After a few days, you will be able to shower to help keep your incision clean and prevent infection. Don’t scrub the incision—simply let soapy water run over it.

Don’t worry if your sterile-strip bandages get wet. Dry your incision by gently patting it with a clean towel or by using a blow-dryer set on cool.

Rest is important while your spinal or epidural anesthesia wears off. After that, small things like walking to the bathroom or showering are important to help with circulation, bowel function, and preventing blood clots.

Have someone help move your essentials to your home’s main level, as you should avoid taking the stairs.

While increasing activity is important, it is crucial to avoid movement that puts pressure on the incision, including lifting anything heavier than your baby (in or out of the car seat), vigorous exercise, or having sex.

It’s normal to have pain for up to your sixth postpartum week. Here are several ways to relieve pain:

• Rest a heating pad or hot-water bottle on your belly without touching the incision.
• Wrap an abdominal binder—a wide compression belt—around your stomach. (Remove it to allow your incision to breathe and to use your muscles.)
• With your provider’s approval, try acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling. You may also be prescribed a narcotic such as oxycodone. This is safe to take in low doses, even if breastfeeding, but do not drive until you are off all narcotics.

Shortness of breath is common in pregnancy and usually goes away after giving birth. However, if you’re experiencing shortness of breath postpartum, it could be something serious.

• Increased blood volume makes blood clots more likely during pregnancy. This risk peaks four to six weeks after birth.
• Blood clots can travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism, or to the head, causing a stroke.
• Pulmonary embolisms can cause chest pain, palpitations, lightheadedness, or dizziness.
• Though rare, pulmonary embolisms are serious, so keep your provider informed of any symptoms.