What should I avoid after a C-section?

Last reviewed June 19, 2026 by Dr. Sapna Jadhav, General Physician. Sources from ACOG, NHS, Mayo Clinic, CDC, NICE, NIH, Cochrane, and peer-reviewed journals.

Bottom lineAfter a C-section, avoid heavy lifting (nothing heavier than your baby), strenuous exercise, and driving until you've recovered - generally around 6 weeks - and protect the wound by supporting your tummy when moving.

After a C-section, avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, driving until you're safe to do so, and anything that strains your healing wound - generally for around 6 weeks. Give your body time to heal from major surgery.

What to avoid

• Lifting anything heavier than your baby for about 6 weeks
• Strenuous exercise and heavy housework until cleared by your provider
• Driving until you can do an emergency stop without pain and feel in full control (often around a few weeks; check your insurer too)
• Sex until bleeding has stopped and you feel ready, usually after a few weeks
• Pushing yourself too hard, too soon - rest is part of recovery

Take care with daily movements

• Support your tummy when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or get up
• Roll onto your side before sitting up rather than straining your abdominals
• Stand tall rather than hunching over the wound

Look after the wound

Keep it clean and dry, wear loose comfortable clothes, and watch for signs of infection.

When to seek help

Contact your provider for worsening pain, wound redness or discharge, fever, heavy bleeding, or calf pain or swelling.

Femora helps you track your symptoms and recovery as you heal from a C-section.