What it is
Protein for healing. Zinc. Vitamin C. Food after a c-section. Every birth leaves tissue to repair: the placental site inside the uterus, a perineal tear, or a cesarean incision. Healing tissue needs raw material. The nutrients most studied for wound healing are protein, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin A, and plain fluids.
What's typical
The uterine wound takes about six weeks to close. A perineal tear takes two to four weeks on the surface, longer underneath. A cesarean incision closes on top in one to two weeks and keeps healing inside for months. Foods that cover the list: eggs, meat, fish, beans, yogurt, pumpkin seeds, citrus, berries, peppers, sweet potato, broth.
What's known
Surgical nutrition research is clear that low protein, zinc, or vitamin C slows wound healing. Whether extra beyond normal needs helps is less clear. ACOG advises balanced meals and fluids after a cesarean. Constipation is common after a cesarean or a tear, so fiber and fluids matter too.
What helps
- Aim for a palm-sized portion of protein at each meal and a bit with each snack.
- Add one colorful fruit or vegetable to each meal: oranges, berries, peppers, cooked greens.
- Keep fluids and fiber up, especially after a cesarean. Prunes, pears, oats, and broth all count.
When to call someone
- Nowan incision or tear that is gaping open, bleeding, or draining pus, with a fever of 100.4 or higher. Call now; go in if you feel very ill.
- Todaygrowing redness, heat, or swelling around a wound, or pain getting worse after day three.
- At your next visitask how your wound is healing.
Who helps
Tools: Postpartum Meal Planner
Related
- Cesarean recovery, week by weekPostpartum: Your Body
- Healing a tear or stitchesPostpartum: Your Body
- Signs of infection after birthPostpartum: Your Body
- The first poop, constipation, and hemorrhoids after birthPostpartum: Your Body
- Bone brothNourishment and Traditions
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Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Cesarean birth, patient FAQ
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics — Nutrition and wound healing, patient page
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