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How to Prepare for Your C Section Surgery

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Woman with c-section scar holding baby

Preparation is key before any surgical procedure – especially a C-section. Here are a few tips to prepare for your C-section procedure.

From Now Until Your Surgery Date

  • Continue seeing your pregnancy provider for regular prenatal care.

  • Arrange to have someone help you at home while you are recovering. You will need lots of rest.

  • Obtain an infant car seat (one that is not too old or in a previous accident).

During Your Regular Prenatal Check-ups in the Clinic

  • Schedule your surgery date.

  • Meet with an obstetrician (pregnancy doctor) to discuss the upcoming cesarean delivery. Plan how you will manage pain after surgery and at home.

  • Discuss an infant feeding plan with your pregnancy provider.

  • Choose a pediatrician or clinic for your baby for after you go home.

  • Ask your clinic how to obtain special surgical soap and a carbohydrate drink (Gatorade, Powerade, clear Ensure).

  • Bring or send Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) forms to your clinic. Allow up to 10 business days for the forms to be completed and returned to you.

1 to 3 Days Before Surgery

  • Your clinic may schedule you for a blood test at the lab. If so, this test must be done within 72 hours of your scheduled surgery.

  • Obtain the surgical soap and a carbohydrate drink as directed by your clinic, if you have not already done so.

24 Hours Before Surgery

  • Continue taking any medicines prescribed to you by your doctor or midwife, unless you have been told otherwise.

  • Take a shower with the surgical soap you picked up.

8 Hours Before Surgery

  • For eating and drinking guidelines, refer to Preparing for Surgery or follow your doctor’s guidelines.

3 to 8 Hours Before Surgery

  • Take a second shower using surgical soap.

  • Drink 8 to 12 ounces of a carbohydrate drink. It is okay if you cannot drink it all. If you have any type of diabetes (including gestational), drink 8 to 12 ounces of water.

After you Arrive at the Hospital

  • We will ask you to sign a form. It states that you consent (agree) to surgery.

  • We will give you acetaminophen (Tylenol). This will help decrease pain from surgery. We will also give you medicine to calm your stomach acid.

  • We will place compression sleeves around your lower legs. These will help prevent blood clots.

  • We will offer you a special blanket or gown to keep you warm.

  • We will take you to the operating room.

Contact MetroPartners OBGYN

If you have any questions about your specific c-section, it’s best to consult your provider. Give MetroPartners OBGYN a call and schedule an appointment today if you are in need of gynecological surgery.