How soon after childbirth can one go out?
Feb 21, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, if natural delivery is chosen, the mother needs to wait for 2 weeks after childbirth before going out; if cesarean section is chosen, the mother may need to wait for 3 weeks before going outdoors. New mothers should keep warm and avoid catching a chill when going out. Especially during cold or windy weather, they should dress appropriately in warm clothing and wear hats, scarves, and other protective gear.
Generally, if natural delivery is chosen, it is recommended to wait for 2 weeks before going out after childbirth; if cesarean section is chosen, it may be necessary to wait up to 3 weeks before going outside. Detailed explanations are as follows:
If natural delivery is chosen and the labor progresses smoothly without complications such as excessive bleeding or severe tearing, the mother can usually take short walks in hospital corridors or at home accompanied by family members or healthcare providers. However, for actual outings such as shopping or visiting friends and relatives, it is recommended to wait at least 2 weeks postpartum to ensure basic physical recovery and absence of significant discomfort.
If a cesarean section is performed, the mother requires a longer recovery period and should not go out too early. If the mother experiences poor recovery, significant fatigue, weakness, or bleeding after childbirth, the rest period should be extended, and going out should be delayed until at least 3 weeks postpartum.
Postpartum women should keep warm and avoid cold exposure to prevent catching a chill, especially during cold or windy weather. Additional clothing, including hats and scarves, should be worn as appropriate.
