Can I Take Bath After C- Section?

5 min read

Written by Editorial Team

Editorial Team

With a rich experience in pregnancy and parenting, our team of experts create insightful, well-curated, and easy-to-read content for our to-be-parents and parents at all stages of parenting..

shower after c section

Every pregnant woman aims for normal delivery, but then due to certain circumstances, C section becomes inevitable. And also, nowadays, a lot of pregnant women are voluntarily opting for a C section as they are terrified of the pain that they have to undergo while giving birth and prefer to take the easy way. But then C section does come with its share of disadvantages, and a lot of precautions need to be taken after the surgery.

Once you are home from the hospital, you may long to fix a warm and relaxing bath after C Section by yourself, but then your mind is filled with doubts as to whether you can indulge in a bath after C section. Read on to know more about things about it given in the below one.

Can I Take Bath After C Section?

The answer for can i take a bath after C Section, and it is No! It is suggested that you wait at least 2 Weeks after the surgery before indulging in a fully submerged bath. It is because it is imperative to keep the incision area relatively dry. Also, you can strain yourself and the abdominal area by getting in and out of a bathtub, and this can delay recovery.

Usually, it takes around a week to ten days nearly after the C section surgery for the stitches to dry up and heal totally and having a bath before the many doctors do not actually advise this thing. Though he may allow you to take a shower the day after the surgery, this will reduce the risk of infection. But ensure that you do not scrub the incision area. After the shower, dry the area by patting it gently or with a blow-dryer set on the cool setting. Also, make sure you do not remove the bandage or strips that have been used to cover the area. The best option would be to wait until this bandage falls off by itself before thinking about having a warm bath. Having a shower may be OK, but taking a warm bath is allowed after a week or ten days only.

[Read : C-Section Scar Care For Quick Healing And Recovery]

When Will You Take a Bath After C Section?

Take a bath right after you had a c-section surgery is a strict no. The cut will take around a week nearly to heal it. If the sutures get any wet, the wound may become infections and may lead to further problems or complications. Sterile strips are useful to cover the wound, and it needs to fall off by themselves before the area should be washed. Check with your doctor about the same or any questions about it.

Why Should You Be Careful While Taking Bath After Cesarean Section?

Once you have undergone a C section surgery, Your doctors will advise you to be alert for any aches and pains, bleeding from the vagina and fever as there can be chances of infection of it. The new mom will be given a sponge bath at the hospital by the nurse with adequate care and precautions. It’s safe to take a bath when the incision has completely healed, which is generally after 7 to 10 days post-surgery. Taking a bath after C Section requires more attention and precautions than vaginal delivery.

[Read : Bathing After Delivery]

Precautions While Having a Bathing After Cesarean Section

bathing after c section

Your doctor will be the best person who can provide you with the correct advice as far as having a bath is concerned and what precautionary measures should be followed. Just take care that you follow those instructions strictly to avoid any unwanted complications that may arise due to having a bath too soon or carelessly. However, the tips that you can follow once you are ready to take a bath after C section:

Let the water run very gently over your incision during your bath.
Gently apply antibacterial soap to the area of incision by just frothing the soap in your hands and applying those suds onto the incision.
Take care not to rub the incised area when you are having a bath.
After washing with water, pat dry very gently with a fresh towel.
Now slowly apply the prescribed ointment onto the incised area carefully.
Never use too hot water or too cold water for the bath. Ensure that the water is at the right temperature for your bath.
Take care not to apply any strong oils or perfumed products while having a bath as it can irritate or infect your incised area.
Never use a bathtub for around one and a half months as a bathtub is never drained and cleaned after each use. So there are high chances that you may catch an infection from the bathtub. Even minor infection can lead to a lot of complications.
Also, if you are still bleeding, then you may contaminate the bathtub for everyone else. And you don’t want to do that. So wait until the incision is completely healed.
Also, there is a risk of slipping while getting out of the tub.

[Read : 10 Simple Tips For A Speedy C-Section Recovery]

Benefits of Having a Bathing After Cesarean

Having a warm bath after C Section with care has immense benefits too. The benefits include

Indulging in a warm your bath after C section has a therapeutic effect on the fatigued body of the new mom.
It helps to soothe and relax the pelvic area which has undergone a lot of trauma.
It aids to ease those hemorrhoids that are swollen after delivery.
It also works to soothe the repairing of the episiotomy.

So do go ahead and follow what your doctor has recommended as far as a bath after C section is concerned. It is sure to relax you and help you heal physically and emotionally, too, after the ordeal of birthing.

When did you take your bath after C section surgery? Do share your experience in the comments section below.

FAQ’s

1. Is it Safe to Have a Bath After C-Section?

It is not safe to bathe immediately after a C-Section. Your doctor will also advise you against it. You are required to wait until the sutures heal to take a bath.

2. Should I Have Only a Sponge Bath After a C-Section?

Until you are in the hospital, you will be given a sponge bath. Once you get back home, the doctor will advise you to avoid wetting the sutures area. A sponge bath is the best option until it is safe.

3. Can I Take an Oil Bath After C-Section?

No, it is not safe. Oils can seep into the wound even after healing. So, please wait for a few weeks before you can do this.

4. Can I Have a Hot Bath After a C-Section?

No you cannot. It is not safe to pour hot water on the incision. Use only warm water for a few weeks.

5. Will my Sutures Get Infected if I Bathe After a C-Section?

Yes, soap can infect it. It can cause burning sensation too. This is why you are advised to keep the area dry for a few weeks.

Editorial Team,

With a rich experience in pregnancy and parenting, our team of experts create insightful, well-curated, and easy-to-read content for our to-be-parents and parents at all stages of parenting.Read more.

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