Today we will discuss what causes the weakness after c section delivery as well as home remedies to recovery after c section.
C section delivery can be one of the most painful experiences that a mom can ever go through. It is just not the operation itself, but the aches, pains and general weakness of recovery after c section can really take its toll. With that in mind,
There are some horrifying tales regarding c section delivery. Things like prolonged weakness that can last for months might just be too much to take. Then there is back pain after c section, leg pain after c section and a whole host of problems that will bring you down.
A lot of women complain of back pain after c section delivery and leg aches due to the spinal anesthesia they have been given. It takes longer to get back to full strength because you have to take care of the incision wound as well. This cut is not just skin deep but the fascia, muscles and the wall of the uterus were all cut open to deliver the baby. So there are many layers that need to heal.
On top of that, there is the general fatigue and weakness of recovery after c section delivery. C section recovery can be quite difficult if not handled diligently.
Let’s take a look at what causes this weakness of recovery after c section delivery. It is important you understand this before trying any of our home remedies to reduce weakness of recovery after c section delivery.
Causes Of General Weakness Of Recovery After C-Section Delivery
1. Anemia
You will be surprised to know how many women of reproductive age suffer from iron deficiency and vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia. This can be life threatening if not addressed timely. Anemia occurs when your blood hemoglobin level falls below 11.5 mg/dl. Blood transfusion may be needed if it drops below 9 mg/dl.
Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron deficiency anemia is the most common kind of anemia prevalent in the world today. This is especially true for developing nations. It is also the most common reason for back pain after c section delivery.
The symptoms of moderate to severe iron deficiency anemia include:
- General fatigue and weakness
- Pale skin
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Strange cravings to eat items that aren’t food, such as dirt, ice or clay
- Numbness and tingling/crawling feeling in the hands and legs
- Tongue swelling or soreness
- Cold hands and feet
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Brittle nails
- Headaches
Vitamin B-12 Deficiency Anemia
Vitamin B12 helps the body make healthy red blood cells and helps keep nerve cells healthy. The most common cause of Vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia, also called pernicious anemia, is the loss of stomach cells that make the intrinsic factor.
Intrinsic factor helps absorb vitamin B12 in the intestine. The loss of these stomach cells is due to destruction by the body’s own immune system. Insufficient diet is the second common cause. All of this adds to the weakness of recovery after c-section delivery.
Common signs and symptoms of pernicious anemia include:
- Weak muscles that cause back pain after c section
- Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
- Difficulty walking
- Nausea
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Irritability
- Lack of energy or fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Smooth and tender tongue
- Increased heart rate
2. Complications Of Spinal Anesthesia
C- sections are no longer done under general anesthesia. Spinal anesthesia is safer and thought to be more effective than general anesthesia. The only difference is you no longer lose consciousness, which means you no longer fear the complications that are associated with general anesthesia.
However, spinal anesthesia is not free of its side effects either.
Not all women will suffer from these after effects of spinal anesthesia and the intensity and duration of pain may also differ from woman to woman.
Back Aches After C Section Delivery
Lower back pain after cesarean delivery is, unfortunately, a very common symptom and is often a result of spinal anesthesia. Of the four million babies born each year, nearly a third are born through C-section. In some developing countries c-section rates are as high as 40% of all deliveries.
The majority of those surgeries require pain medication which is administered around or into the mother’s spinal fluid. Lidocaine, an anesthetic used to numb the nerves, may also cause a temporary irritation called transient neurologic syndrome. This can cause severe back pain after c section delivery for weeks after the surgery.
Leg Stiffness and Pain
Spinal anesthesia is placed into the spine or epidural space to numb the nerves that go to the abdomen and lower extremities. Damage to a nerve can occur – and this causes stiffness and pain in the legs.
Women undergoing cesarean section operations are usually positioned flat on an operating table with a 30 degree left lateral tilt. This is achieved by placing a blanket or other object under the right hip. This left lateral tilt positioning reduces pressure on the blood vessels that supply oxygen to the placenta and increases oxygen to the fetus.
However, prolonged positioning can cause nerve damage to the sciatic nerve, resulting in pain in the left buttock and leg, and general weakness of recovery after c section delivery. The injury may take as much as six to seven weeks to heal.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
DVT is the development of a blood clot in the lower extremity – usually the calf, due to inactivity after the surgery. The sluggish blood flow to the legs, which also occurs in pregnancy due to the compression of blood vessels from the enlarged uterus, may be the trigger of DVT.
Stagnant blood often develops clots. Symptoms include warmth, redness, pain and swelling at the clot formation site. It may be painful to walk or stand on that leg. Pulmonary embolism is a dangerous and fatal end result of a DVT. The blood clot may dislodge from the leg and lodge into the lung vessels.
Symptoms of DVT include:
- shortness of breath
- Low blood pressure
- dizziness or collapse which indicates a medical emergency
Below are some home remedies to recovery after c section delivery. All of them focus on what you put inside your body and will help in early c section recovery.
Home Remedies To Recovery After C Section Delivery
A good diet is necessary for the well-being of a mother who has just gone through a difficult cesarean delivery. Home remedies to recovery after c section delivery include a protein based diet with plenty of vegetables and some complex carbohydrates – which is key for muscle recovery.
Make sure your mineral intake is good, especially zinc and magnesium.
Home remedies to recovery after c section delivery are mostly recommended after the incision has closed, appears dry and the stitches have been removed. This is usually around tenth day are so after delivery, sometimes a little earlier too.
Before that, you may feel you ‘don’t want to do anything’ anyway. Just move gently, rest and bond with your baby. You don’t need to worry about the weakness at this time. C section recovery needs some time.
Here are some specific home remedies to recovery after c section delivery which may help you.
1. Focus On Iron Rich Foods
Excessive fatigue can be a sign of iron deficiency anemia as discussed above. You may need to increase your intake of high-iron foods. Another way to prevent anemia is to continue taking your prenatal multivitamin supplements which usually contains iron.
Iron tablets can help restore iron levels in your body. If possible, you should take iron tablets on an empty stomach. This helps the body absorb them better. If they upset your stomach, you can take them with meals. You may need to take the supplements for several months. Iron supplements may cause constipation or stools that are black in color.
Following food can help treat weakness of recovery after c section delivery caused by an iron deficiency:
- red meat
- eggs
- dark green, leafy vegetables
- dried fruits
- nuts
- iron-fortified cereals
- legumes
2. Vitamin B, C and E Rich Foods
Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia and folate deficiency anemia often occur together and can be difficult to tell apart. Treatment may include vitamin B12 injections and folic acid pills.
Foods that are rich in folic acid and vitamin B12 include the following:
- Eggs
- Meat
- Poultry
- Milk
- Shellfish
- Fortified cereals
Vitamin E promotes collagen fiber and soft tissue healing. Additionally, vitamin C helps your body absorb iron. If you’re taking iron tablets, a doctor might suggest taking the tablets along with a source of vitamin C. A glass of orange juice or citrus fruit will suffice.
Iron is vital for blood loss and vitamin C can help fight potential infection as well as weakness and back pain after c section delivery.
3. Magnesium Rich Diet
Magnesium is a good component for muscle smoothness and elasticity. If you strongly crave chocolates or suffer from cramps, it may be a sign magnesium deficiency. Unfortunately, many people don’t maintain the recommended daily intake of 400 mg.
You can make a good recovery after c section delivery by include foods high in magnesium.
Magnesium rich foods include:
- Avocados
- Bananas
- Dark Chocolate
- Tofu
- Fatty Fish like Salmon, Mackerel, Halibut
- Nuts like almonds, cashew and Brazil nuts
- Seeds like flax, chia and pumpkin seeds
4. Bone Broth
Bone broth is one of the best home remedies for weakness of recovery after c section delivery. Bone broth is packed with amino acids like proline and glycine, which are needed for collagen production and are great for healing the skin.
Broth also contains gelatin, which is beneficial for healing wounds as well as for the skin. Traditional broth can really help recovery from c-sections. And as a bonus it helps digestion and can ease the digestive discomforts and constipation that sometimes come after cesarean delivery.
As far as c section recovery goes, there is just nothing better than a hot, steaming bowl of broth!