Preparing for Your Cesarean Section at M-Health Fairview

Southdale ObGyn is excited to partner with M-Health Fairview to provide you with evidence based strategies developed to enhance and expedite your recovery after a scheduled cesarean section (c-section), called “ERAS” (enhanced recovery after surgery).

Enhanced recovery is a way of caring for women after a c-section to help them get better faster. All of the members of your care team work together with the goal of a smooth recovery in mind. This lets you and your family focus on taking care of and enjoying your newborn.

Enhanced recovery includes interventions before, during and after your delivery by c-section. Before your scheduled c-section, the staff at Southdale ObGyn will review components of the ERAS protocol, including Preparing for Your Cesarean Section at M Health Fairview

Between Now & Your Surgery:

Obtain a 12 oz Gatorade or Powerade drink (this can be purchased at Southdale ObGyn).
Obtain Chlorhexidine Gluconate 4% surgical soap (a common brand name is Hibiclens). You will need two 4 oz bottles (this can be purchased at Southdale ObGyn).
Drop off any short-term disability or FMLA paperwork at Southdale ObGyn. Please allow up to 7 business days for these forms to be completed and returned to you.
Review patient education to prepare for your cesarean section:

24 Hours Before Surgery:

Continue taking any medicines prescribed to you by your doctor unless you have been told otherwise.
Remove all piercings. You will need to leave these at home.
Do not shave or clip any pubic or stomach hair the day before or the day of your cesarean section; this can lead to infection.
Take a shower with the surgical soap.
- Follow the steps in Showering Before Surgery
- You are required to take 2 showers prior to your surgery- the night before AND the morning of your surgery.
Do not smoke or vape. It may delay recovery from surgery.

8 Hours Before Surgery:

Stop eating 8 hours before surgery.
Switch to clear liquids only (water, Gatorade, Powerade). You may continue to drink clear liquids up until 2 hours before your surgery time, and then stop.

3 to 8 Hours Before Surgery:

Take a second shower using surgical soap.
- Follow the steps in Showering Before Surgery
Drink 8 to 12 ounces of Gatorade or Powerade prior to your arrival at the hospital (complete 2 hours prior to your surgery start time). It is okay if you cannot drink it all. (If you have any type of diabetes, including gestational, drink 8 to 12 ounces of water instead.)

2 Hours Before Surgery:

Take nothing by mouth after this time (unless directed otherwise by your health care team)