driving after a c section...

[yummymum]

am i insured or do i have to wait the full 6 weeks like the doc says i should? is the 6 weeks just what the doc says or do insurance companies say that as well?

[NORMANTHEDOG]

if your doctor says 6 weeks,dont be so stupid to go against him,for gods sake,he hasent said it for a laugh.

[Ethel]

Phone your insurance company and ask them.

[kempie]

6 weeks is a general guideline offered by some members of the medical profession. Other practitioners suggest 4 weeks. None of these suggestions are legally binding and should be presented as "likely" timescales before you feel able to drive safely and comfortably.

Information guidance published by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) states...

"After a caesarean section, you will not be
able to do some activities straight away such as driving... You should only start these once you feel that you are able to do so and when they do not cause you pain. If you are unsure, you could discuss this with your midwife."

http://guidance.nice.org.uk/CG13/publicinfo/pd f/English

In any eventuality it will be the decision of your insurer which dictates whether or not you can drive under the conditions of your policy.

[markja]

yummy,
what would happen if you had an accident and your seatbelt pulled very, very hard against your c-section????
did the doctor use special super strenth stitches ( you have to ask for them. ) or did he use normal ones that will rip apart when stressed?
also did you do six years medical training like the doctor or at least read the medical problems page in the sun?
doh!!!!

[kempie]

markja - Six years of medical training does not give a doctor the ability to see into the future, therefore six weeks is a guess based on average recovery times. This is true of all medical prognoses (from the Greek - to predict).

Each case should be assessed individually; people have different rates of recovery which is why the NICE guidelines do not put a timescale but advocate consulting with a medical professional when you consider yourself fit and able enough to drive safely and comfortably.

[Cynic No1]

It is great considering all of the medical reasons as stated by others, but It is a requirement of just about EVERY insurance company that you cannot drive for 6 weeks after a c section.

To do so renders you uninsured.

[yummymum]

omg, what a bunch of stress heads, my doc said im fine after 4 weeks, thanks for all your answers but i wont be in a rush to ask anything again!