HealthPartners - Preparing for childbirth

Frequently Asked Questions about Your Cesarean Birth

CESAREAN

BIRTH

How long will I be in the hospital?

What can I eat?

After surgery your digestive system slows way down, causing gas buildup and decreased bowel function. Wait until your intestines begin moving again before you eat any solid foods. Getting out of bed and walking will help. As your intestines wake up, you can slowly start eating solid foods again.

The average hospital stay after a cesarean birth is 48 to 72 hours. Your nurse or health care provider will review your discharge instructions for home care with you before you go. Once you get home from the hospital, don’t hesitate to call your provider with any questions.

When do they remove the IV and catheter?

Will I have a vaginal discharge?

Your care team will remove the urinary catheter that’s been draining your bladder after you can get out of bed and move around. They’ll remove your IV when you are able to tolerate food.

You can expect to have some bloody vaginal discharge after your cesarean birth. It will be bright red the first few days, then change to a deeper red, then brown, and, finally, clear or yellow.

WARNING!

Call your health provider right away if: • You have bright red bleeding (more than a heavy period) • You pass a clot or clump of blood larger than your fist

• Your vaginal discharge has a bad odor • You have a temperature higher than 100.4 F

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