Question about c-section and uterus contracting?

I was wondering how the uterus contracts after a c-section. I know with my natural labor and births the nurses would always work my uterus to make sure it was going back to normal size. I would suppose they are unable to do that on the surgery site. Anyways, do they do anything to help the uterus get back to normal?

 

Hi Pam,
I asked my doctor that same question as I will have my c-section this week. He explained that he will give me pitocin (IV) to get the uterus contracting, and there will be some vigorous abdominal massaging right there on the table. The massages will continue by the nurses afterward, like with a vaginal birth, but I'm sure they are careful of the incision site.

Hope this helps!
Becca
DS-4
37 wks w/ B/G twins

 

I was never given pitocin. They do massage and push on your stomach which works, but is very uncomfortable. If you nurse, you will feel it contracting while you breastfeed. HTH!

 

The nurses came in all the time and pushed on my stomach. Some were gentle about it, others not so much! They did avoid the incision area, the pushing went on a little higher up on the belly.

 

Oh my goodness! I hated that pushing and rubbing after my natural births...can't imagine after surgery. Thanks for telling me so I can be mentally prepared for it. I am going into the hospital today to ask all my questions so I'll find out what they do for c-sect. This site is so helpful!!!

 

Breastfeeding made my uterus contract on its own after the C. It was just as uncomfortable as when I had my son vaginally. I think your body just realizes-once breastfeeding begins-that there's nothing in there and it naturally does what needs to be done-even though the baby has been delivered unnaturally.