Bath After A C-Section: Benefits, And Precautions To Take

Utilize bath time to relax your sore muscles and alleviate lower back tension.

Medically reviewed by Dr Sachchidananda Maiti, MD Dr Sachchidananda Maiti Dr Sachchidananda MaitiMD Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Obstetrics and GynecologyExperience: 31 years
Written by , BSc Rebecca Malachi BSc Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Pregnancy, Health and WellnessExperience: 12 years
Edited by , M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Swati Patwal M.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Food, Nutrition and HealthExperience: 10 years
Fact-checked by , M.Pharm, PhD Dr. Joyani Das M.Pharm, PhD Follow MomJunction on Linkedin Specialty: Pharma, Health and WellnessExperience: 3.5 years
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Bath After A C-section

Image: ShutterStock

Childbirth can be exhaustive, and you may wish to take a relaxing bath after the process. However, you need to seek your doctor’s permission before taking a bath after a C-section.

If the incision from the surgery or vaginal area is submerged in water for a long time, you may catch an infection. Therefore, it is generally recommended not to scrub yourself vigorously while bathing. It is also advisable to keep your incision dry. Most doctors may advise a sponge bath until you recover completely.

Read in detail why you should practice caution while bathing after a C-section, the benefits of bathing, and some useful tips to follow.

In This Article

Can You Take A Bath After A C-Section?

You can take a shower after C-section

Image: Shutterstock

After a C-section delivery, you may ask your doctor ‘when can I take a bath after C-section’ and they may suggest not to take a fully submerged bath until three weeks after the surgery (1). It is to keep the incision area dry and prevent bath water from entering the vagina. You may also strain yourself by getting in and out of the bathtub, which might delay the C-section recovery.

However, you may take a shower as a part of your self-care routine. But it is important not to scrub or mess the incision area. Also, you should be careful if there is any bandage or wound around the incision. In this case, it has to be dried using a dry cloth or hair dryer to avoid infections that are more likely to occur in the moist areas (2). Proper wound care will ensure a timely healing.

Dr. Eboni January, a board-certified physician/surgeon from East St. Louis, Illinois, says, “Your suturesiStitches or sterile surgical threads used to heal cuts will not get infected if you bathe after a C-section. Infected incisions generally occur when the area is not kept dry. Women are at increased risk for infections if they have a history of uncontrolled diabetes, excess weight, and smoking.”

protip_icon Quick fact
Your C-section incision is water-tight within 24 hours of the surgery (5)

Why Should You Be Careful While Taking A Bath After C-Section?

You may experience pains and aches after childbirth

Image: Shutterstock

After a cesarean, your body needs some time to recover completely. You may experience pains and aches after childbirth. You may also experience vaginal bleeding and fever that may increase the risk of contracting infections.

Hence most hospitals recommend and provide a sponge bath under special care. Also, getting in and out of the bath may not be easy soon after a C-section.

Precautions While Having A Bath After C-Section

The following are the precautions you may need to follow to avoid complications.

  • Allow the water to run gently over the incision. Do not use direct hand-shower or pour water over that area.
  • Use antimicrobial soap to keep microbesiSmall living organisms, including bacteria, archaea, algae, and fungi, that can cause infectious diseases away from the area. Do not apply soap directly; instead, use your hands to create foam and then apply gently on the incision area.
  • Use only lukewarm water while taking a bath. Avoid extremely cold or hot water as it could affect the wounded site.
Use only lukewarm water for bath after C-section

Image: Shutterstock

  • Take care not to be harsh over the incision area while you are bathing.
  • Once you wash the area, use a clean towel, and pat gently to remove as much water as possible.
  • Your doctor may give a medicated ointmentiA substance applied to the skin to soothe or treat burns, wounds, scrapes, and rashes to treat the incision. Use your finger to take the required amount and apply over the area lightly.
  • Do not use any other creams or perfumes or bath oils over the incised area. They might irritate the area.
  • Avoid using the bathtub for about four weeks as they are rarely cleaned every time after a bath and increase the risk of infections.
Avoid bathtub as it could increase the risk of infections

Image: IStock

  • Also, if you have vaginal bleeding, this could contaminateiMaking anything impure or inappropriate through contact with something dirty, harmful the bathtub for you and others using the same tub.
  • There is a risk of slipping and falling in the bathtub that may worsen the wound. You should, therefore, wait for the wound to heal completely and then use the tub.

Dr. January adds, “Women should use a cloth to cover the incised area until healed. Many women use a sanitary napkin large enough to cover the area. Leave the sticky portion of the napkin covered so that it does not stick to the underwear or clothing, and apply it directly over the incision.”

protip_icon Be watchful
While bathing, do not wash off the Steri-Strips or glue used to close your C-section incision. It will fall on its own in about a week (1).

When you follow precautions, a good bath could be beneficial.

What Are The Benefits Of Taking A Bath After C-Section?

A warm water bath after cesarean delivery offers relaxation

Image: Shutterstock

Taking a warm water bath (immersion therapy) after a cesarean section might provide the following benefits:

  • A warm water bath after cesarean delivery may offer immense physical and mental relaxation. It might relieve you from fatigueiThe feeling of tiredness or lack of energy and take your mind off the discomfort. It also helps you maintain postpartum hygiene and provides pain relief.
  • A warm water bath may relax the muscles of the pelviciThe region located near pelvis, which includes the bladder and rectum region and have a soothing effect on you.
  • The bath could help ease hemorrhoidsiSwollen and inflamed veins around the anus or in the lower rectum, also known as piles that may irritate and swell after the delivery. You could also use a sitz bath to get relief from hemorrhoids and for perineal care. It also provides constipation relief.
  • It may help repair episiotomy and soothe the area to make you feel better.
protip_icon Quick tip
You may use medicated cooling pads on hemorrhoids and stitches for comfort. These cooling pads do not need a prescription (7).

How to use a sitz bath after birth?

Image: Shutterstock: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/bathroom-304265825

A sitz bath may offer some relief from soreness, irritation, itching, or burning in the perineum region caused by trauma during childbirth or from hemorrhoids, anal fissures, Bartholin cysts, or constipation. However, it is of utmost importance to seek your doctor’s approval before you try a sitz bath. The doctor might review the healing of the incision site before allowing it. Here are the steps involved in using a sitz bath (6) (7).

  • Fill a clean bathtub with warm water until it is at a depth of 3-4 inches. Your healthcare provider might suggest using cold water in some cases.
  • Add salt or medicine to the water if your doctor has recommended it.
  • Gently ease yourself into the bathtub and take a seat at the bottom. Enter the bath only if the water temperature feels pleasant to you.
  • If necessary, grasp a railing for support or seek assistance from a family member, friend, or caregiver.
  • If climbing into the bathtub is difficult, you may also use small tubs that fit on the toilet rim.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I add Epsom salt or other bath salts to my bath after a C-section?

It is best to avoid adding Epsom salt or other bath salts to your bath after a C-section, as they may irritate the incision and delay the healing process. Seek advice from a healthcare practitioner before using bath salts after a C-section.

2. How often can I take a bath after a C-section?

After a C-section, you may bathe as often as you like, as long as you wait for at least 24 hours and follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.

3. Can I bathe if I have staples or stitches after a C-section?

If you have staples or stitches after a C-section, you can take a bath after removing the wound dressing as long as the incision area is well-healed and there is no drainage (1).

4. Can I bathe if I have a catheter after a C-section?

It may be safe to take a shower after a C-section if you have a catheter. To do so, start by emptying the catheter bag. Afterward, use a towel to dry both the catheter and the bag once you are done (4).

You should avoid scrubbing the incision area or submerging in the water while taking a bath after a C-section. Hospital staff may provide you with a sponge bath after C-section since you won’t be able to take a bath until you recover from anesthesiaiThe use of medications to alleviate pain during surgery and other treatments effects and pain after the procedure. So, when can you take a bath after C-section? You can take a shower using an antimicrobial soap only after your doctor permits. Soaking in the bath can be done after the vaginal secretions cease, and the wound is healed after a few postpartumiThe period following childbirth weeks. You may pat dry the incision site after bath and apply the recommended ointments or creams. Proper incision care will expedite the healing process. You may also avoid bathtubs if they are not cleaned after one use. If you notice redness, discharge, or swelling on your incision wound, contact your obstetrician immediately.

Infographic: Precautions While Having A Bath After A C-Section

A C-section is a surgical procedure associated with specific aftercare measures that you should follow to heal correctly and prevent any risk of infections at the site of surgery. Therefore, to learn the things to avoid while bathing after a C-section, scroll through the infographic below.

what not to do while bathing after a c section (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Key Pointers

  • It is typically advised to avoid fully submerged baths for three weeks after surgery, but showering is allowed with caution not to disturb the incision site.
  • When bathing after a c-section, use lukewarm water, be gentle with the incision area, and use antibacterial soap as a precaution.
  • Severe scrubbing should be avoided, and the incision should be kept dry to prevent infections caused by prolonged submersion in water.
  • Most medical professionals recommend taking sponge baths during the recovery period.

Illustration: Bath After A C-Section: Benefits And Precautions To Take

Bath After A C-Section_illustration

Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team


After giving birth, it’s important to know when you can take a shower. Learn from this video how long you should wait before taking a shower after delivery.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. Going home after a C-section; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – National Institutes of Health (2018)
    https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000624.htm
  2. Going home after a C-section.
    https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000624.htm
  3. Taking a Sitz Bath; UC San Diego Health
    https://myhealth.ucsd.edu/Spanish/RelatedItems/3
  4. Going Home with a Catheter; NHS
    https://www.mkuh.nhs.uk/patient-information-leaflet/going-home-with-a-catheter#:~:text=You%20can%20have%20a%20bath
  5. After A C-Section; The Women’s Center
    https://www.womens-health-center.org/obstetrics/labor-delivery/going-home-after-a-c-section/
  6. Sitz Bath; Cleveland Clinic
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24137-sitz-bath
  7. Caring for Yourself After Delivery; Chicago Department of Public Health
    https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/onechifam/home/pregnancy-sexual-parental-health/parental-health/caring-for-yourself-after-delivery.html#:~:text=Taking%20sitz%20baths%20or%20a
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Dr Sachchidananda Maiti
Dr Sachchidananda MaitiMD
Dr Sachchidananda Maiti is a practicing Consultant Gynaecologist & Obstetrician in Manchester, UK both in the National Health Service (NHS) and in private care at Pall Mall Medical. He has more than three decades of clinical experience in the UK and abroad.

Read full bio of Dr Sachchidananda Maiti
Rebecca Malachi
Rebecca MalachiBSc
Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

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Swati Patwal
Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA
Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

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Dr. Joyani Das
Dr. Joyani DasM.Pharm, PhD
Dr. Joyani Das did her post-graduation from Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra and PhD in Pharmacology. Previously, she worked as an associate professor, faculty of Pharmacology, for two years. With her research background in preclinical studies and a zeal for scientific writing, she joined MomJunction as a health writer.

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