The short answer
A C-section is major surgery, so recovery takes several weeks. Move a little each day, rest when your baby sleeps, and avoid lifting anything heavier than 10 to 15 pounds for the first couple of weeks. Call your clinician if the incision gets red, swollen, or starts leaking, or if you have a fever.
Reviewed by the Phia care team
A nurse, already caught up.
When you need more than an answer, a nurse or another Phia provider can join your thread. You never start over.
Things that help
Walk a little each day, and rest in between.
Avoid lifting anything heavier than 10 to 15 pounds for the first couple of weeks.
Check your incision every day and follow the care steps your hospital gave you.
Ask your clinician which pain relievers to take. Most are safe while breastfeeding.
Ask your clinician when it is safe to drive and exercise.
Check in with your clinician 2 to 3 weeks after birth, and have a full postpartum visit by 6 to 12 weeks.
Call your clinician today if
Your incision is red, swollen, leaking fluid, or not healing
You have a fever of 100.4°F or higher
Pain is getting worse instead of better
A leg is red, swollen, painful, or warm
Get care right away if
You soak through one pad in an hour, or pass clots the size of an egg or bigger. Call your clinician now, and go to the emergency room if you cannot reach them.
Call 911 if
You have chest pain or trouble breathing
You have a seizure
You have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
How Phia helps with recovery
Text Phia your question in your own words, any time. Phia’s AI care agent answers first and keeps track of what you share. When you need more, a nurse or another Phia provider can join the same text thread.
Chat with Phia’s providers is included in the $19 a month membership. Some Pennsylvania Medicaid plans cover Phia when Phia has a contract with the plan, and covered members typically pay nothing. Phia works alongside your OB or midwife. It does not replace them, and in-person visits are not included.
How it works
Every conversation starts with a text. If it needs a clinician, one joins the same thread, so you never repeat yourself or switch apps.
01
Text Phia
Ask about your incision, pain, or activity. No app to download.
02
Phia answers
Phia’s AI care agent replies any hour and keeps track of what you share.
03
A nurse joins
When you need more, a nurse or another Phia provider steps into the chat, already caught up.
Good to know.
Still have questions? Text Phia or email care@phiahealth.com.
Sources
Mayo Clinic. C-section recovery: What to expect
CDC Hear Her. Urgent Maternal Warning Signs
AWHONN, via Lamaze International. POST-BIRTH Warning Signs
General information, not medical advice. Phia does not replace your OB or your baby’s clinician and is not an emergency service. In an emergency, call 911.
What does $19 a month include?
Chat with Phia’s providers, including nurses, plus support through pregnancy and postpartum. Some Pennsylvania Medicaid plans cover Phia when Phia has a contract with the plan. For covered members, there is typically no cost.
When can I lift things after a C-section?
Mayo Clinic advises not lifting anything heavier than 10 to 15 pounds for the first couple of weeks. Ask your clinician what is right for you.
Do I need an app?
No. Text Phia from your phone.
Does Phia replace my OB or my baby’s clinician?
No. Phia supports you alongside your existing care team.
What if I need urgent help?
Phia is not an emergency service. If you or your baby are in immediate danger, call 911 or seek emergency care.
Membership
$19/mo
Chat with Phia’s providers is included.
Text Phia your recovery questions. No app, no forms.
A nurse or another Phia provider can join the conversation.
Support through pregnancy and postpartum.