Share this on:Copied!

You may have seen recent stories about women experiencing pain during a cesarean section — and sometimes having that pain ignored. It’s a concern because historically, doctors have often downplayed women’s pain.

But what’s a normal amount of pain during a C-section? You may have questions like:

• Can you feel anything during a scheduled C-section?
• What does a C-section feel like with spinal anesthesia?
• Will I have nerve sensitivity during surgery?

Here’s what you need to know about C-section myths and facts regarding pain.

What Happens During a C-section?

Having a C-section means that your baby gets delivered through surgical cuts in your belly instead of through your vagina. A cesarean section is major abdominal surgery.

You’re usually awake during a C-section. Doctors give you anesthesia that numbs only the lower half of your body.

The doctor makes the first cut in your belly, just above your pubic bone. They then cut into the uterus. They then open the amniotic sac and deliver the baby.

Is it normal to feel pressure or pain during a C-section?

You’ll likely feel some pressure as doctors deliver the baby from your uterus. This is a sensation of tugging and pulling — it should not be a sharp or stabbing pain.

Pain during a C-section isn’t normal. If you have the correct amount and type of anesthesia, your C-section pain experience should feel minimal. Though some postsurgical abdominal pain is normal, you shouldn’t feel pain during the actual surgery.

But even with spinal anesthesia, discomfort sometimes occurs, according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists. Recent surveys show that nearly 12% to 23% of women experienced some pain during their C-section. The most common reason: inadequate anesthesia.

How do doctors manage pain during a cesarean?

To prepare you for a C-section, doctors will give you some form of pain relief. OB pain relief options for C-section are almost always a spinal block or an epidural. You’ll receive the medication via a thin needle inserted into your spinal area.

But sometimes spinal anesthesia isn’t enough. You may also need intravenous (IV) or inhaled pain relief. In rare emergency cases, you may receive general anesthesia, which makes you sleep.

Your doctor should give you pain relief based on your individual needs and medical history.

What happens if I feel pain during my C-section?

It’s essential to communicate with your doctors during the surgery. If you feel any pain, you can ask the anesthesiologist to increase the pain relief medicine. Pain during a C-section isn’t normal, and you shouldn’t hesitate to request more pain medicine.

What Kind of Pain Is Normal After a C-section?

The amount of discomfort you experience while healing depends on your overall health, age, and pain tolerance. It’s the most intense during the first few days after your C-section. You may need to stay in the hospital for several days.

When you start healing, you can ease back on pain relief medications. Your doctor can give you guidance on postpartum care and pain management after a C-section.

How long does C-section pain last?

Although your initial pain should diminish in a few days, complete recovery from a C-section takes six to eight weeks.

Cesarean delivery recovery takes longer than vaginal delivery recovery because your body is going through changes from giving birth, plus healing from major surgery.

It’s important to keep in touch with your doctor during the postpartum weeks. Having a good support system at home is also a huge help as you heal. It’s no time to try to act like a superhero — share your concerns and needs as you recover.

What are the best positions to sleep after a C-section?

Most people find sleeping on their side is most comfortable after a C-section. It eases stress on the incision site and promotes better blood flow for healing. You can put pillows between your legs for support.

You should avoid sleeping on your stomach or any other position that puts pressure on your tender belly.

Can anxiety make C-section pain worse?

Feeling anxious about your C-section can definitely make your perception of pain worse.

It’s important to talk to your OB about pain concerns before surgery. Stay open and honest about your worries during your prenatal appointments. Don’t wait until the day of your surgery to express concerns or ask questions.

If you’re typically sensitive to pain, your doctor needs to know this. And if your doctor isn’t taking your concerns about pain seriously, you may want to ask for another opinion.

Is pain during a second C-section different?

You shouldn’t feel more pain during a second C-section. But because you have scar tissue from the first C-section, the risk of complications is slightly higher. Your healing process may take more time, too.

How common are C-sections?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about a third of all deliveries in the U.S. are by C-section.

A C-section is either a scheduled medical event or an emergency operation because of the risk to your or your baby’s health. Reasons for having a C-section include:

• The baby is in breech (feet first) position.
• The baby is showing signs of distress.
• The baby is very large.
• Labor isn’t progressing.
• You have a chronic health problem like a heart or brain condition, or active genital herpes.
• You’re having a pregnancy-related health problem, like preeclampsia.
• You’re pregnant with multiples, making vaginal delivery difficult.

The Emotional Impact of C-Section

Whether you have a planned or emergency C-section, your birth experience will feel different from a vaginal delivery.

With an emergency surgery, you may feel sad that you didn’t have the birth you planned. You may feel more pain than you expected during the healing process. You may feel frustrated because it’s hard to care for an infant when you’re recovering from surgery.

What is gentle birth via cesarean?

For this type of C-section, your team will make adjustments so it’s as close to a “natural” birth as possible. That might include:

• Bringing family members into the operating room.
• Having a clear drape between your head and midsection so you can watch the baby’s birth.
• Putting the baby on your chest for skin-to-skin contact right after delivery.

A gentle birth via cesarean is always our aim at UPMC.