The cesarean section (surgical delivery) has been widely used in Brazil1, especially in private maternity hospitals, where up to 83% of cases opt for this method, according to the National Supplementary Health Agency (ANS). Although it is necessary when there is a risk of complications, this method comes with some consequences, a longer recovery time, and requires more care regarding women’s health. A common question among pregnant women concerns the diet they should follow before and after a cesarean delivery. Read below about pre-delivery fasting and postpartum nutrition.

What to Eat Before a Cesarean Section

On the day scheduled for delivery, the pregnant woman should not eat for 6 to 8 hours before going to the hospital. This is a medical requirement because of the anesthesia used, which can cause reflux and choking if there is food in the stomach, even risking asphyxiation. Before fasting, the only dietary recommendation is to focus on iron-rich foods or supplements containing the mineral, because of blood loss during the surgery.

What Not to Eat When Having a Cesarean

There are practically no dietary restrictions for pregnant women who are going to have a cesarean. The recommendations are the same as for any pregnancy: try to keep the body well hydrated and supplied with enough minerals and vitamins for the baby’s development. However, on the day of delivery, fasting is required. The idea that multiple foods are prohibited for those having a cesarean is a myth and has no scientific basis. After the surgery, the woman will receive fluids via IV and will slowly return to a normal diet, with few restrictions.

What Can Be Eaten After a Cesarean

The postpartum diet after a cesarean should be rich in calcium, iron, and collagen. You can eat anything2, but especially red meat, dairy products and foods like chicken and beans, for example, as they help with collagen production and facilitate skin healing. You should also eat a bit more than usual, but the daily calorie count depends on each person’s body mass index. Hydration is also important, even to reduce swelling and lose weight. Additionally, because of breastfeeding, it is ideal to drink at least two to three liters of water per day. Juices and some teas are also allowed postpartum. To prevent constipation in women, which is a common occurrence due to the anesthesia and enlarged uterus, focus on fruits such as papaya, plum, pear, and apple with skin, as well as vegetables and whole grains.

What Not to Eat After a Cesarean

After a cesarean, you should only avoid foods to which the woman is allergic and processed foods. Other than that, dietary restrictions in the postpartum period are only a myth. It is worth pointing out that, to reduce possible early colic in the baby, some foods can be removed from the mother’s diet as a test to see if the situation improves3. These foods include:

  • Beans
  • Other oilseeds
  • Onion
  • Cabbage
  • Chocolate
  • Coffee
  • Cow’s milk
  • Soda

And you will only need to maintain one of these changes up to the baby’s 4th month of life, when their intestines mature.

What Not to Eat During Cesarean Recovery

Right after the cesarean surgery, you must remain fasting for a while and the mother is only given IV fluids. Four to six hours after the cesarean, she can start eating lighter foods like soup. Afterward, during the recovery days, there are no dietary restrictions except for processed foods. Sometimes, seafood is not recommended as there is a higher risk of allergy.

Can Someone Who Had a Cesarean Eat Eggs?

Eggs are allowed for those who had a cesarean, unless the mother is allergic to eggs. If that’s not the case, there’s no reason not to eat them.

Can I Eat Fish After a Cesarean?

Fish can be eaten without any problems after a cesarean. Some doctors simply do not recommend eating seafood, such as shrimp and crab, due to the high incidence of allergies to these foods, since some women may not be aware they are allergic and may feel unwell.

Can Someone Who Had a Cesarean Eat Chocolate?

Chocolate is also allowed after delivery, but in moderation. Some women may also be allergic to ingredients in chocolate. The daily amount should not exceed 100g, ideally up to 30g per day, because of the sugar content and also regarding the baby’s colic. Until the first 3 to 4 months, the baby’s intestines are still immature and the mucosa is not yet formed. Therefore, excessive chocolate in the mother’s diet may cause, during breastfeeding, a increase in intestinal peristalsis and irritability in the baby.

Can Pork Be Eaten After a Cesarean?

There are no dietary restrictions related to pork. The only recommendation is that it should be well cooked to avoid risks of toxins, bacteria, or parasites.