Why can’t you drive after giving birth?
For some reading this article, your newborn baby may have just arrived, and others may be planning for after birth. There are some things to be mindful of after giving birth, and driving is one of them. In this article, we’re answering the question – why can’t you drive after giving birth?
This article includes:
- Why can’t you drive after giving birth?
- When can I drive after giving birth?
- Driving after childbirth
- Things not to do after giving birth
- How long to rest after giving birth
- Tips for healing after giving birth
First of all, congratulations on your new arrival! This is such an incredible journey for you and your family. In this article, we’re talking about driving postpartum and some things you’ll need to think about.
Remember that everyone’s birthing journey is different, so try not to compare yours to someone else’s. Your midwife should give you all the relevant information for your circumstances. Your midwife is there for you should you have any concerns or symptoms that need to be recorded.
If you’ve already given birth to your new baby, it’s important that you take it slow. Your body has just been through a very important time and will need rest for postpartum recovery.
Why can’t you drive after giving birth?
Your ability to drive after giving birth mainly depends on your baby’s delivery method. For example, after a vaginal delivery, there are usually no rules on when you can start driving postpartum. However, it is recommended that you wait until you feel comfortable before you start driving again.
You will also need to check your insurance to ensure there are no rules there. Additionally, you should organise someone else to come and pick you up from the hospital. It is not a good idea for you to drive yourself for many reasons, such as medication.
Some women are told they can’t drive after giving birth. If you’re wondering, ‘why can’t I drive after giving birth?’ there’s a chance you had a caesarean. A caesarean is more commonly referred to as a c-section.
A c-section involves a surgical cut being made across the stomach so the baby can be delivered safely. This method can be used for a number of reasons. One reason is that a vaginal birth may not be the safest option for the mother and baby. Some c-section deliveries are planned, while others are referred to as an emergency.
Here are some reasons why you can’t always drive after giving birth:
- C-section
- Tiredness from giving birth
- Medication
- Iron deficiencies – can cause dizziness
- Scar protection – sudden movements like reaching for the brake pedal may cause issues
Not driving after birth will only be recommended for your own safety, so it’s important to follow the guidance. Find out when you can drive after a c-section.
When can I drive after giving birth?
When you are allowed to drive again will depend on your circumstances. For most women, a c-section scar takes around 6 weeks to heal fully, though it can take longer. You’ll usually have a GP appointment 6 weeks postpartum so that they can assess how you are doing.
If the GP deems you safe to drive a vehicle, you will likely be given the green light. You will be insured again from this point. You should contact your insurance to confirm this with them. Driving while you’re not insured could land you in trouble.
Some women experience pains associated with their c-section scar and may be required to wait longer before driving. You’ll likely attend another appointment a few weeks later to see how you are getting on.
It’s important that even if you have had confirmation that you can drive, you wait until you are ready. A caesarean is a major surgery, and everyone’s recovery journey differs. Some recoveries take a few weeks, and others take months.
Driving after childbirth
You may feel a little nervous when you resume driving after childbirth, but don’t worry – it’s normal! Your first journey should be shorter to get your baby used to the car.
Ensure that your car seat is safe, high quality and age-appropriate. Car seats vary depending on the age of your little one, so you’ll probably get through a few! Stay calm and consider taking a passenger with you when you resume driving. This can help to relieve the pressure if your baby starts to fuss in the car.
Things not to do after giving birth
After giving birth, it’s about doing what you feel most comfortable with. As long as you and your baby are healthy and happy, that’s what matters.
Don’t ignore your feelings
As we mentioned earlier, your body has gone through an incredible process. It’s helped you to grow a baby and deliver it in the safest way. So it’s no wonder that it needs some rest.
After birth, some women may experience ‘baby blues’ due to hormonal changes. This is normal and usually lasts for a few days after giving birth. You may have a lower mood and feel anxious and tearful.
If you experience these feelings for more than two weeks, you should talk to your doctor. They will be able to provide you with advice and support.
You will likely experience body pains too, which can make you feel worried and uncomfortable. Please don’t ignore any pains you have; report them to a healthcare provider so they can give you advice. They may be able to provide you with pain medication.
After birth, some women experience piles and sore breasts due to milk supply coming in, and pelvic pain can continue. Kegel exercises may help you tighten the pelvic floor after your baby’s delivery.
Don’t feel pressured after delivery
Many women make friends with other expecting or new mothers when pregnant, which is excellent! You might have made new friends at a walking group or pregnancy yoga! It’s important to remember not to compare yourself to them and not to feel pressured by their pace.
Some women resume sexual activity sooner after birth, while others may feel they need to wait a little longer. Whichever you choose is up to you, as long as you are happy with the decision. If you require birth control, be sure to speak to your doctor about your options before having sex. They may give you further advice if you are breastfeeding your newborn.
After a c-section, some women want to wait until around six weeks post-delivery when their scar is feeling better. Women who have a vaginal birth may also experience pain and feel more comfortable waiting before having sex.
An episiotomy is a cut used in some vaginal deliveries to help get the baby out quicker. This cut requires stitches which can lead to discomfort. You may prefer to wait until this has healed before having sex again. Speak to your midwife if your stitches are uncomfortable.
Many women also feel pressured to exercise, but you should wait until you feel ready. During pregnancy, your abdominal muscles stretch, which means it can take several weeks for them to return to normal. In addition, you should avoid lifting heavy objects after your baby’s delivery.
Don’t use tampons
It’s normal for women to experience bleeding after giving birth (lochia). This vaginal bleeding typically starts heavier and gets lighter as time goes on. To reduce the risk of infections, you’re better off using sanitary pads rather than tampons.
While the bleeding is considered normal, speak to your midwife if it worsens or you experience large blood clots. They will take more details from you and ensure you receive the care you need.
How long to rest after giving birth
Everyone’s childbirth journey is different; some women may feel well enough to carry out most tasks. Others may need a little longer to rest and feel confident doing these tasks.
Most women reach the six-week mark and feel more at ease with tasks. However, it’s best to rest for as long as you feel necessary. You know your body, and you’ll know when you have done too much and need to relax more. Our advice after pregnancy is to take each day as it comes and follow helpful tips after giving birth.
Tips for healing after giving birth
- Rest for as long as you deem necessary
- Eat a balanced diet
- Report any discomfort and pain so it can be monitored
- Drink plenty of water – you may have pains when you urinate, and drinking water can relieve some acidity that causes stinging
- Try to avoid straining on the toilet if you have had stitches
- Care for your cesarean section scar
- Try to avoid soaps when bathing – use water and pat dry (a warm bath may ease discomfort)
- Start light exercise when you feel ready, such as a short walk
- Try to avoid lifting things heavier than your baby’s weight
We hope this article has been helpful regarding driving postpartum. We wish you all the joy and happiness in being a new parent! Good luck with your postnatal care journey, and don’t forget to seek advice if you need it.
Hey there, I’m Abigail!
In 2022, I graduated with a First Class Degree in Marketing and since then, I have been working as a blogger and Marketing Assistant. Before heading to university, I also achieved a BTEC in Children’s Play, Learning and Development.
I have been blogging for over four years and have covered many topics during this time. My focus has been on pregnancy, babies, sleep and baby name ideas.
I am passionate about learning new things and helping others. I hope that you find my blogs useful and informative. See you in the next article!