Our Summary

The research looks at the anxiety levels in women who are asked to move around (verticalization) immediately after having a caesarean section (C-section). Typically, doctors encourage patients to move around as soon as possible after surgery to speed up recovery. But this study found that this can cause mental discomfort or anxiety for women who have just had a C-section.

The study involved 150 women who had just had a C-section. They were asked about their anxiety levels, pain, and emotions twice - once right after the surgery, and then again six hours later. The study also looked at how these factors were affected by the women’s general anxiety levels, how well they could handle pain, their general outlook, and their emotions.

The study found that the women had higher levels of anxiety about moving around right after the surgery compared to six hours later. There was a weak relationship between anxiety and pain levels. But the women’s ability to tolerate pain and their negative emotions had the most significant effect on their anxiety about moving around.

The study concluded that the pain levels after a C-section don’t fully explain why some women are anxious about moving around. It suggests that using a rating scale to measure anxiety could help healthcare providers understand the women’s mental state at different times after the surgery.

FAQs

  1. Does moving around after a C-section cause anxiety in women?
  2. What factors affect a woman’s anxiety about moving around after a C-section?
  3. How can healthcare providers better understand a woman’s anxiety levels after a C-section?

Doctor’s Tip

Therefore, as a doctor, I would advise my patient who has just had a C-section to communicate openly with their healthcare provider about any feelings of anxiety or discomfort they may be experiencing when it comes to moving around. It is important to address these concerns so that a plan can be put in place to help manage their anxiety and promote a smooth recovery process. Additionally, utilizing a rating scale to measure anxiety levels can provide valuable information for healthcare providers to tailor their care to meet the patient’s individual needs.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended a cesarean section include those with:

  • Previous C-sections
  • Breech presentation of the baby
  • Multiple gestations (twins, triplets, etc.)
  • Placental issues (placenta previa, placental abruption)
  • Fetal distress
  • Maternal health conditions (such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or infections)
  • Large baby size
  • Labor complications (failure to progress, umbilical cord prolapse)
  • Pelvic abnormalities
  • Infection or other complications that make vaginal delivery risky

Timeline

Before the cesarean section:

  • The patient is informed by their healthcare provider that a C-section may be necessary due to various reasons such as fetal distress, breech position, or maternal health complications.
  • The patient may undergo pre-operative tests and preparations, such as blood tests, ultrasound, and anesthesia consultation.
  • The patient may receive education and counseling about the C-section procedure, risks, and post-operative care.
  • The patient may feel anxious, nervous, or scared about the surgery and its potential risks.

After the cesarean section:

  • The patient is taken to the operating room, where they receive anesthesia and the surgery is performed. The baby is delivered through an incision in the abdomen and uterus.
  • The patient may experience pain, discomfort, and fatigue after the surgery. They are closely monitored by healthcare providers in the recovery room.
  • The patient may be encouraged to start moving around gradually to prevent blood clots, aid in recovery, and promote healing. This movement may cause anxiety or discomfort for some women.
  • The patient receives post-operative care, including pain management, wound care, and monitoring for any complications.
  • The patient may experience a range of emotions, such as relief, joy, sadness, or disappointment, depending on their birth experience.
  • The patient is discharged from the hospital typically within a few days and continues to recover at home, with follow-up appointments with healthcare providers.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about cesarean section in relation to anxiety levels and movement after surgery include:

  1. What are the typical expectations for movement and activity levels after a C-section?
  2. How soon after the surgery is it recommended to start moving around?
  3. Are there any specific guidelines or precautions I should follow when moving around after a C-section?
  4. How can I manage any anxiety or discomfort I may feel about moving around after the surgery?
  5. Are there any specific pain management strategies or medications that can help alleviate anxiety related to movement after a C-section?
  6. How can I communicate my anxiety levels and concerns about movement to my healthcare providers during the recovery process?
  7. Are there any resources or support services available to help me cope with anxiety and emotions after a C-section?
  8. Can you provide more information on the potential impact of anxiety on the recovery process after a C-section?

Reference

Authors: Prokopowicz A, Korzeniewska A, Byrka K. Journal: Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2021 Feb;303(2):391-399. doi: 10.1007/s00404-020-05748-3. Epub 2020 Aug 27. PMID: 32856137