t cause complications. Other types of ovarian cysts include:

Cystadenomas. These cysts form on the surface of your o***y. They can be filled with fluid that’s thin and watery or thicker and mucous-like.
Dermoid cysts (teratomas). Dermoid cysts contain cells similar to the tissue in your hair, teeth or skin. They’re smooth, rubbery and noncancerous.
Endometriomas. These cysts are filled with menstrual blood and are typically a sign of having endometriosis.
Ovarian cancer cysts. Unlike the conditions above, ovarian cancer cysts are solid masses of cancer cells. This can happen at any age, but are more common after menopause.
Are ovarian cysts serious?
Usually, no. Most ovarian cysts are harmless, and they often eventually go away on their own. Some types of cysts are more likely to become cancerous or cause complications, but this is rare. Less than 1% of ovarian cysts are cancerous. Your healthcare provider can closely monitor any concerning cysts to reduce your risk of experiencing complications.

Symptoms and Causes
What are the symptoms of an ovarian cyst?
Some smaller cysts cause no symptoms. In these cases, you may not even know you have a cyst. Larger cysts may cause:

Pelvic pain or a dull ache in your back
A feeling of fullness (bloating in your lower belly) — it may feel more pronounced on one side of your body
Pain during s*x (dyspareunia)
Painful periods and/or irregular periods
Trouble p**ping or needing to p*e frequently
Symptoms that linger could indicate a condition called polycystic o***y syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a condition that causes irregular menstrual cycles and an increase in androgens that may cause cystic acne, difficulty with conception and weight gain.

What does an ovarian cyst feel like?
The experience of having an ovarian cyst varies from person to person. You may feel:

No pain at all
Mild discomfort or a feeling of fullness
Pain that could be described as sharp or like a dull ache
Discomfort or pain that comes and goes without explanation
Pain during certain parts of your menstrual cycle.
What causes an ovarian cyst?
Ovulation is the leading cause of ovarian cysts. It’s a natural process that happens during your menstrual cycle. Other causes include:

Abnormal cell reproduction. Unusual cell reproduction can cause dermoid cysts or cystadenomas to form.
Endometriosis. Endometriomas (or chocolate cysts) often form on your o***y if you have advanced endometriosis.
Polycystic o***y syndrome (PCOS). PCOS can cause multiple small cysts to form on your ovaries.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Severe pelvic infections can spread to your ovaries, causing cysts.
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What are the risk factors for ovarian cysts?
Anyone with ovaries can develop an ovarian cyst. Your chances increase based on your:

Age. Ovarian cysts are more common if you haven’t gone through menopause.
Pregnancy status. Cysts are more likely to form and remain during pregnancy.
History of ovarian cysts. You’re more likely to have an ovarian cyst if you’ve had one before.
Current medical conditions. You’re more likely to get an ovarian cyst if you have endometriosis, PCOS or another hormone disorder.
Fertility medication. You’re more likely to get a cyst if you’re taking medications to help with ovulation, like clomiphene (Clomid©).
What are the complications of an ovarian cyst?
Most cysts don’t cause any serious complications. Your healthcare provider can let you know if they think an ovarian cyst is likely to lead to complications. Some of the most common complications are:

Cancer. Ovarian cysts that develop after menopause are more likely to be cancerous than cysts that form before menopause.
Ruptured ovarian cyst. Functional cysts commonly rupture (break open) without causing any symptoms. But sometimes, a ruptured cyst can cause severe pain, dizziness or weakness. The larger it is, the greater likelihood it has of breaking.
Ovarian torsion. Cysts can grow so big that they distort the shape of your o***y, increasing the likelihood that it’ll twist. The twisting can prevent blood flow to your o***y, causing it to die. Extreme pain, nausea and vomiting are all signs of ovarian torsion.
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Seek medical assistance right away if you’re experiencing the symptoms of a ruptured ovarian cyst or ovarian torsion.

What does a burst ovarian cyst feel like?
A ruptured or burst ovarian cyst typically feels like sudden, sharp pain in your pelvis (typically lower and off to the side). The pain is often intense and severe. Other symptoms of a burst ovarian cyst are:

Vaginal bleeding
Nausea or vomiting
Bloating or a feeling of fullness in your abdomen
Pressure or aching in your abdomen.

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18/07/2025

Let's discuss Hernia as a case study.

A hernia usually happens in your abdomen or groin, when one of your organs pushes through the muscle or tissue that contains it. It may look like an odd bulge that comes and goes during different activities or in different positions. It may or may not cause symptoms, such as discomfort or pain. Most hernias eventually will need surgical repair.

What is a hernia?
Common types of hernias include umbilical hernia, inguinal hernia and femoral hernia.
Common types of hernias include umbilical hernia, inguinal hernia and femoral hernia.
A hernia occurs when part of your insides bulges through an opening or weakness in the muscle or tissue that contains it. Most hernias involve one of your abdominal organs pushing through one of the walls of your abdominal cavity. Hernias can occur gradually as you get older and regular wear and tear on your muscles begins to add up. They can also result from an injury, surgery or birth disorder.

What are some common hernia locations?
You may get a hernia:

- In your lower chest through your diaphragm.
- In your groin through your lower abdominal wall.
- Along the front midline of your abdomen.
- Through a former abdominal surgery incision.

Specific types of hernias include:

+ Inguinal hernia. Inguinal hernias are the most common type, accounting for 75% of all hernias. They mostly affect men. They happen when part of your bowel protrudes into your inguinal canal, a passageway that runs down your inner thigh.
+ Femoral hernia. A femoral hernia is a less-common type of groin hernia that occurs in the femoral canal, which runs underneath the inguinal canal. Fatty tissue may poke through.
+ Hiatal hernia. A hiatal hernia is another common type of hernia that you acquire during your lifetime. It happens when the opening in your diaphragm — where your esophagus passes through — widens, and the top of your stomach pushes up through the opening into your chest.
+ Congenital diaphragmatic hernia. A congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a serious birth defect in which the diaphragm doesn’t close all the way during fetal development. It can cause abdominal organs to slip up into the chest cavity while the organs are still growing, crowding the lungs.
+ Incisional hernia. An incisional hernia occurs when tissue protrudes through a former incision in your abdominal wall that weakened over time. It’s a common side effect of abdominal surgery.
+ Umbilical hernia. An umbilical hernia occurs when part of your intestine pokes through an opening in your abdominal wall near your belly button. Most umbilical hernias are congenital (present from birth).
+ Ventral hernia. A ventral hernia is any hernia that occurs through the front wall of your abdomen. It includes umbilical hernias and incisional hernias. An “epigastric hernia” is a ventral hernia above the belly button.
+ Perineal hernia. A perineal hernia occurs when organs or tissue push through an opening or weakness in your pelvic floor into your abdominal cavity. These hernias are relatively rare.

How common are hernias?
Overall, hernias are common, though some types are more common than others. Inguinal hernias affect around 25% of all men. Hiatal hernias affect around 20% of people in the U.S. and 50% over the age of 50. Congenital hernias occur in about 15% of newborns, mostly umbilical. Incisional hernias make up about 10% of hernias, and all other types make up another 10%.

How serious is a hernia?
Most aren’t serious, but they can be. They can also become more serious over time. A hernia becomes serious when it gets stuck in the hole that it’s pushed through and can’t go back in. This can become painful, and in severe cases the tissue can become cut off from blood supply, causing necrosis (tissue death). Since hernias tend to worsen over time, most will need surgical repair sooner or later.

Symptoms and Causes

What are hernia symptoms?
Not all hernias cause symptoms and different types of hernias may cause different symptoms. One telltale sign of a hernia is a visible lump or bulge that appears during certain activities or in certain physical positions and goes back in at other times. You may also feel pressure, a dull ache or pinching when the hernia comes out. It may come out when you’re straining, lifting, laughing or coughing.

What does a hernia look like?
When you can see it, it looks like a bulge where you shouldn’t have one. Some typical places are in your abdomen or at the top of your inner thigh. It may be visible sometimes but not others. Some hernias are too deep to be visible from the outside, including femoral hernias and hiatal hernias.

What does a hernia feel like?
You may not feel it at all, or you may feel pressure, a dull ache or a sharp pain when the hernia comes through the opening. If you have frequent discomfort, you should see a healthcare provider right away. A hiatal hernia, in particular, may cause chronic acid reflux. You may feel it as heartburn or indigestion.

What are the first signs of a hernia?
You may see or feel a hernia emerge in a precise location when you’re squatting, bending over or exerting yourself. In your baby, you may see a hernia emerge when they’re crying or p**ping, and they may be irritable about it. If the same activity routinely causes the same symptoms, it’s likely a hernia.

Are hernia symptoms in women different from hernia symptoms in men?
Not usually, but there are some exceptions. For example, a groin hernia can sometimes slip down into your s*x organs. It may cause visible scrotal swelling in people with testicles. Femoral hernias more often occur in women and they may cause invisible, unexplained groin pain.

What is the main cause of hernia?
A hernia occurs when a weakness or a preexisting opening in your muscle or connective tissue allows an organ or other tissue to push through the barrier. Sometimes the weakness or opening is present at birth, but usually, it develops during your lifetime. A traumatic injury or surgery could cause it, but more often, it’s a repetitive stress injury. Years of pressure or exertion can wear the tissue down.

What risk factors contribute to getting a hernia?
You may be more likely to acquire a hernia if you have:

- A job that involves heavy lifting or many hours of standing.
- A chronic cough or allergies that cause chronic sneezing.
- Chronic constipation and straining to p**p or p*e.
- A history of abdominal or pelvic surgery.
- Pregnancy, especially repeat pregnancies.
- Chronic obesity (a body mass index, or BMI, greater than 30).

Your child may be more likely to be born with a congenital hernia if they:

Are born prematurely.
Have cystic fibrosis.
Have a connective tissue disorder.
Have congenital hip dysplasia.
Have undescended testicles.
Have other problems in their reproductive system or urinary system.

What are the possible complications of a hernia?
In most cases, complications begin when a hernia gets stuck and can’t move back in (incarceration). An incarcerated hernia can become increasingly painful and serious. If it’s your bowel that’s stuck, your bowel may develop an obstruction that makes it unable to pass food or gas. If incarcerated tissue doesn’t have access to blood supply (strangulation), it can lead to tissue death (necrosis or gangrene).

Complications of diaphragmatic hernias are different. In general, organs that herniate through your diaphragm aren’t likely to get stuck. A hiatal hernia rarely causes complications, except for chronic acid reflux. On the other hand, a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is always complicated, because it affects the way fetal organs develop. Babies born with CDH are critically ill and will need intensive care.

When should I worry about hernia pain?
Any hernia pain is worth a visit to your healthcare provider. It’s important to have a healthcare provider diagnose hernia pain, since many other conditions can be mistaken for a hernia. If your hernia changes color, goes numb, or causes symptoms like fever, nausea and vomiting, seek medical attention right away.

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15/07/2025

How to recover from a c-section (caesarean) at home

You will probably need some help in the early days at home after your c-section (caesarean). But you can start your usual activities when you feel ready.

How long does it take to recover after a c-section?

You'll probably be in hospital for 1 or 2 days after a c-section, and may need to take things easy for several weeks. If you had any problems during or after your c-section, or if you’re looking after other children at home, you may feel you need more time to recover.

Speak to your GP if you are still having pain or you don’t feel you have recovered after 6 weeks.

Gentle exercise, such as walking, will help you recover from your c-section. But avoid anything more active until you have no pain and you feel ready. For example, avoid driving, carrying anything heavy, having s*x or doing heavy housework, such as vacuuming, until you feel able to. This may not be for 6 weeks or so.

Medical checks

Your midwife and health visitor will visit you at home for the first few weeks to check how you and your baby are getting on. After that, you can see your health visitor at a local clinic if you’d like your baby to be weighed or if you want to talk about any problems you’re having. You will need to make an appointment with your GP for your post-natal check 6-8 weeks after your c-section. This is to check how you are recovering.

Healing process of caesarean section

Your midwife will visit you at home to check your wound and remove your dressing, if you still have one. They will also remove the stitches or staples after 5-7 days, unless you have dissolvable stitches. This does not hurt but it may feel uncomfortable.

Once your dressing is off, clean and dry your wound carefully every day. You may find it more comfortable to wear cotton high-waisted pants and loose clothes.

Tell your midwife or GP straight away if you have any signs of infection, such as:

you have a high temperature
you feel generally unwell - for example, an upset stomach
your wound becomes red, swollen, painful or has a discharge.

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Giving birth
How to recover from a c-section (caesarean) at home
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How long does it take to recover after a c-section?

Medical checks

Healing process of caesarean section

Pain relief

Getting in and out of bed

C-section scar recovery

Preventing blood clots

S*x after a c-section

Driving after a c-section

When to seek help after a c-section

If you are thinking about having another baby

This page deals with recovering physically after a c-section.

You can find out more about how to recover emotionally from a c-section here.

You will probably need some help in the early days at home after your c-section (caesarean). But you can start your usual activities when you feel ready. Your midwife or health visitor will check you’re recovering well.

How long does it take to recover after a c-section?
You'll probably be in hospital for 1 or 2 days after a c-section, and may need to take things easy for several weeks. If you had any problems during or after your c-section, or if you’re looking after other children at home, you may feel you need more time to recover.

Speak to your GP if you are still having pain or you don’t feel you have recovered after 6 weeks.

“I was busy at home looking after my older children. I felt tired and uncomfortable for nearly three months.”
Sarah

Gentle exercise, such as walking, will help you recover from your c-section. But avoid anything more active until you have no pain and you feel ready. For example, avoid driving, carrying anything heavy, having s*x or doing heavy housework, such as vacuuming, until you feel able to. This may not be for 6 weeks or so.

You will need help with carrying your baby in their car seat and with lifting their pram. Check with your insurance company when you will be covered for driving after a c-section.

Read more about when to exercise after a c-section.

Medical checks
Your midwife and health visitor will visit you at home for the first few weeks to check how you and your baby are getting on. After that, you can see your health visitor at a local clinic if you’d like your baby to be weighed or if you want to talk about any problems you’re having. You will need to make an appointment with your GP for your post-natal check 6-8 weeks after your c-section. This is to check how you are recovering.

Read about coping emotionally after a c-section.

Healing process of caesarean section
Your midwife will visit you at home to check your wound and remove your dressing, if you still have one. They will also remove the stitches or staples after 5-7 days, unless you have dissolvable stitches. This does not hurt but it may feel uncomfortable.

Once your dressing is off, clean and dry your wound carefully every day. You may find it more comfortable to wear cotton high-waisted pants and loose clothes.

Tell your midwife or GP straight away if you have any signs of infection, such as:

you have a high temperature
you feel generally unwell - for example, an upset stomach
your wound becomes red, swollen, painful or has a discharge.

Pain relief

Your wound will feel sore and bruised for a few weeks. You will need to take pain relief for as long as you need, this could be up to 1-2 weeks after your c-section. Your midwife or doctor will tell you what pain relief you can take. Small amounts of any medicine you take may pass into your breastmilk but they’re unlikely to harm your baby if you take them as instructed. Do not take codeine or co-codamol (which contains codeine) if you’re breastfeeding, as this may harm your baby.

Always check with your doctor, midwife or pharmacist before taking any medicines.

Your midwife may give you painkillers, such as paracetamol, to take at home.

It’s important to take your pain relief regularly and on time, even if you don’t have pain at the moment. If you are still having pain with the painkillers, speak to your midwife, or GP.

Getting in and out of bed

Getting in and out of bed can be difficult or uncomfortable while you’re recovering from your c-section.

To make it easier to get out of bed, you could try rolling on to your side
dropping both legs over the side of the bed
pushing yourself up sideways into a sitting position.
Try to stand up as straight as you can. You can do the opposite to get back into bed.

C-section scar recovery

Your wound will take about 6 weeks to heal. You will have a scar but this will fade over time.

Your scar will be 10-20cm long and is usually just below your lower tummy. It will be red at first but will fade over time. On darker skin, it may fade to a brown or white line. You may lose feeling in the area of your wound, which may come back over time.

Your midwife may advise you to massage your scar after it has fully healed. This can break up the scar tissue and stop any itching. There isn’t much evidence to show how well this works, but some women find it helpful. To massage your scar lie on your back using a non-perfumed cream or lotion, make 20-30 small circular motions with your fingertips over your scar repeat 2-3 times a day.

Preventing blood clots
Keeping as active as possible and drinking plenty of fluids will help to lower your risk of a blood clot. Your midwife may have given you a blood-thinning medicine. While you’re in hospital, they will show you how to inject yourself daily.

Tell your GP, midwife or health visitor straight away if you have signs of a blood clot, such as:

a cough
shortness of breath
swollen or painful lower legs.
If you cannot get through to your health care team and you have these symptoms, you should go to your nearest hospital

S*x after a c-section
You may not feel ready to have s*x again until you have fully recovered from your c-section. This may take about 6 weeks. Your midwife may recommend not having s*x until you have stopped bleeding (from your va**na) to reduce the risk of infection. How long you wait will depend on how you feel physically and emotionally.

When to seek help after a c-section
If you have any of the following symptoms your GP

1. difficulty or pain passing urine or leaking urine when you don’t mean to
2. your pain relief is not keeping your pain under control or your pain is getting worse
3. sore or tender abdomen (tummy area)
4. red, swollen or painful wound
5. discharge from your wound or you’re worried your wound is not healing properly
6. a high temperature
7. va**nal bleeding that is still heavy after a week or gets heavier – get help straight away if you also feel faint or dizzy, or your heartbeat is fast or ‘pounding’
8. unpleasant smelling va**nal blood or discharge
9. cough, chest pain or shortness of breath
10. a persistent or severe headache
11. pain, redness or swelling in the lower leg (calf muscle)
12. breast redness and swelling for more than 24 hours and is getting worse
25. problems with your baby’s breathing's if you’re worried about your baby’s breathing.

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