How to Get Out of Bed After a C-Section: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting out of bed for the first time after your C-section can feel incredibly daunting. Even once you're home, pain, low or soft beds, and uncertainty about how to move can make this simple daily task feel challenging.

The good news is that there is a safer and more comfortable way to get out of bed after a C-section that helps reduce strain on your healing scar and abdominal muscles.

Why Is It So Difficult to Get Out of Bed After a C-Section?

A C-section is major abdominal surgery. During pregnancy, your abdominal muscles naturally stretch and separate (known as diastasis recti), and after surgery your body needs time to heal.

Movements that involve sitting straight up from lying down can place significant strain on:

• Your C-section scar
• Your abdominal muscles
• Your pelvic floor
• Your lower back

Learning how to move efficiently can help reduce pain and make getting in and out of bed easier during the early weeks of recovery.

What Movements Should You Avoid After a C-Section?

In the first few weeks after your C-section, try to avoid:

• Sitting straight upright from lying on your back
• Having someone pull you up by your arms
• Swinging or "scissoring" both legs over the edge of the bed to lever yourself upright
• Straining through your abdominal muscles

These movements can increase pressure through your healing abdominal wall and C-section scar.

The Best Way to Get Out of Bed After a C-Section

Using the "log roll" technique helps minimise strain on your abdomen while allowing you to move more comfortably.

Step 1: Bend Your Knees

While lying on your back, gently bend your knees one at a time.

Step 2: Reach Across Your Body

Reach your top arm across your body in the direction you want to roll.

Step 3: Roll Onto Your Side

Move your shoulders, hips and knees together as you gently roll onto your side.

Step 4: Get Comfortable

Take a moment to settle into the side-lying position and allow any discomfort to ease.

Step 5: Position Your Arms

Place your top hand on the bed in front of you and your lower elbow underneath your shoulder.

Step 6: Push Up to Sitting

Use your arms to push yourself into a sitting position while allowing your legs to move over the edge of the bed.

Step 7: Sit and Prepare to Stand

Place both feet firmly on the floor and wriggle forwards to the edge of the bed.

Step 8: Stand Up

Lean forwards from your hips, bringing your nose over your toes, and use your hands and legs to help push yourself into standing.

Watch Our Step-by-Step Video Demonstration

Watching the movement performed can make it much easier to understand. See our video demonstration for a complete guide on how to safely get out of bed after a C-section.

How Long Should I Get Out of Bed This Way After a C-Section?

Your C-section scar and abdominal muscles undergo significant healing during the first 6 weeks after surgery. During this time, it's recommended to minimise unnecessary strain through your abdomen and use the log roll technique whenever possible.

After your 6-week review with your healthcare provider, you can usually begin progressing your rehabilitation and, once cleared, start gentle C-section scar massage.

When Can I Start C-Section Scar Massage?

Once your C-section scar has healed and you've been reviewed by your healthcare provider, you can begin scar massage.

Looking for step-by-step guidance? Our Complete C-section Recovery Program includes detailed scar massage videos and physiotherapist-led recovery guidance to help improve scar tightness, sensitivity and recovery after your C-section.