Caesarean section or Caesarean delivery is thought of as a painless option to labour and delivery. But on the contrary it gives rise to various complications. Being aware of what your body is going through can help you deal with the after-effects of a c-section better. Be it any stage of childbirth pregnancy, labor or delivery a bit of knowledge always helps.

Though thought as simple, caesarean is a major abdominal surgery. Most of the time women are inadequately informed about the complications and risks involved with it. Women opt for this thinking it will get them smoothly through labor and delivery but fail to see that it is a surgery after all. So the easier way out is actually not that easy.

Comparing the two, natural childbirth and caesarean childbirth, the former one is better for a good number of reasons:

• Women who have had caesarean section have to stay in hospital for 3-4 days in comparison to normal delivery which keeps the stay only for 1-2 days.
• It can take weeks or months to fully recover from a caesarean section as compared to a normal delivery. In addition there are greater chances of infection.
• After the healing is complete sometimes pain is still felt around the incision if they over-strain.
• Even if you exercise the area below the incision will not firm up and stays like a small pouch.
• It is not considered safe to have more than two surgical births.

Unless there is any complication during pregnancy or birth it is wise to go in for a normal delivery.

Since your body has undergone a major surgery so give it some time to recover. Start doing your normal activities like bending, stretching, stooping about 2-4 weeks after your surgery. Lifting heavy things can complicate matters so avoid it till your body regains strength. Getting back into shape is one concern that all women have, but considering nine months of pregnancy, labour and delivery your body deserves rest. Start with light exercises like walking about minimum eight weeks after a c-section delivery. But nothing is better than to listen to your body and do as it tells you to.

Another concern with surgical delivery is the chances of the incision getting affected. Normally it is treated with antibiotics and local antiseptics unless there is a serious complication and hospitalization may be required.

To ensure a speedy recovery it is advised to remain as active as possible. Walking, at least in a 24 hour time after their Caesarean delivery swiftness up the healing process. Though it may be painful but walking helps to start moving gas through as well as avert rigidity around the cut area .

Feelings like numbness, itching, aching sensation around the incision area, cramps as your uterus is getting back into shape are very normal. But do keep in touch with your physician. Being aware always helps so digging a bit into books or surfing the net would definitely add to your knowledge of the caesarean section or Caesarean delivery.