What to expect the day of your C-Section

Before being admitted to the hospital or the day of your surgery:

You will have blood work done.  DO NOT eat or drink anything at least 8 hours before surgery.  You should shower the morning of surgery.   You may have your abdomen shaved at the hospital.  Expect to sign consents on admission for surgery and anesthesia.  Remove all jewelry and piercings before surgery. Expect and IV (Intravenous) to be started and remain in for about 24 hours.  You may be given antacid medications before surgery as well as antibiotics. Your abdomen will be washed with an antimicrobial solution.  Usually a Spinal anesthetic is used unless otherwise indicated.  You will have a foley catheter placed to drain your bladder, this usually comes out 24 hours after surgery. A large bandage or dressing will be on your abdomen for 24 hours.  You will have a device placed on your legs to prevent blood clots.  Surgery may take approximately an hour but can be shorter or longer.  Post op recovery is a few hours so you need to rest and not have a lot of visitors.  You will have medications for pain, nausea, itching, etc.  You will get out of bed within 12-24 hours depending on your MD.  You will slowly advance diet from ice chips to liquids then food as per your MD preferences.