Can exercise cause bleeding after c-section? (2023)

Can physical activity cause bleeding after C-section?

You may get more bleeding first thing in the morning as blood collects in your vagina when you're lying down at night. Physical activity can also cause slightly heavier bleeding in the first couple of weeks after the birth.

Watch for overdoing it, which is not hard to do early on. A good way to tell if you are doing too much is if your bleeding gets heavier or brighter red within a few hours of moving. Postpartum bleeding after exercise shouldn't change too much. If it does, you're overdoing it.

Vaginal bleeding after a C-section occurs because the lining of the uterus, which has grown to be very thick during pregnancy, sloughs off after delivery and removal of the placenta. The resulting discharge, which is called "lochia," is a mix of this uterine tissue, blood, and mucus.

Just make sure not to push yourself too much, as overexertion after C-section delivery can have serious consequences, including wound infection or injury.

Overdoing it after birth can lead to injury, muscle strain, and feelings of overwhelm or anxiety. Beyond day-to-day tasks, you may be itching to exercise again. Gentle walks are generally OK in the early days but be sure to contact your doctor and get cleared before delving into more high-intensity workouts.

The Four T's mnemonic can be used to identify and address the four most common causes of postpartum hemorrhage (uterine atony [Tone]; laceration, hematoma, inversion, rupture [Trauma]; retained tissue or invasive placenta [Tissue]; and coagulopathy [Thrombin]).

Tell your doctor or call 911 if you have any of these symptoms or signs: Bright red bleeding beyond the third day after birth. Blood clots bigger than a plum. Bleeding that soaks more than one sanitary pad an hour and doesn't slow down or stop.

We know that every patient has a different labor and delivery experience, but in general, it takes around six weeks to completely heal from your C-section. “We realize many of our patients also face the challenge of caring for the baby while they're recovering,” said Dr. Son.

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 bikini line. It will be red at first but will fade over time.

How long should I be bleeding after C-section?

You might have some bleeding for up to 6 weeks. Check with your doctor, nurse or midwife if the bleeding gets heavier rather than lighter, you have a sudden heavy blood loss or large clots after the first few days, the blood smells bad, your uterus feels tender or sore, or you're still bleeding after 6 weeks.

+ Exercises to avoid when beginning Exercise after C-section: Any type of crunches, sit-ups, leg raises, front planks. Any type of high impact activities such as running, jumping jacks, burpees… Any type of heavily weighted exercises.

Don't lift anything heavier than your baby for the first couple of weeks, and keep everything you might need within reach.

By two weeks, your scar should look and feel much better. That said, it can take anywhere from six weeks to three months before you're fully healed.

Sometimes portions of surgical wounds fall apart, or "dehisce." I would recommend keeping a clean dry gauze over the wound. There is no need to put any ointments in the wound itself. The best thing you can do is to allow the area to drain. You can keep it clean by showering over the wound and drying it daily.

The uterus consists of the serosal outer layer (perimetrium), the muscle layer (myometrium), and the inside mucosal layer (endometrium). All three of these layers are incised to make the uterine incision or hysterotomy.

If you've had a cesarean delivery (c-section), you will still bleed for several weeks, but it might be less than if you had delivered vaginally. You should still expect dark red blood that gradually changes from brown to yellow to white over several weeks.

Background: Anemia in pregnancy is common and linked to postpartum hemorrhage in terms of uterine atony. The more severe the anemia, the more likely the greater blood loss and adverse outcome.

Finally, take it easy during your postpartum recovery period. Doing too much too soon can slow down the body's repair work and cause bleeding to start again, or to become heavy once it's started tapering off.

How long does it take for uterus to shrink after C-section?

"Whether you delivered vaginally or by C-section, it takes six weeks for the uterus to contract to its normal size," Dr. Daneshmand says. Resting a heating pad or hot-water bottle on your belly (but not on the incision) can help—and so can ibuprofen.

“Even if it's a 10-minute walk around the block, it can be extremely helpful for the healing process. It can decrease that risk of blood clots that is even more prominent postpartum if a woman has had surgery.”

Postpartum hemorrhage is more bleeding than normal after the birth of a baby. About 1 in 100 to 5 in 100 women have postpartum hemorrhage. It's more likely with a cesarean birth. It most often happens after the placenta is delivered, but it can also happen later.

“Postpartum bleeding is normal for several weeks, up to 6 weeks, following a vaginal delivery,” she says. “The bleeding may also be inconsistent. Just when you think it's done, you'll have another day of dark red bleeding.

Who is at a higher risk for postpartum hemorrhage? Those with placental problems like placenta accreta, placenta previa, placental abruption and retained placenta are at the highest risk of PPH. An overdistended uterus also increases the risk for PPH.

If bright red spotting reappears after your lochia has already lightened up, it could be something called eschar bleeding. This is caused when the scab left behind from your placenta dissolves. This happens around the 10-day mark postpartum, and should only last for a few hours.

Lochia is typically creamy white to red in colour, but it's not to be confused with your actual period. The main difference between lochia and your period is that lochia will be lighter and more watery. It may also have a sweet smell and, unlike your period, lochia's flow will increase when you exert yourself.

Bleeding should stop completely after four to six weeks. Increased bleeding can be a sign of postpartum complications or excessive physical activity. Call your doctor if you experience heavier bleeding or clotting, bleeding from your incision site, or other concerning symptoms following your C-section.

However, from the current medical evidence, most medical authorities do state that if multiple C-sections are planned, the expert recommendation is to adhere to the maximum number of three.”

However, you should wait 2-4 weeks after a C-section (and get your doctor's signoff) before wearing a postpartum belly band to avoid irritating your healing incision.

When can I start workout after C-section?

Your GP may recommend you wait for at least 12 weeks before starting any high-impact exercises, such as aerobics, running and resistance or weight training. Hormones can affect your joints for about 6 months after the birth so start off gently. Read more about recovering at home after a c-section.

Coughing and Sneezing Will Hurt

Eskridge, who underwent two c-sections of her own, experienced the same thing—and offers some useful advice: “Splinting (holding a pillow against the abdomen over the incision) is very helpful in preventing pain with coughs, sneezes and laughing,” she says.

After a C-section, she recommends women take eight weeks off and to avoid heavy activity to prevent complications.

Postpartum uterine dehiscence is the opening of the incision line after cesarean section. It is a rare clinical condition. Risk factors include diabetes, emergency surgery, infection, suture technique, hematoma on the uterine incision line, and retrovesical hematoma.

Since you'll receive two incisions — one in your abdomen and one in your uterus — your surgeon will close both incisions. Dissolvable stitches are used to close your uterus. These stitches are made from materials that the body can easily break down, so they'll dissolve gradually as the incision heals.

Some women feel pain, restriction, or a pulling sensation on or around their scar months or even years after surgery. This is normally due to the build-up of scar tissue which can stick to muscles or even organs and cause pain.

Doctors, traditionally, have advised women to avoid stairs after a C-section. But Kathryn Houston, a clinical instructor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of California, San Francisco, shrugs off that recommendation. “Stairs are fine as long as you take them slowly,” she says.

Just make sure not to push yourself too much, as overexertion after C-section delivery can have serious consequences, including wound infection or injury.

Overall, heavy lifting can create intra-abdominal pressure. After birth, the pelvic floor is weak (which is why strengthening it after pregnancy is so important!). This pressure and weakened pelvic floor can lead to the drop and protrusion of organs, which is a much more serious health situation.

What happens if I bend after C-section?

Lifting more than your baby, stretching, straining and deep bending are not recommended until about 4-6 weeks post-delivery OR until you are able to do these movements with no pain or strain and your incision feels like it has healed.

On Your Back. According to Specialty Surgery Center, the best sleeping position after C-section and most surgeries is on your back. Many times sleeping on your back may be the best option to relieve any pressure on your incision.

Nerve pain does not necessarily imply that anything was done incorrectly during the surgery. Signs that may indicate you have suffered nerve damage to small branches within the skin include: Burning, shooting, stabbing, shocking and searing pain around the scar and in the groin or inner thigh.

“Postpartum bleeding is normal for several weeks, up to 6 weeks, following a vaginal delivery,” she says. “The bleeding may also be inconsistent. Just when you think it's done, you'll have another day of dark red bleeding.

You might notice increased lochia when you get up in the morning, when you are physically active, or while breastfeeding. Moms who have cesarean sections may have less lochia after 24 hours than moms who had vaginal deliveries. The bleeding generally stops within 4 to 6 weeks after delivery.

“Even if it's a 10-minute walk around the block, it can be extremely helpful for the healing process. It can decrease that risk of blood clots that is even more prominent postpartum if a woman has had surgery.”

Labour and birth can cause physical problems including back pain and a leaky bladder, both of which can be made worse by vigorous exercise. Pregnancy hormones can affect your joints and ligaments for up to 6 months after the birth, putting you at greater risk of injury.

Lochia is typically creamy white to red in colour, but it's not to be confused with your actual period. The main difference between lochia and your period is that lochia will be lighter and more watery. It may also have a sweet smell and, unlike your period, lochia's flow will increase when you exert yourself.

If bright red spotting reappears after your lochia has already lightened up, it could be something called eschar bleeding. This is caused when the scab left behind from your placenta dissolves. This happens around the 10-day mark postpartum, and should only last for a few hours.

How long does first period after C-section last?

The first period after C-section might last longer than usual because of the hormonal changes that the body has gone through. The bleeding can last for 10 days depending on the individual. If it doesn't stop even after 12 days, you must convey your condition to your gynaecologist.

Walking after c-section is encouraged and should be your go to for the first few weeks. You'll start to notice day to day movement getting easier and less discomfort lifting baby or moving around.

This is all a normal part of the postpartum transition of the uterus. Occasionally, a week or two after your bleeding seems to have stopped, you may have a sudden gush of bright red blood. This is the normal process of the placental site scab coming off.

How do I know if my lochia is infected? The biggest sign of infection is foul-smelling or greenish-colored vaginal discharge. Contact your healthcare provider as they may want to check for infection.

Your GP may recommend you wait for at least 12 weeks before starting any high-impact exercises, such as aerobics, running and resistance or weight training. Hormones can affect your joints for about 6 months after the birth so start off gently. Read more about recovering at home after a c-section.

3 weeks post-cesarean delivery

After you've been home from the hospital for 3 weeks or so, you might be walking for up to 15 minutes, gradually building up the time if it feels good. Keep up your daily pelvic floor exercises too.

Medication — Uterotonic medication is usually the first choice of treatment for postpartum hemorrhage. It helps the uterus to contract, stopping the bleeding. Uterine massage — When a health care provider notices heavy bleeding after delivery, they may attempt to stop it by massaging the uterus.

+ Exercises to avoid when beginning Exercise after C-section: Any type of crunches, sit-ups, leg raises, front planks. Any type of high impact activities such as running, jumping jacks, burpees… Any type of heavily weighted exercises.

As a cesarean section is an abdominal surgery, your doctor will likely advise you to not lift anything over 8-10 lbs, depending on the doctor as well as the details regarding your cesarean and your personal health. Lifting restrictions typically last anywhere from 6-8 weeks.

Don't lift anything heavier than your baby for the first couple of weeks, and keep everything you might need within reach.