Factsheet: Caesarean Section Recovery

Caitlin Reid

Physio Caitlin. @Aprivewellness. Bachelor of Physiotherapy – University of Melbourne. Cert 3&4 fitness. Registered with Australian & NZ Physiotherapy Boards.

@all4birth

Summary

Wondering how long caesarean-section recovery takes? I wondered this too, and despite my experience as a physiotherapist, I couldn’t find the answer after my first c-section. While everyone heals in their unique way, there are physiological processes that help guide c-section recovery. Here’s a general caesarean section recovery timeline to help you better understand this special recovery process.

How Long Does Caesarean-Section Recovery Take?

As a physiotherapist, the most common question I get asked by many of my pregnant patients is: How long does caesarean section recovery take? And when can I start moving afterwards, and how? When I had my daughter via emergency cesarean, I wondered the same things. I was given guidelines like “no driving until 6 weeks”, but otherwise I was told very little. So, here’s what I wish I had known after my first caesarean section, coupled with physiotherapy insights, to give you a better idea of your healing timeline.

(*Important note: This information is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor, obstetrician, or midwife before making changes to your recovery, exercise, or lifestyle after a C-section. Physio Caitlin (Caitlin Reid/Wilson) accepts no responsibility or liability for any injury, loss, or outcome that may occur as a result of following this information.)

When can I resume everyday activities after a caesarean section?

• Everyday activities like walking further than around the block, doing the washing and lifting your older child are impossible in the early days. Not only are you likely quite sore, but there are physiological reasons why you must take it easy: It’s all about the healing of your incision.

Caesarean-Section Recovery: The Four Stages of Healing

Your scar heals in four natural stages, each with its own purpose:

1. Hemostasis (First 1–3 Days)
   Your body immediately works to stop bleeding. Blood vessels tighten, platelets form a clot, and a light scab begins to form, protecting the wound and setting the stage for healing.
2. Inflammation (Up to 6 Days)
   Mild swelling, redness, or tenderness are normal as your immune system clears away bacteria and damaged tissue. This stage protects your incision and prevents infection.
3. Proliferation (Days 4–24)
   New collagen and blood vessels begin rebuilding the tissue. Your wound slowly becomes stronger, and tenderness usually starts to ease.
4. Maturation or Remodelling (Weeks to Years)
   Collagen fibres reorganise, and the scar softens, flattens, and fades. This can continue for months, even up to two years, as your body strengthens the repaired area (This period after 6 weeks is a great time to use scar support such as silicon strips)

What influences healing rates?

Smoking, diabetes, or heavy lifting can slow recovery, so taking things gently helps. Plus, you’re not just recovering from a surgery; your body is also recovering from nine months of carrying your beautiful baby. Remember, your C-section incision is only part of the picture: Your uterus and abdominal muscles are also rebuilding, and internal organs are moving back into place. Rest when you can, and if you overdo it, take it easier the next day. Always let your midwife know if you’re concerned about your healing.

Typical Recovery Timeline

Everyone’s healing journey is unique, but some very vague timeline ideas are:

After day 1: The catheter is removed, and it’s time to walk slowly around your room. This helps prevent DVT, too.

After day 5-7: Short walks around the block. Putting your baby in the pram gives you extra balance and support. Start weaning from pain medication *if medically indicated.

After day 14: Starting slightly longer walks (eg, local coffee shop) and starting very gentle deep core activation/breathing with guidance from a physiotherapist. Further wean from pain medication.

Around week 6: Start gentle postnatal-safe exercises after a check-up with a women’s health physiotherapist (pelvic floor assessment)

What Can Make Caesarean Section Recovery Smoother?

A few things can make your recovery much easier. I know this firsthand: I used a few really handy things during the recovery of my second baby that I wish I’d known for the recovery of my first.

1. Use compression garments/bands/belly wraps. Not only do these feel supportive, but they are evidence-based to help your abdominals recover better.
2. Take pain medication half an hour before you plan something physically strenuous (eg, washing your hair in the early days, or going for a walk around the block)
3. Plan to walk somewhere close to home in the early weeks. You can always go further or do two laps, but it doesn’t feel good getting sore and knowing you have a long way to walk home.
4. If you have a toddler at home, encourage them to use kitchen helpers and stepping stools to avoid lifting them.

Of all the c-section Mums I’ve seen as patients over the years, I know everyone heals differently. A few tell me they had very little pain, and others tell me they were so sore they didn’t think they could do anything for weeks. Sadly, it’s the latter group who find recovery lasts a long time, as no one has explained healing and their body’s capabilities at each stage. This lack of support is why I created a C-Section Recovery Course. So if you feel like you want the support of a physiotherapist, in the tone of a ‘best friend,’ check it out. I’d be so flattered to be a small part of your recovery journey.

Conclusion

C-Section recovery is a unique and tiring journey blending so many different factors: Your own recovery from both pregnancy (sometimes labour) and surgery as well as learning to care for your beautiful new baby. While all your attention is focused on your little bundle, it can be easy to forget about your own recovery and overexert yourself. So take it as easy as you can, while also trying the tips above to help you start moving around the world gently. So whether you have an upcoming c-section planned, or you’re trying to learn as much about recovery in case your birth becomes an emergency cesarean, knowing what’s ahead can help you stay calm and carry on. And remember: Wherever you are on your journey, you’re doing an amazing job.