1. Diet
Fasting is required within 6 hours after cesarean delivery. After 6 hours, warm water and rice soup are allowed, while gas-inducing foods including milk, soybean milk, eggs and sweets are forbidden.
After passing flatus, consume semi-liquid food such as thin congee, noodle soup and wontons for 1 to 2 days before resuming a regular diet. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits to supplement vitamins and prevent constipation.
During lactation, avoid hawthorn, malt and pork liver as they may suppress milk secretion.
2. Mobility
Lie flat without a pillow for the first 6 hours post-operation. A pillow may be used after 6 hours, then gradually shift to a semi-recumbent position to facilitate lochiorrhea discharge.
Turn over every two hours to prevent pressure injuries; the first turn shall be guided by a nurse. This stimulates intestinal peristalsis for early flatus.
Get out of bed for activities 24 hours after urinary catheter removal to accelerate recovery and prevent venous thrombosis.
3. Urination
The urinary catheter will be removed 24 hours after surgery. Drink adequate water and attempt spontaneous urination once the urge arises. Take the following measures for dysuria or urinary retention:
a. If unable to urinate in bed, sit up or walk to the toilet with assistance when physical condition permits. Sit on the edge of the bed for a while before standing up for the first time to avoid dizziness. Never go to the toilet unaccompanied to prevent falls caused by fainting.
b. Stimulate micturition reflex by irrigating the perineum with warm water, listening to running water sounds, or gently massaging the lower abdomen to trigger bladder contraction.
4. Abdominal Wound Care
The wound tends to ache severely within the first two days. Relieve pain via relaxation and distraction methods such as listening to music, deep breathing and adjusting body positions. Avoid overuse of analgesics to prevent drug dependence.
Keep the wound dry for two weeks after surgery. The wound generally heals in about seven days. Suture removal takes place on day 5 for transverse incisions and day 7 for vertical incisions.
5. Perineal Hygiene
Maintain personal hygiene by frequently changing underwear and perineal pads. Rinse the perineum with warm water 3 to 4 times daily; tub bathing is prohibited.
Monitor vaginal bleeding volume. Notify the ward nurse or doctor immediately if bleeding exceeds normal menstrual flow.
6. Daily Sanitation
Brush teeth, wash the face and wipe the body to keep clean. Prepare multiple sets of pajamas for frequent changing to avoid colds due to excessive postpartum sweating.
7. Safety Precautions
(1) Inform nurses promptly for timely intervention in case of heavy vaginal bleeding.
(2) Engage in in-bed or out-of-bed activities as early as possible to avoid venous thrombosis.
(3) A family member must accompany the patient whenever getting out of bed, to provide help if sudden fainting occurs.
Additional Notice on Birth Certificate
Apply for the newborn’s Medical Birth Certificate within three months after birth. Certificates are available for collection at Outpatient Room 305 every Wednesday and Sunday.
- If collected by the mother: Original ID card of the mother is required.
- If collected by the father: Original ID cards of both parents plus a written authorization letter from the mother are required.