Approximately six to eight hours after delivery, the catheter is removed from the urethra and the new mother will be encouraged to get out of bed and walk around (with aid). Starting to walk after a C-section can be challenging and painful. Also, a significant amount of gas may accumulate in the abdomen following this type of surgery. The gas and pain both begin to decrease after the patient becomes mobile.

After the procedure, the new mother is typically given antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection. In addition, the mother will be given necessary pain medication. Patients are monitored closely for 24 hours following delivery to ensure there are no problems, including excessive bleeding and difficulties with urination and bowel movements.

Unlike a vaginal delivery, a Caesarean is considered major abdominal surgery even though the entire procedure normally lasts only about 45 minutes to an hour. This procedure normally requires a hospital stay of three to five days.

After the woman is discharged from the hospital, she should expect her abdomen to take a few weeks to heal. During the recovery period, mild cramping, pain at the site of the incision, vaginal bleeding or discharge for four to six weeks and bleeding with clots and cramps are all normal.

To reduce the possibility of infection, women are advised not to place anything in their vagina, including tampons, for several weeks. Resuming sexual intimacy should also wait several weeks. It may take the mother as much as four to six weeks to resume normal activities.