Follow these tips to make your recovery as safe and comfortable as possible:

• To prevent constipation, eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Drink plenty of water. Your healthcare provider may advise that you use a laxative or a mild stool softener.

• Ask your friends and family to help with chores and errands while you recover.

• Don't lift anything over 10 pounds to prevent straining your incisions.

• Don't get your incisions wet until your provider says it’s OK to do so.

• Don't put anything in your vagina until your provider says it’s safe to do so. This includes using tampons and douches and having sex.

• Schedule follow-up visits with your provider.

Call your healthcare provider if you have any of these:

• Chills or a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised

• Bright red vaginal bleeding or a smelly discharge

• Trouble urinating or a burning feeling during urination

• Severe belly (abdominal) pain or bloating

• An incision site that is red, swollen, or draining smelly fluid

• Trouble breathing or fainting

• Swollen painful leg