Nowadays, because of various reasons, more and more women choose cesarean section. Because of the wound and decreasing pressure in the stomach, various diseases like constipation can be caused easily. In order to recover quickly from the operation, it is important for these women to arrange the diet scientifically and reasonably. There are some dietary principles for women to observe after cesarean section.

During the first week after cesarean section, women should not eat any oily food. Even eggs and milk must be avoided. These two kinds of food can cause flatulence. Other irritant foods must also be thrown away, such as coffee, tea and wine. At the same time, women should not eat the foods containing dark pigments so as to prevent the color of the wound from getting darker. After the first week, women can begin to eat the foods containing high protein like fish and meat so as to ensure the normal recovery of the tissues. According to the traditional view, it is not suitable for lying-in women to drink water. Therefore, women should increase the intake of cellulose. They should often eat vegetables and fruits so as to accelerate the intestinal peristalsis and prevent constipation. Fermented foods can cause flatulence, so women should avoid them. Because of the huge loss of blood during the operation, women should eat the foods which contain abundant iron so as to supplement blood. Some raw and cold foods like cabbage and watermelon must be avoided for the first 40 days after cesarean section.

The aim of the first week after cesarean section is to eliminate lochia and accelerate the healing of the wound. Therefore, women can drink meat soup to supplement the necessary nutrients. Pig liver is the best solid food for women of cesarean section to eliminate lochia and supplement blood. Some women with bad uterine contraction can make use of avocado oil to shrink smooth muscles and improve the constipation. Fish and the food containing vitamin C can accelerate the healing of the wound. The traditional Chinese medical drugs like medlar and red jujube can also help women recover rapidly from the operation. The aim of the second week is to prevent backache. Women can eat the same foods as the first week. But the medical drug should be changed into eucommia ulmoides. The aim of the third week is to supplement enough nutrients. When women are thirsty, they can drink black tea or fish soup. During this period, chicken, rib and pig’s trotters can be eaten.