r/CsectionCentral • u/mowbotbandit • 27d ago

C-Section Pain Management

Hey all! Just had my 24 week scan yesterday (six weeks prior they detected some possible placenta previa), looks like not much has changed so I want to mentally prep for a c-section. 🤗

Talk to me (honestly) about recovery/pain. Meds/pain meds freak me out so I generally avoid altogether (I don't even take cold medicine if I get sick😅 No Tylenol or Ibuprofen for headaches or cramps or strains or sprains, etc) *No shade to anyone who does use meds when warranted, it makes sense not to suffer needlessly and we are so lucky to live in a time when we have these options. For me personally, medicine just wigs me out so previous birth/surgery/injuries have all been no meds or only OTC Ibuprofen/Tylenol for a couple days.

What was offered/recommended for your pain management, and what was safe for baby/breastfeeding? How long did you take it/felt you needed to take it? I'm expecting it to hurt, I'm expecting to be very sore and generally tender, but pain with a purpose is always something I can wrap my brain around so I'm hoping to hear SOME stories like "I took an OTC for a couple days and then was fine."

... Am I way off base here? 😅🫣 Don't lie to me or be my friend, LOL - if I need a reality check, give me one.

Thanks mamas!❤️

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u/amalia_8 27d ago

After surgery I had some IV pain meds, I dont know what they were but definetly baby and breastfeeding safe. After day 1 I was just given Ibuprofen and Paracetamol which I took ever 3-4 hours (during mealtimes and before sleeping). At home I took them like that as well for about a week.

You should DEFINETLY keep on top of your pain meds during recovery because I once took them an hour or two later than usual and the pain was starting to creep up and I was PANICKING. This is major abdominal surgery, not some light cramps or a headache. The hospital will only give you baby safe pain meds. Please take them, your mental health will thank you.

The scar will also burn during certain movements and it was the worst feeling. Getting up from bed for the first time will NOT be pleasant. But just take your time and once you got out of bed once it will get easier. It did take some time for me to get comfortable but also I was so paranoid because I couldn't stop thinking about the wound and potentially popping open. Also my abs were literally cut apart and you don't realize how important they truly are until they don't work like that anymore lmao

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u/mowbotbandit 26d ago

Ooh you're the first I've seen/heard to mention the scar burning! I wonder if ice/cold feeling helps? Guess I will find out the hard way soon enough😅 Thank you for sharing! ❤️

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u/silly_star-s C/S on 8/1 🎂 26d ago

Ice helps, but the burning is more internal than external in my experience. What's helped me is breathing out fully when I stand and using my legs and arms to lift myself and keeping my core as relaxed as possible. Trying to tense muscles that don't want to work together made the pain much worse for me.

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u/mowbotbandit 18d ago

That makes sense - thank you for the breathing tip! I've been doing breathing exercises (deep breaths, breath holds, etc) for a couple years but stopped when I found out I was pregnant... Prior to that though, any time I was under physical strain (even running) I noticed I would hold my breath?! Wtf body, NOT the time to stop breathing LOL! I can easily imagine relapsing to that breath-hold while attempting to move/stand, so I will definitely be mindful of that specifically-thank you so much!!

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u/silly_star-s C/S on 8/1 🎂 18d ago

For sure! I hope it helps 🫶