A cesarean section involves major abdominal surgery, and the healing process requires careful movement to protect the incision and surrounding muscles. Learning to get out of bed correctly is one of the first physical challenges during early recovery. Moving safely promotes circulation, which helps prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis and aids in restoring mobility. This technique minimizes strain on the abdominal wall, allowing deep tissues to heal without undue tension.
Pre-Movement Preparation and Supplies
Preparing your body and environment before moving helps manage pain and protect healing tissue. Since movement temporarily increases pressure on the incision, time your prescribed non-opioid pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to reach peak effectiveness just before you plan to get up. This helps keep discomfort manageable and encourages successful movement. Keep essential items within easy reach before lying down, including a phone, a bottle of water, and slip-on footwear, as bending or reaching after the procedure can be difficult.
A fundamental technique to stabilize your core muscles is called “splinting” the incision. You can use a folded blanket, a small pillow, or a rolled towel pressed firmly against the abdominal wound. Applying gentle counter-pressure with the splint helps support your muscles as they contract during the effort of changing positions. This stability is helpful during the first week of recovery when the incision is most tender.
The Log Roll Technique: Step-by-Step
The goal of the log roll technique is to move your entire body as a single, rigid unit. This prevents the torso from twisting or flexing, which would place direct stress on the incision. Begin by lying flat on your back, then bend both knees so your feet are resting flat on the bed surface. With your knees together, reach the arm farthest from the side of the bed you plan to exit across your body.
Initiate the roll using the strength in your bent legs and the momentum of your reaching arm to gently turn your entire body onto your side. Keep your shoulders, trunk, and hips aligned, moving simultaneously to avoid rotation through the midsection. Once fully on your side, position the arm closer to the mattress so the elbow and hand can be used for leverage.
Now, simultaneously push down with your forearm and hand while swinging your legs off the edge of the bed. The weight of your legs moving downward acts as a counterbalance, helping to propel your upper body into a seated position. Exhale during this exertion to manage intra-abdominal pressure.
Once sitting upright, pause with your legs dangling over the side of the bed to allow your blood pressure to regulate. Moving too quickly from lying to standing can cause lightheadedness or dizziness. When ready to stand, lean forward slightly, pushing off the bed with your arms, keeping your weight over your feet.
Monitoring Movement and When to Seek Help
Getting up and moving around should be a frequent part of your recovery, with gentle walking encouraged within the first 24 hours post-surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots. While movement is beneficial, it is important to listen to your body and avoid activities that cause excessive pain or strain. For several weeks, you should not lift anything heavier than your baby to protect the abdominal repair.
Watch for specific signs that may indicate a complication requiring immediate medical attention. A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher warrants a call to your healthcare provider, as this can signal an infection. Other incision-related warnings include increased redness, swelling, or any discharge from the wound site.
Severe, unmanaged pain that suddenly worsens instead of improving, or a sudden, severe headache, should also be reported promptly. Be aware of signs of deep vein thrombosis, such as swelling, pain, or warmth in one leg, particularly in the calf. Excessive vaginal bleeding, defined as soaking through one maxi-pad in an hour or passing blood clots larger than a golf ball, is another serious symptom that requires immediate medical assessment.