Preparing For C-Section Delivery? Here’s What You Need To Do The Night Before

Preparing For C-Section Delivery? Here’s What You Need To Do The Night Before

25 Apr 2022 | 3 min Read

Sayani Basu

Author | 607 Articles

Has the doctor scheduled a caesarean delivery for you? If yes, this article is for you. You might be feeling nervous and eager but there’s nothing to worry about as long as you are well prepared.

Although vaginal delivery is the safest method of giving birth, caesarean deliveries have become common today. A C-section is planned ahead of time if the mother has certain complications or if she has had a previous C-section and isn’t considering a vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC).

Moreover, there’s one undeniable advantage to having a specific date circled on your calendar. You can prepare yourself mentally and physically for the big day ahead.

Here’s Everything You Need To Know About The Night Before The Cesarean

There are several things you need to do the night before your C-section so that you not only feel relaxed but also are well prepared.

What to eat the night before a C-section?

To help with gas and bloating, it is advisable to eat light on the night before the C-section. Soup, clear liquids, juices, and smoothies can be good choices.

Try to avoid meats and dairy as these tend to cause bloating and heaviness.

While packing your hospital bag, pick an underwear that is crafted from cotton to ensure optimum comfort. | Image Source: pexels

What to pack in your bag?

  • A file with your picture ID, insurance card, and any other needed hospital paperwork
  • A receiving blanket (for the infant)
  • A going-home outfit and hospital clothes for the infant
  • Snacks (preferably high in fibre and low in fat)
  • A notepad to record after-birth moments and to pen down any questions that might come up
  • Books or a tablet to help you relax and distract you from the pain after the surgery
  • Maternity underpants, nursing bras or supportive regular bras
  • Comfy nightgown
  • Toiletries (your hospital would provide some, but you might want your own)
  • A comfortable pillow
  • A breast pump (if you plan to pump early on)
  • A pair of comfy cotton underwear
  • Hair ties
You can also carry a book to the hospital to divert your mind from the pain of surgery. | Image Source: pexels

If you are comfortable with taking a bath at night, you can go ahead. Use an antibacterial soap to wash yourself. This will reduce the amount of bacteria on the skin incision area. It would also reduce your risk of infection after surgery, one of the most common risks associated with a C-section.

With childbirth comes hormonal changes that might cause emotional ups and downs. It’s crucial to be prepared for this, especially before an elective C-section. You might also experience feelings of regret for not opting for natural childbirth.

Discuss your feelings with your partner. Knowing what to expect prior to your surgery helps to decrease fears and makes you mentally prepared for it. This would ultimately make the experience more positive, despite the ‘surgical’ part of your delivery.

DISCLAIMER: We have taken steps to check the accuracy of information & practices shared above; however, it is not a replacement for a doctor’s opinion. Please check with either your doctor, or an expert, before trying any suggestion, practice, or medication mentioned here.

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Suggestions offered by doctors on BabyChakra are of advisory nature i.e., for educational and informational purposes only. Content posted on, created for, or compiled by BabyChakra is not intended or designed to replace your doctor's independent judgment about any symptom, condition, or the appropriateness or risks of a procedure or treatment for a given person.