What should be eaten after a cesarean section to promote wound healing?
Nov 15, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
After a cesarean section, to promote wound healing, it is generally advisable to consume foods rich in high-quality protein, fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C, zinc-rich ingredients, dietary fiber-rich foods, and light, easily digestible soups. High-quality protein sources such as eggs, fish, and lean meat provide the necessary building blocks for tissue repair, support skin regeneration and wound healing, and help strengthen the body's immunity.
After a cesarean section, to promote wound healing, it is generally advisable to consume high-quality protein-rich foods, fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C, zinc-rich ingredients, dietary fiber-rich foods, and light, easily digestible soups. Specific details are as follows:
1. High-quality protein-rich foods: Foods such as eggs, fish, and lean meat provide essential building blocks for tissue repair, support skin regeneration and wound healing, enhance the body's resistance, and reduce the risk of wound infection. These can be consumed in moderation once digestive function has recovered after delivery.
2. Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C: Oranges, spinach, broccoli, and other vitamin C-rich produce help promote collagen synthesis, improve skin resilience around the wound, accelerate healing, and replenish essential vitamins. They also aid in improving postpartum metabolic status. Fresh varieties are recommended.
3. Zinc-rich ingredients: Oysters, nuts, legumes, and other zinc-rich foods contribute to the synthesis of various enzymes in the body, promote cell growth and division, positively support wound healing, and boost immune function. These can be moderately included in daily meals after childbirth.
4. Dietary fiber-rich foods: Oats, celery, apples, and other fiber-rich foods help stimulate intestinal motility, prevent constipation caused by reduced physical activity after cesarean delivery, avoid increased abdominal pressure during bowel movements that may impair wound healing, and support overall gut health.
5. Light and easily digestible soups: Chicken soup, fish soup, vegetable soup, and similar light, easily digestible broths help maintain hydration, provide essential nutrients, are soft and easy to absorb, do not burden the gastrointestinal system, and can also promote lactation. These are suitable for consumption at various stages of postpartum recovery.
Diet after cesarean section should follow a gradual progression, starting with liquid foods before transitioning to a normal diet. Spicy, greasy, and irritating foods should be avoided to prevent interference with wound healing.
